How to Dance in Ohio: the musical

Just when it feels as if there are no new stories to be told, along comes a musical that is both fresh and inspirational. How to Dance in Ohio is about seven autistic characters portrayed by seven autistic actors. The show starts with the house lights still lit, and the seven of them coming on stage to, well, set the stage. To tell us what is going to happen, because "isn't it nice to know what to expect." They tell us about the Cool Down Zones in the Mezzanine and downstairs where people can go if they need a break from the show. They also announce "there is no audience participation, so introverts are safe," a line I suspect most introverts applaud each night.

"There is a saying," one actor states, "if you have met one autistic person, you have met ONE autistic person. You have now met seven autistic people."

The situations they are going through are relatable to anyone who has been an American adolescent...dating, work problems, taking the SATs, getting a drivers license, having your first car accident, navigating mass transit, and more. In two hours and 20 minutes, the pack not only the stories of the seven youths, but the psychologist leading their group, his daughter, and several parents. If I had to criticize anything it is that too much is packed into the play. There are at least a dozen storylines to keep track of. It helps that there are very few costume changes, so people pretty much look the same throughout the show.

The musical is based on a 2015 HBO documentary by the same name. As they say in the introduction, "it has been embellished for dramatic purposes, because you have to spice things up in Ohio." I loved whenever someone said O-H, the required response of I-O was quickly heard.

I was first attracted to the show because Chuck, a high school friend, said he was one of the co-producers. I like to support my friends.

I continue to tell people about the show and encourage them to see it because it is that good. Each year I see between six and ten show on Broadway. This is the one I have recommended the most.

The actors made you want to root for them. There is a little bit of discomfort (such as when a blogger shares a bunch of negative stereotypes about autistic people, and the students refuse to go to the dance), but you know it will all work.

The Cool Down Zone was refreshing. The night we went someone was using it because they needed it, versus the other nights when people like us went to check it out (at least according to the usher stationed to that area). There is a screen so you could still see what was happening on stage, but you were just enough away that it was quieter. I was impressed there was space to set it up considering Broadway theaters are notorious for using every square inch of space.

My other takeaway was watching Jean Christian Barry, understudying in the role of Remy. I suspected it was his Broadway debut and that the theater was packed with his friends and family because every time he had a scene a section of the audience erupted in applause. After the curtain calls, on stage in the dark they cast leapt on them giving them the biggest, most joyful group hug I've ever witnessed. It was a night they will never form. I confirmed later it was indeed his debut. We should all be surrounded with such love.

There are a lot of deals happening, including buy 3, get one free, and day of seats being sold for $50 at the box office. They are trying to be accessible to most. Tickets are on sale through June.