Broadway Musical Starring Actors With Autism To Close

A groundbreaking Broadway show starring several actors with autism is closing after less than three months.

“How to Dance in Ohio” is about a group of young adults with autism at a counseling center in Columbus, Ohio, who are preparing for a spring formal.

The musical stars seven actors with autism, all making their Broadway debut, in lead roles.

The show is based on the 2015 documentary “How to Dance in Ohio,” which aired on HBO. The film followed people on the spectrum as they learned about venue layout, practiced how to accept an invitation to dance, how to touch people, and other social skills.

The stage version of “How to Dance in Ohio” originally premiered at Syracuse Stage in Syracuse, New York, in 2022. Most recently, the show began preview performances at New York’s Belasco Theater in November and opened in December.

The last Broadway show is scheduled for February 11. At that time, there will be 99 performances.

“Trying something new is always a risk and producing this show was an endeavor we enthusiastically embraced,” the producers said in a statement. “We are incredibly proud that this original, joyful and vital musical has deeply moved countless audience members at the Belasco Theater and beyond. The production is a testament to our commitment and determination to innovate in the creation of new musicals. Broadway has been forever changed thanks to ‘How to Dance in Ohio’ and all the artists involved. “We look forward to seeing his legacy continue in new and exciting ways.”

In addition to featuring cast members with autism, those behind the Broadway version of “How to Dance in Ohio” said they developed the show to be sensory-friendly and included an accessibility team to ensure the audience’s experience was as as accessible as possible.

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