Music Theatre International has added the neurodivergent coming-of-age musical How to Dance in Ohio to its licensing catalogue. The title is currently restricted for new licenses, but theatres interested in presenting the musical can sign up for further updates about its general release at MTIShows.com.
The musical features music by Jacob Yandura and a book and lyrics by Rebekah Greer Melocik, adapted from Alexandra Shiva's 2015 HBO documentary. The story follows the challenges faced by a group of autistic young adults at a counseling center in Ohio, where, with the support of clinical psychologist Dr. Emilio Amigo, a spring formal dance is arranged. The musical made its world premiere at Syracuse Stage in 2022 and came to Broadway the following year, playing a brief 72-performance run. The production was a major milestone for neurodivergent representation on Broadway, with seven openly autistic actors playing the show's seven autistic characters, as echoed in the show's mantra: "nothing about us without us."
"We are thrilled that the licensing of How to Dance in Ohio will be available through Music Theatre International," say Yandura and Melocik in a joint statement. "The Broadway production marked so many firsts in representation and accessibility, and we know the show will have a long and promising future at MTI. To hand over this joyful story to other communities and artists, especially autistic and neurodivergent ones, is a dream come true."
“How to Dance in Ohio is a particularly touching musical that we know will resonate with audiences around the country,” adds MTI President and CEO Drew Cohen. “This musical provides an opportunity to spotlight and celebrate people’s differences—the characters’ and the actors’—in ways that audiences can relate to and enjoy. Jacob’s fantastic score and Rebekah’s clever and heartfelt book and lyrics highlight the show’s important message and are filled with infectious positivity.”
READ: How To Dance in Ohio Is Making Sure the Show Is Sensory Friendly Onstage and Off
