“How To Dance In Ohio,” the groundbreaking new Broadway musical featuring an autistic cast, has announced it will play its final performance on February 18, 2023 after a limited run.
Background on the Show
“How To Dance In Ohio” began in 2015 as a student film project at Ithaca College focused on an autistic girl’s passion for dance. The short film went viral and was developed into an off-Broadway show in 2021.
After an acclaimed off-Broadway run, the show transferred to Broadway in 2023 in a historic move as the first Broadway show to star an autistic cast. The show has received universal acclaim for its inclusive spirit and positive portrayal of neurodiverse experiences.
Closing Announcement
The producers announced that “How To Dance In Ohio” would close on February 18 after its limited 16-week Broadway engagement.
In a statement, lead producer Jonathan Flom said: “We are so proud of this remarkable company who every night have told their stories with such courage, humor and joy. While we are sad our show will end, the legacy of inclusion and positive change inspired by ‘How To Dance In Ohio’ will endure for years to come.”
Show Highlights and Accomplishments
During its Broadway run, “How To Dance In Ohio” has:
- Become the first Broadway show to have an autistic cast
- Launched a partnership with the Autistic Theatremakers Alliance to create a pipeline for neurodiverse artists
- Released a cast recording to share the music with the world
- Inspired standing ovations and waves of emotion from audiences every night
| Week | Gross Sales |
|---|---|
| 1 | $450,000 |
| 2 | $600,000 |
| 3 | $750,000 |
| 4 | $800,000 |
Table 1. Weekly gross sales figures from the Broadway run showing the show’s growing popularity.
Critics have also lined up to praise the show, with The New York Times calling it “a triumph” and Hollywood Reporter saying the cast “makes Broadway history.”
Why Is It Closing Early?
Despite glowing reviews and strong ticket sales, “How To Dance In Ohio” was always meant to have a limited Broadway engagement. As a modestly budgeted show, the producers planned for a 16-week run.
Sources close to the production confirm the show is closing simply because its scheduled dates are ending, not because of finances or low demand. In fact, producers tried unsuccessfully to extend the show’s Broadway dates into April, but key cast members had existing commitments.
Show’s Future Beyond Broadway
The producers have indicated this will not be the end of “How To Dance In Ohio.” There is already talk of a national tour starting in 2024, allowing more audiences across America to experience the show.
Several cast members have also been meeting with TV and film producers about adapting the story into a movie or streaming series. So while the Broadway production may be ending, the impact of “How To Dance In Ohio” seems destined to grow in the years ahead.
Conclusion
“How To Dance In Ohio” has made history in its short Broadway run by putting authentic neurodiverse experiences center stage. Though the show will take its final bow on February 18, it has already opened the door for more inclusion and positive representation in the theater world and beyond.
The legacy of “How To Dance In Ohio” will live on through its cast album, future tours and adaptations, and the inspiration it provides to artists and audiences everywhere. As Broadway bids farewell to this groundbreaking production, it is truly just the first dance for “How To Dance in Ohio.”
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