How To Dance In Ohio Syracuse

As the lights dim on the audience, the cast of How to Trip the light fantastic in Ohio steps onto the stage to give the business firm a sensory warning and a message, "They say, 'If yous meet ane autistic person, you've met one autistic person.' Congrats, you've just met seven!"

Adjusted from the Peabody Award-winning documentary of the same proper noun, the show follows a group of seven young autistic adults as they navigate the highs and lows of life at a counseling center. How to Dance in Ohio celebrates the trials and tribulations of human being connection we can all relate to using accurate autism representation in both the cast and the script.

Led by Dr. Emilio Amigo, played past Wilson Jermain Heredia of Hire, the grouping plans a spring formal every bit one of the members, Drew, played past Liam Pearce, decides if he wants to go to the University of Michigan.

The musical combines popular-similar music with lyrics that convey the inner workings of the characters' brains. The opening vocal "Today Is" describes each of the young developed's forenoon routines and everyday challenges like asking for a seat on the bus or deciding what cereal to eat in the morning and is even stopped at ane point because 1 of the characters is overstimulated. These songs truly permit the audition to step into the shoes of an autistic person.

As the group prepares for the dance, Drew develops a shell on another member, Marideth, played past Madison Kopec, only struggles to convey his feelings to her. Amigo and his daughter, Ashley, portrayed past Marina Pires, assist the group work through all the beginning dance jitters from asking someone to the trip the light fantastic toe, what to wear and, of class, dancing.

The grouping of seven adults each go their own moment to shine on stage. Jessica (Ashley Wool) is obsessed with dragon-themed romance books and finding a appointment to the dance. Her best friend Caroline (Amelia Fei) is confused almost her relationship with her boyfriend who seems a little too jealous. Tommy (Conor Tague) is working towards getting his commuter's license so he can drive his date to the dance, and Mel (Imani Russell) struggles with their coworkers every bit they compete for a promotion.

Each actor reveals another layer of their graphic symbol through potent torso language. From visibly cringing to nervously biting nails, nosotros learn how each graphic symbol feels without requiring them to describe it verbally — which may be difficult for autistic individuals.

Remy, played by newcomer Desmond Edwards, steals the phase with witty lines, jokes and fashion. Every bit an avid cosplayer and aspiring influencer, Remy gets caught between what to wearable for the formal since each of his cosplay designs, all illustrated by Edwards himself, assistance him represent a dissimilar aspect of his personality. While nosotros don't get to explore Remy's grapheme further, Edwards' joyful presence lights a smile on your face each time he sings.

Madison Kopec and Liam Pearce share a dance in

Every bit the day of the dance arrives, Amigo and Ashley struggle at domicile. Amigo wants his daughter to get back to higher to dance after she heals from her injury, but Ashley has found a new purpose in helping him at the counseling center. The disharmonize blows upwardly correct before the jump formal, but never feels truly resolved. Instead, the pair shelf their problems for later to dance with their clients.

Past the finish of the evidence, the audience is clapping and dancing along with the characters on phase. At that place are various plot lines left unanswered, such every bit Drew'due south U of Thou decision or Mel's relationship with her co-workers, and others that feel simplified and rushed like Caroline breaking up with her boyfriend. But, the personality of each character is so powerful that the terminal song feels similar a commemoration of progress.

How to Dance in Ohio is a blithesome and uplifting new musical, showing u.s. just how similar we all are in our pursuit of man connexion.

How to Trip the light fantastic toe in Ohio is playing at Syracuse Stage until October. ix and tickets are available online.