While a first dance can be a nerve-wracking affair for anyone, the new Broadway musical How to Dance in Ohio shows how it’s particularly challenging for people with autism. The production, based on the 2015 documentary film of the same name, follows seven young adults with autism—all played by actors who are on the autism spectrum—as they prepare for a spring formal. “I hope the seven of us will be remembered not just for creating these roles,” says actor Ashley Wool, “but for helping set an example in the industry for the kind of inclusive, collaborative community that every artist deserves to participate in.” Here, the seven stars (all Broadway debutants) share what the show means to them.
1. Liam Pearce
On self-acceptance: “Prior to this show, I wasn’t completely open that I am autistic, because I wasn’t sure how I’d be viewed by other people in the industry. Working with six other autistic actors has proven to me that autistic actors can function and exist in professional spaces and do our jobs just as well as any neurotypical person.”
First Broadway show attended: “Original Broadway cast of Waitress in summer 2016!”
Dream role: “Roger in Rent is the role that got me into musical theater and remains one of my favorites to this day.”
2. Desmond Edwards
On overcoming challenges: “The most challenging aspect of taking on this role has been navigating my physical disability as it developed throughout the creation of the show. I’ve been learning how to advocate for myself and take control of my health as I begin adulthood. I’m so excited to show a new part of my story onstage!”
First Broadway show attended: “The Lion King. I was completely blown away by the details of the costuming and how close the actors got to the audience!”
Dream role: “The Piragua Guy from In the Heights. It’s a small but mighty role.”
3. Imani Russell
On the power of representation: “I am what is called a ‘late-assessed autistic person.’ Most of the representation for autism I had growing up was cis white teenage boys. Without seeing myself in these characters and without personal knowledge of autism in young girls and in people of color, I ended up taking a little longer to get here. I’ve had other adults in a similar position message me saying it means so much to them to see a nonbinary autistic adult playing a character of the same background.”
First Broadway show attended: “Technically it was The Lion King, but I was 3 or 4. The first one I can remember was Wicked. I was 13, on a school trip, and was simply captivated. I had a crush on a boy that didn’t like me back, and I felt like an outcast in school, so Elphaba really spoke to my teenage heart—shout out ‘I’m Not That Girl.’ I saw it again this year, and I connected to the story in very different ways; funny what theater rekindles and rearranges in the spirit.”
Dream role: “Eurydice in Hadestown and Pippin in Pippin. I just think I would make an awesome Pippin!”
4. Madison Kopec
On making it to Broadway: “I wasn’t sure how far [the show] would go, but I knew after the first read-through that I wanted it to keep going somehow. I absolutely love this group, and they’re definitely friends for life. It still doesn’t feel real to me that we’re going to Broadway.”
First Broadway show attended: “Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which was also at the Belasco Theatre. The show and the theater both hold a very special place in my heart.”
Dream role: “Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors.”
5. Conor Tague
On changing perspectives: “Each of us isn’t showcased in a way that’s one-dimensional or stereotypical. There have been a lot of previous portrayals of autism that have been exactly that. As autistic actors, we know exactly who we are, and we know our needs, and we bring that into the roles we play in this show.”
First Broadway show attended: “Mary Poppins at the New Amsterdam Theatre. It was just magical.”
Dream role: “Princeton and Rod from Avenue Q. That show is the reason I got into musical theater, as well as puppetry. John Tartaglia, who originated the roles 20 years ago on Broadway, is one of my inspirations.”
6. Ashley Wool
On finding common ground: “I relate to [my character’s] desire for independence and autonomy. I also relate to the insecurity that comes with watching your friends hit all the expected milestones we associate with adulthood; even if you’re happy for them, you feel a sense of anticipatory grief that your relationships will suffer because you’re always scrambling to play catch-up. Our musical shows how those struggles are often uniquely amplified for autistic people.”
First Broadway show attended: “Beauty and the Beast. I went with a local kids’ musical theater troupe, and we had a talkback afterwards with a couple of the actors. [That] was the highlight for me—getting to see that they were just regular people doing a job made me feel like maybe it wasn’t such a far-fetched dream after all.”
Dream role: “Whenever someone feels like reviving Xanadu on Broadway, I hope they’ll call me to play Kira.”
7. Amelia Fei
On finding community: “What I love most about the show is the people. Across the board, there’s so much love and respect when it comes to everyone’s needs, the way we work, and the way we communicate. I think that love and affection we have for each other really shows onstage.”
First Broadway show attended: “The first Broadway production I saw was the international tour of The Phantom of the Opera in Taiwan, but the first show I saw in a Broadway theater was actually Thérèse Raquin, the play.”
Dream role: “My two big ones are Natasha from The Great Comet and Dot from Sunday in the Park with George.”
