When something is said to be based on a true story, you believe that it did happen and maybe some or a lot of liberties were taken to enhance conflict or character. I did get to see the documentary "How To Dance In Ohio" is based upon, and while it's a groundbreaking opportunity at giving people on the autism spectrum a moment in the spotlight, the musical does not follow so closely as to exactly what occurred nor does it follow too closely to the people having an important, maybe even vulnerable, moment in their lives played in front of audiences nightly. Now I'm not one who'd get nit picky in saying "this didn't happen," "why are you changing every detail?" etcetera, etcetera. There may've been reasons as to why this was that I don't know firsthand. But the show takes a number of liberties in telling a true story just to amp up conflict in a book that zigzags all over without a ton of strong connective tissue between scenes (that connective tissue seems to be made of themes rather than sturdy plot points). It's not the hardest musical to follow, but by mid first act you quickly realize the plot-line's a nonlinear jumbled mess. The second act has way more drama/tension at least, but you somehow seem to know how everything is gonna turn out. It's kinda predictable when you think of it. It's like one of those stereotypical romcoms, but the representation is the most authentic it's ever been. That being said, minus its flawed book that can define the show more as a concept musical, the score is sweet and sentimental with nice musical depictions of the ups and downs of anxiety both vocally and orchestrations-wise, and this ensemble cast is the real star of the show, or should I say the real stars are the seven young autistic people that each have their moment to shine like the stars they are. They're strong, they're lovable, they're vocally gifted, they're their beautiful authentic selves and it's an absolute joy to watch! This truly is a huge milestone for mainstream Broadway Theatre and I hope this world gets to see more authentic representation like what I am lucky to have witnessed onstage tonight. While this isn't the most positive review l've ever written, nor was it my favorite musical to have witnessed this season, I think this is a perfect example of taking steps in the right direction for diverse casting and authentic storytelling that still seems hard to come by these days. Still, if you want to witness new ground being broken on the Broadway stage, "How To Dance In Ohio" is the place to go!
