And just like that, the Broadway run of How To Dance In Ohio has come to a close.
I don’t particularly know what to say, I’ve never been very good at explaining my emotions. I see parts of myself in parts of almost every show I watch, but Ohio is special in the way that I have seen myself in all of the show. Every character, every beat, every song, felt like looking in a mirror. My Ohio art journey started with a (mostly) full cast drawing, so it’s only fair that I close this chapter with another, better one.
Is it perfect? No. Is it accurate? Also no, I drew the characters as werewolves, in what world is that accurate? (I also didn’t draw the stripes on Caroline’s sweater but you’d have to actually pay me to do that) But this is my send off to a wonderful show.
How To Dance In Ohio has brought me so much, even though I only saw it once. It brought me community, it brought me confidence in my work, and it brought me confidence in myself. Ohio has told me that “yes, I can make it, whatever that means to me.”
As a surprise to absolutely nobody because I’m very open about this, I am autistic. And while I am studying to become a concept artist, acting is a dream of mine as well. I’ve been told by my family that I will never be able to do theatre professionally due to my sensory issues, my stubbornness, everything about myself. The Ohio community welcomed me with open arms, told me to dust myself off, and keep going.
I’d like to specifically thank a few people who I’ve had lovely interactions with.
Ashley Wool- You were the one who encouraged me to keep going, to not doubt myself, and to take pride in my work. You were the first person to actually enjoy my art so much that you wanted a print of it, and I am so incredibly grateful for all you’ve done, intentionally or not, to push me to make more art.
Desmond Luis Edwards- You are incredibly funny and I have so much respect for you. I’ve enjoyed our interactions and watching your livestreams and all the delightful people I’ve gotten to meet through them.
Madison Kopec- I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I am mildly frightened by you and I will see every show that I possibly can where you’re in it. Like, holy shit, I can’t begin to explain how in awe I am of your performance. Also your tumblr username makes me laugh.
Imani Russell- Pretty much the same as like I’ve said about Madison, I’m amazed by your performance and I will try to see or at least listen to as many shows that you’re in as I can. However you don’t scare me nearly as much because anyone with an orange cat can’t be scary to me. Your username also makes me laugh. (This paragraph has been edited for spell checking)
Nicole D’Angelo- This dude responded to my tiktok comment right after MIDNIGHT to read a random essay I had written THE DAY BEFORE CLOSING and then had a delightful conversation with me about why Marideth is such a good character. Endless respect and love for them.
Thank you, How To Dance In Ohio. Thank you for everything.
