Award-winning composer Jacob Yandura is proudly from Columbus. He grew up here and attended Kenyon College before moving to New York to write music for Broadway musicals. His 2023 musical How to Dance in Ohio is a charming emotional portrait of seven autistic characters played by seven autistic actors. And it’s set right here in Yandura’s hometown of Columbus, Ohio.
The show is based on the 2015 documentary film of the same name by director Alexandra Shiva. The movie follows autistic young adults through their experiences preparing for a formal dance here in Columbus. It captures the sort of endearing honesty among its autistic cast that takes you by surprise and captivates you in its final minutes. The same can be said of Yandura’s score for the How to Dance in Ohio musical.
Yandura’s musical score may not be the most adventurous on Broadway in recent years, but that’s what makes it so loveable. It’s a unique take on the classic school-age musical, with heartfelt melodies that guide the audience through the story like a trusted dance partner. His heartwarmingly nostalgic music perfectly complements the emotional arcs of the characters, inviting the audience to share in their joys, challenges, and growth.
In a recent video call, Yandura spoke about creating a safe, uplifting space for the neurodivergent members of the How to Dance in Ohio cast and crew. The production’s dedication to the autistic community led to a recent Drama Desk Special Award in April of 2024. Autism is also close to home for Yandura, as his sister was diagnosed with autism shortly before he started working on How to Dance in Ohio. This personal connection fuels his passion for accurately representing the autistic experience, contributing to a broader understanding of neurodiversity.
He and his sister have gotten to know the real individuals featured in the How to Dance in Ohio film, as well as others in Ohio’s autistic community. The stars of the documentary even traveled to New York for the musical’s opening night on Broadway, highlighting the deep bonds that have formed through this shared journey. As Yandura said, “This whole connection has just started a beautiful family relationship.”
Yandura’s commitment to community extends beyond the autistic community; as a gay man, he treats the LGBTQ+ community like his family, too. At the beginning of this month, he returned to Columbus to receive a Visibility Award from the Human Rights Campaign as part of their efforts with the LGBTQ+ community. In his acceptance speech, he described Miguel Perez as “a true father figure,” not only for his mentorship in the arts but also for the healthy relationship he and his husband exemplify.
Dr. Emilio Amigo, the therapist featured in How to Dance in Ohio, is also a proud member of Columbus’s gay community. He saw the musical thirteen times before its Broadway run ended in February of this year. If he wants to see it again, he’ll have to travel to the United Kingdom, as the musical is set to make its British debut in 2025 with a new cast.
How to Dance in Ohio is a true portrait of Yandura’s home state. It’s simultaneously a representation of the unique aspects of autism and the universal challenges of growing up. As Yandura said, it’s not so much about the dance as it is about getting to the dance. In that sense, Yandura’s music for How to Dance in Ohio speaks to the journeys of seven autistic kids trying to become adults in Columbus, Ohio. But it also reflects the journeys we all share and the love we find along the way.
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