Today's guest is Ashley Wool!
This has to be one of my favorite interviews so far on The Art of Not Making It. Honest and pure, Ashley and I get into what it's like when you finally reach Broadway. Once there, you are not only experiencing your Broadway debut, but originating a lead in a new, ground-breaking musical. How do you handle the pressure, excitement, and unknown?
Ashley and I met 11 years ago at an audition and instantly hit it off. We've stayed in touch and it's been so lovely to follow her career as it brings her to this moment.
After years of hard work and living authentically, Ashley is making her Broadway debut as Jessica in How To Dance In Ohio.
Here's a bit about the show (as quoted from their website):
Based on the award-winning HBO documentary, How to Dance in Ohio is a heart-filled new musical exploring the need to connect and the courage it takes to step out into the world. At a group counseling center in Columbus, Ohio, seven autistic young adults prepare for a spring formal dance—a rite of passage that breaks open their routines and sets off hilarious and heartbreaking encounters with love, stress, excitement, and independence. How to Dance in Ohio is a story about people standing on the cusp of the next phase of their lives, facing their hopes and fears, ready to make a very big first move…and dance.
Reviews have been gushing...
...take a look:
"Groundbreaking. Thoughtful and poetic. This feel-good show is a milestone. "
-The New York Times
"Broadway’s most original new musical. It will stay with you."
-The Daily Beast
"Groundbreaking and big-hearted. A Broadway first."
-Variety
"How to Dance in Ohio makes me believe in Broadway once again."
-Theatrely
Book & Lyrics by Jacob Yandura, Music by Lily Ling, Musical Direction by Mayte Natalio, Choreography by Sammi Cannold, and Directed by Harold Prince.
In a Broadway first, seven actors on the autistic spectrum play the autistic leads. Finally.
But it doesn't just stop with the casting. You can feel the thoughtful choices made in all aspects of the show, from the team compiled (with close to 50 members involved on and off stage making their Broadway debuts), to the resources tab on their website which answers commonly asked questions and misconceptions.
This is a monumental, historical piece of Broadway history, and I'm so excited for Ashley to impact so many people with her art.
You can catch How to Dance in Ohio at the Belasco Theater, and more details can be found on their website at:
https://howtodanceinohiomusical.com/
Here it is. The Art of Not Making It.