2023 - 2024 Musical Logos: How To Dance In Ohio

Unfortunately, time was not on our side when it came to seeing How To Dance In Ohio, as the show will close before our next chance to get to New York. But that won't stop us from taking a closer look at their logo.

2023 - 2024 Musical Logos:

How To Dance In Ohio

What I like about this show art is that in many ways it matches the production's commitment to inclusion of the autistic community. A subdued color palette, symmetry and simple shapes all contribute to a calming, easily focus-able image. And it also maintains all of the makers for a successful Broadway logo: it is eye-catching, easy to read and identify practically on sight, and its iconography is cool and very show-centric. Further, it looks good in print, online, and on a wide variety of merchandise.

The golden yellow catches the eye without blinding. The use of white block letters against black rectangles are easy to read - essential when dealing with a long title. It is worth noting that except for the "W," all of the letters fold neatly in half and that just adds to the overall symmetry of the logo. (It reminds me of an old clock radio I had as a kid, actually.)The rest of the black shapes include icons related to the show, both literal - numbered shoe prints a la old time learning of dance steps, a dress and a formal jacket reminding us that it's all about preparing for a formal dance. Other images, a book, headphones, a globe, the infinity symbol, I'll have to assume relate to specific characters and plot points. This key art is wonderful for both its simplicity and its depth - the more you look at it, the more you get from it.

Later versions of the logo add similarly colored photos of the cast. Another smart move, as it telegraphs the story and the youthful exuberance of the characters - an eclectic group of 20-somethings. Putting a face on what may be difficult to understand just what it is all about is a great thing. And when you arrive at your seat, you see how the marquee resembles the set!

Despite its short run, this show art is successful in every other way that counts. Inclusive mainstream theater is, for better or worse, still in its infancy on Broadway. Someday, it'll catch up with the rest of the world and look back on How To Dance In Ohio for just how groundbreaking it was - including the show's logo.

Grade: A+