South Bend native Madison Kopec makes Broadway debut in 'How to Dance in Ohio'

It was an impressive journey from Clay (High School) to Broadway for Madison Kopec. Wait, there was a stop in West Lafayette for Purdue. We’ll get back to that.

The young actor is in the ensemble cast of the musical “How to Dance in Ohio,” which premiered Dec. 10 at the Belasco Theatre in New York City. The reviews are in, and it is a hit. Several reviews noted “don’t miss” this show, and it is “joyful” and “exuberant.” And here’s a good one, it has a “superb cast.”

“How to Dance in Ohio” is based on an HBO documentary about seven autistic young men and women and their families. They are preparing for a spring dance and all that it entails, such as stepping out of their protective space. It is a coming-of-age story set in Columbus, Ohio, in the Amigo Family Counseling Center.

Review: 'How to Dance in Ohio' is making Broadway history. Here's why

Now for a musical version. The seven actors are autistic, as well. Each character, like autism, is different. Let’s look at a list here to get the idea across: Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Gates and Dan Aykroyd are on the spectrum. Creative group to hang around with.

Madison was diagnosed when she was 17. “Until then, I didn’t have a word to describe” what she was experiencing. “It was a weight off my shoulders.”

Madison plays Marideth. “She has a lot of interests — in geography, nature and facts. I have different interests. I like fantasy stories. But we both escape into technology,” Madison said. “We all do that.’’

Madison has been performing since she was able to walk. She sang with her father’s band, Art and the Artichokes. She doesn’t remember that specific event but recalls spinning around and being a lot shorter than the microphone.

Art (of Artichoke fame) is father Kopec. Mom is Deanie.

Madison directs: 'Dog Sees God' tackles tough topics at South Bend Civic Theatre

Always a performer, Madison also credits South Bend Civic Theatre for helping her develop her acting chops, discipline and work ethic.

After graduating from Clay High School in 2020. She went to Purdue before opportunity knocked in 2022 for an early production of “How to Dance” when it was first presented in Syracuse, N.Y. Then she played an autistic teen in the musical “Indigo” in Dayton, Ohio, in early 2023.

Madison in 'Indigo': Clay High senior takes leading role with Broadway pros in New York

“Dance” was workshopped and fine tuned through the summer. Previews started in the fall. With a little time under their belt, the cast performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Singing and dancing right in Herald Square.

Her family is “over the moon” happy with her success, according to Deanie. “She is a young female out there and a success. She is an advocate for other autistic people, a role model. In our experience, theater and improv draw people on the spectrum. Performing is a safe place. They are acting. They are different people.”

It is a joy for the family to see how this has happened.

Mom, dad and sister Emma all attended the opening and had a wonderful time.

“The opening was so much fun," Madison said. "It was so much fun to have the real people (who are portrayed in the production) attend. I’m honored to perform and to work with friends.”

“Acting is living truthfully under imaginary circumstances,” according to acting coach Sanford Meisner. Madison said she is “telling the truth of her character.”

Every day, she tells the truth and she is living her own truth.

■■■

A continuation of Christmas music. As you may recall from last week. Several people responded to the question of favorite Christmas song or carol and least favorite.

Aaron Nichols, executive director of South Bend Civic Theatre, has a very specific list. He likes “You and Me at Christmas Time” by The Bird and the Bee. “It is jazzy and fresh.” He also likes “I’ll be Home for Christmas” by She and Him. “A delightful lo-fi-soaked classic.”

A different approach to the question and off the beaten path. Refreshing. You can find them on YouTube.

He doesn’t like “Christmas Shoes.” In a word … “Gaaaah!” You can also find that on YouTube.

Jo McCoy, assistant director of Studebaker National Museum, likes “Good King Wenceslas.” Why? It is because of the movie “Love Actually” when the prime minister’s driver sings it with his great bass voice with a touch of Scottish brogue.

Dislike: “Little Drummer Boy” Why? Simply put, “pa rum pum pum pum.”

Brian Harding, executive director of The History Museum, appreciates “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by Bruce Springsteen. Can’t go wrong with The Boss.

Brian said he doesn’t dislike any seasonal song.

Maybe a few more songs next week to close out the 12 Days of Christmas

Contact Kathy at kfborlik@yahoo.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Broadway musical stars autistic cast, including South Bend native