A Star Turn for a Modern Broadway Legend
Fresh off his 2024 Tony Award win for Merrily We Roll Along, Jonathan Groff has once again captivated audiences with his powerhouse performance in Just in Time, the hit biomusical celebrating the life of 1950s crooner Bobby Darin. Playing at the Circle in the Square Theatre, the show has become a must-see event, earning six 2025 Tony nominations, including one for Groff’s exhilarating lead performance. The actor is set to bring a piece of this magic to a national audience with a performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on September 18.
The musical chronicles Darin’s meteoric rise and tragic early death at 37, featuring his most iconic songs, such as “Mack the Knife,” “Splish Splash,” and “Beyond the Sea.” For Groff, this role is the culmination of a passion project that began in 2017. “My love, admiration, respect and passion for Bobby continues to deepen,” Groff told digitaltrendstoday.com. “The way that he lived the 37 years of his life, he’s a never-ending source of inspiration.”
The Physicality and Passion of the Performance
At 40, Groff has called the role the “biggest physical challenge I’ve ever had.” His preparation is a testament to his dedication, involving a rigorous regimen to sustain the energy required for eight shows a week.
Groff’s Pre-Show Routine Includes:
- Ten weeks of dance lessons prior to rehearsals.
- Gym sessions three to four times a week.
- Regular acupuncture and bodywork.
- A 30-minute morning steam shower to prepare his voice and body.
This intense preparation is visible on stage, where Groff delivers a famously energetic and “wet” performance. He good-naturedly warns audiences in the front rows that they are in the “splish-splash zone,” a nod to both the Darin hit and his tendency to spit while singing. This raw, unfiltered energy is central to the show’s unique connection with the audience, an homage to Darin, who was renowned for his direct engagement with his fans. This was recently highlighted when Groff pulled TODAY’s Al Roker from the audience to dance during a September 11 performance, creating a viral moment of pure joy.
Music, Cast, and Community
The show’s vibrant score has been immortalized in an original cast album, recently released by Atlantic Records—Darin’s longtime label. The recording captures the live-band energy that music supervisor Andrew Resnick cultivated, aiming for the feel of a Rat Pack-era Las Vegas residency. The album features the entire talented company, including Tony-nominated Gracie Lawrence as singer Connie Francis. Beginning October 8, actress Sarah Hyland is set to take over the role from Lawrence.
Beyond the stage, Groff remains a prominent and active member of the theater community. On September 8, he and Sarah Jessica Parker co-hosted a gala luncheon celebrating the 25th anniversary of the New 42 rehearsal studios, a vital hub for Broadway productions. Furthermore, on September 19, he will participate in a panel at the New York Public Library to honor Tom Kirdahy, a lead producer of Just in Time and a celebrated figure in the industry.
Through his dynamic performance and unwavering dedication, Jonathan Groff not only honors the legacy of Bobby Darin but also solidifies his own status as one of Broadway’s most vital and beloved stars. Just in Time is more than a musical; it’s a celebration of performance, passion, and the profound connection between an artist and their audience.
