Jonathan Groff has endeared himself to huge audiences playing some of the most beloved (and diverse) roles in modern musical theatre: breaking hearts as the original Melchior in Spring awakening; breaks down as King George enters Hamilton; and most recently in his most complex performance as Franklin Shepard in Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Alongfor which he won his first Tony Award.
Now, Groff adds to that diverse resume of roles with perhaps the most unexpected of them all. In the new musical Just in timewill play Bobby Darin, the iconic jester known for his covers of songs like “Beyond the Sea,” “Dream Lover” and “Mack the Knife.” Developed and directed by Alex Timbers, the show features Groff anchoring a cast of 16 in one of Broadway's most unique and intimate theaters, the Circle in the Square. Previews begin March 28, 2025 ahead of an April 23 opening — but you can hear Groff sing as Darin for the first time here, as Bulletin board premieres his recordings of 'Beyond the Sea', 'Dream Lover' and 'Just in Time'.
As Groff says Bulletin boardhis preparation for the role began seven years ago, when he researched the singer while preparing a concert of his music for 92nd St. Y in New York. “We've been developing this musical about his life ever since,” says Groff. “Bobby Darin was the perfect performer. And he was way ahead of his time. He had this chameleon ability to jump styles and genres long before it became popular for pop artists to do that. Having this opportunity to play him, I'm pushing myself to places I've never been before as a singer or performer. My heart is pounding just thinking about it.”
Timbers — which won a Tony for his direction Moulin Rouge! The Musical and has brought his vision to shows ranging from This is where love lies to The Pee-wee Herman Show — calls Darin “a unique talent whose music lives on today,” but notes that “what was so memorable to the people who knew him was his connection with the public.” With Just in time“We're doing everything we can to try to transform the Broadway theater into a 1960s clubhouse,” he says. Bulletin board“and allow our audience to experience what it was like to be in a room, up close, with one of the most electrifying artists of this generation.”
Just in time includes a book by Tony winner Warren Leight (Side Man) and Isaac Oliver (The wonderful Mrs. Maisel) music edited and arranged by Andrew Resnick (Parade) Choreography by Shannon Lewis. and is based on an original concept by Ted Chapin. Along with Groff, the cast also includes Joe Barbara (A Bronx Tale The Musical), Tony Winner Michele Pawk (Bad), Lance Roberts (The Music Man), Caesar Samayoa (Come from afar), Christine Cornish (Kiss me, Kate), Julia Grodin (funny girl), Valeria Yamin (Moulin Rouge!), John Treacy Egan (My beautiful lady), Tarry Kelly (Mr. Saturday night), Matthew Guy Magnusson, Khori Michelle Petinaud (Lebicca), and Larkin Riley (Bad Cinderella).
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/hear-jonathan-groff-sing-three-new-songs-bobby-darin-billboard-exclusive-1235842531/
