Just in Time Broadway Review: Jonathan Groff Dazzles As Bobby Darin
Just In Time opened on the Broadway stage at the Circle in the Square Theatre this past April (2025).
Ironically, the show’s serendipitous arrival comes just in time for theatergoers. In the current tense geopolitical climate, which can often feel outright depressing, a two-hour, 15-minute feel-good performance leaves a lasting afterglow—a perfect remedy to lift one’s spirits.
The musical tells the life story of singer, songwriter, and entertainer Bobby Darin, whose range of hit songs spans from pop to swing to folk music.
A popular teen idol and crooner in the 50s and 60s, his hit tunes included “Splish Splash,” “Queen of the Hop,” “Dream Lover,” “Mack the Knife,” “Beyond the Sea,” and “If I Were A Carpenter.” (You’ll hear all of these in the Broadway production.)
While many boomers still have vivid memories of Darin’s recordings that were played on the radio or their record players, much of Darin’s timeless music lives on for later generations. It is still heard on film and TV soundtracks, played in tribute concerts, and streamed on digital platforms.
Less well known is the tragic story of Bobby Darin’s life.
Just in Time: A Celebration Of A True Legend
The exhilarating show, Just in Time, stars the charismatic and talented Jonathan Groff (who appeared in Merrily We Roll Along and Hamilton).
Not only is Groff a sensational performer, but he can also deftly sing, dance, and act, and has a unique ability to charm an audience with his good looks and wide smile. At the onset of the show, he humbly introduces himself as the actor playing Darin to wide applause.
The show has a superb supporting cast who portray the people influential in Darin’s personal and professional life, including his two ex-wives, Connie Francis (played by Gracie Lawrence), and Sandra Dee (played by Erkia Henigsen).
Michele Pawk plays the role of Darin’s colorful “mother,” Polly Walden.
The ensemble cast also includes his manager, agent, and the Sirens, a trio of sultry backup singers and dancers, who all play multiple roles. The orchestral accompaniment is also excellent.
Darin’s life story is told chronologically, beginning with growing up in East Harlem in 1936. Born into a poor Italian family, the crooner’s real name was Walden Robert Cassotto. In the show, the stage name is explained as stolen from the sign atop a Mandarin Chinese restaurant that was missing the first three letters (M-A-N).
He was a sickly child who suffered from rheumatic fever, and doctors predicted that he would have a short life. He had an overbearing older “sister” named Nina, played by Emily Bergl.
The show tells the tale of Darin’s career and personal struggles, and also his resilience, primarily through song. He had his own TV variety show and won a Golden Globe award and was often compared to Frank Sinatra.
Two especially dramatic moments in the show involve a family revelation and his untimely passing at the age of 37.
“Bobby Darin was a supernova,” said Jonathan Groff. “He blazed his way through every corner of the entertainment industry, but his enormous talent, charisma and pure genius were most on display when he was letting it rip in front of a crowd.”
“The primal passionate love affair he had with the audience was the inspiration for our show’s conceit,” he added. Groff, a Tony Award winner for his performance in Merrily We Roll Along, embodies that same passion for his art.
Another Bobby Darin Biopic
More than two decades ago, I saw the 2004 film, Beyond the Sea, which was also a biopic of Bobby Darin. Kevin Spacey starred in the film as Darin, did all the vocals, and served as its writer and director.
The movie, which got mixed reviews, was part fiction and part fantasy. I still remember that the film left me feeling profoundly sad about all the tragedies Darin endured.
The uplifting tone of the Broadway production of Just In Time stands in stark contrast to that of the downer movie.
A Show Within A Show
When the theater lights dim (they turn blue), the audience is treated to an immersive experience that transports theatergoers to a 1950s and 1960s nightclub where they feel like they are watching the performers.
In an unusual theater configuration, called a “thrust” design, the stage at Circle in the Square is surrounded by seating on three sides in a U-shape.
For the Just in Time performance, round bistro tables, offering premium seating for the audience, are right in the center of the floor. Those theater-goers are served drinks, and performers sometimes engage them in the production. Another small stage is set up opposite the main one and performers move back and forth. The theater is intimate enough that there are no really bad seats.
Just in Time Trailer on YouTube
About The Creative Team & Circle in the Square Theatre
The creativity of the costuming and originality of the set design are compelling. Just in Time was developed and directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, based on a book by Tony Award winners Warren Leight and Isaac Oliver. Musical arrangements and supervision are by Andre Resnick with choreography by Shannon Lewis.
Circle in the Square Theatre is located at 235 West 50th Street (between 8th Avenue and Broadway) in the lower level of Paramount Plaza. This unique venue opened in November 1972.
About The Broadway Collection
Disclosure: I was a guest of The Broadway Collection but any opinions expressed in this post are my own.
The Broadway Collection is a curated selection of top-tier theatrical experiences in New York City, built specifically for visitors. It serves as a comprehensive guide helping travelers discover the most exciting and welcoming shows, whether they are a first-time Broadway attendee or a lifelong theatre lover.
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On YouTube: Jonathan Groff sings Beyond the Sea on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
So excited to see this one!
Best show I’ve ever seen!