JUST IN TIME Announces Exclusive Jonathan Groff Giveaway
If you’re a die-hard fan of toe-tapping classics like Splish Splash and Beyond the Sea, or if you simply adore Jonathan Groff and his triumphant Tony-winning turn in MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, you’ll want to mark your calendars for a brand-new jukebox biomusical hitting Broadway. JUST IN TIME, celebrating the life and hits of music legend Bobby Darin, starts previews on 28 March at the Circle in the Square Theatre, with an official opening on 23 April. To sweeten the deal, the production has arranged a delightful treat for those who can’t wait to snap up tickets in person: a signed window card from Groff himself for the first 59 patrons who show up at the box office on 30 January.
An Exclusive Window Card Giveaway
Here’s the inside scoop for the truly keen: on 30 January at 1 PM ET, the Circle in the Square Theatre’s box office opens for walk-up sales. The first 59 people in line to purchase tickets will each receive a limited-edition window card autographed by Jonathan Groff. Why 59, you might wonder? It’s a nod to 1959, the year Bobby Darin’s album That’s Alltook the charts by storm with his unforgettable renditions of Mack the Knife and Beyond the Sea. In essence, the creative team is paying homage to that milestone while rewarding dedicated fans with a memento that merges Broadway sparkle and Darin lore.
You’ll want to arrive early, as there’s a strict limit of one signed window card per transaction, and only one transaction per person. Even if you’ve got friends and family also eager to snag this limited collectible, each of them will need to be there in person, ready to buy tickets for one of the first performances.
Bringing Bobby Darin’s Story To Life
JUST IN TIME offers an immersive journey through the life of Bobby Darin, a singer-songwriter whose golden voice and showstopping performance style made him a household name. Spanning an era where big band music, Hollywood glamour, and rock-and-roll all vied for the public’s attention, Darin’s career is the stuff of legend. Under the direction of Tony winner Alex Timbers, the creative team intends to transform Circle in the Square into an intimate nightclub setting, complete with a live onstage big band.
Leading the charge is Jonathan Groff as Darin. Fresh from his Tony win in the critically acclaimed revival of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, Groff is no stranger to captivating audiences, having also starred in SPRING AWAKENING and HAMILTON. But here, he steps into the shoes of a man who effectively bridged multiple genres, combining swaggering jazz standards with rock-infused classics. Groff’s charismatic presence and vocal agility seem tailor-made for the job, ensuring that these timeless songs shine once again on a Broadway stage.
A Stellar Line-Up Of Broadway Favourites
No Broadway musical is complete without an all-star ensemble, and JUST IN TIME is no exception. Alongside Groff, theatre fans can expect to see Erika Henningsen (MEAN GIRLS), Michele Pawk (WICKED), Joe Barbara (A BRONX TALE THE MUSICAL), Emily Bergl (GOOD NIGHT, OSCAR), Gracie Lawrence (THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS), Lance Roberts (THE MUSIC MAN), Caesar Samayoa (COME FROM AWAY), Christine Cornish (KISS ME, KATE), Julia Grondin (FUNNY GIRL), Valeria Yamin (MOULIN ROUGE!), John Treacy Egan (MY FAIR LADY), Tari Kelly (MR. SATURDAY NIGHT), Matt Magnusson (A WONDERFUL WORLD), Khori Michelle Petinaud (LEMPICKA), and Larkin Reilly (BAD CINDERELLA).
These performers bring an eclectic mix of talent and experience, guaranteeing that the musical’s ensemble numbers and supporting roles will be as vibrant as Darin’s own discography. Whether you’re drawn by star power or are simply looking for an authentic big band sound, the stage is set to brim with some of Broadway’s finest vocalists, dancers, and actors.
Steering the show is Tony winner Alex Timbers, well-known for innovative and experiential stagings. JUST IN TIME appears to continue that tradition—fans can expect the Circle in the Square to be reimagined into an atmospheric space reminiscent of a smoky mid-century club, where the audience may feel closer than ever to Darin’s world.
The project’s artistic backbone features a book co-written by Tony winner Warren Leight and Isaac Oliver, whose repertoire includes hit TV series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Choreographer Shannon Lewis will craft the show’s movement, while Andrew Resnick oversees music supervision and arrangements, ensuring that classic Darin hits like Splish Splash, Mack the Knife, and Beyond the Sea sparkle in fresh, theatrical ways.
Design plays a crucial role in immersing theatregoers. Derek McLane, a two-time Tony winner, is on board as scenic designer, and eight-time Tony winner Catherine Zuber leads costume design. Justin Townsend (a Tony winner as well) manages lighting, and Peter Hylenski (another Tony winner) handles sound design. With such a remarkable slate, each aspect—set, costumes, lighting, and audio—should fuse to create a cohesive tapestry of mid-century glamour.
An Immersive Nightclub Staging
One of the most intriguing elements is the theatre’s transformation into a bustling nightclub. Broadway’s Circle in the Square is smaller than many other venues in the district, which often allows for more intimate stagings. Timbers and company aim to capitalise on that advantage, letting the audience feel as if they’ve stepped back in time to watch Darin and his band perform live.
Immersive techniques in modern theatre have soared in popularity, with shows like HERE LIES LOVE—also featuring a club-like atmosphere—earning wide acclaim. By seating some of the audience right on the stage level, or by incorporating interactive elements, musicals can amplify engagement. The result is a heightened emotional connection between performer and spectator, bridging the gap that can sometimes exist in more traditional proscenium layouts.
A Timeless Appeal
Bobby Darin’s iconic career may have flourished decades ago, but his music continues to endure. Classics like Beyond the Sea, Dream Lover, and Mack the Knife have never really left the public consciousness, popping up in films, television, and in the repertoires of contemporary crooners. Known for his showmanship and genre-hopping, Darin was also politically active, reflecting a multi-faceted personality that the creative team will explore in this production.
Many of today’s audiences associate big band music with a bygone era, but the style is experiencing a quiet renaissance. From jazz clubs sprouting up across major cities to pop stars experimenting with retro-inspired hits, the demand for soulful horns and swinging rhythms is palpable. The merging of that golden-age sound with a forward-thinking theatrical approach might be the secret sauce that sets JUST IN TIME apart from a crowded Broadway season.
A Global Team, An Australian Connection
If you look closely at the producer list, you’ll see that Tom Kirdahy, Robert Ahrens, John Frost, and Jonathan Groffare bringing this show to Broadway. Theatre fans might recognise John Frost as a prolific Australian producer, responsible for many blockbuster musicals staged down under and overseas. His involvement could spark international interest, potentially setting the stage for a future Australian run—though there’s no official word on that yet. For now, Broadway audiences can look forward to a top-tier production that draws on a wide pool of expertise, bridging entertainment communities across the globe.
Making A Splash
Perhaps the charm of Bobby Darin’s music lies in its timeless knack for making people feel good—inviting them to dance, to reminisce, and to revel in the glamour of a bygone era. With Jonathan Groff at the helm, supported by a glittering cast and an award-winning creative team, JUST IN TIME seems perfectly poised to capture that magic on Broadway.
If you’re a devotee of big band crooning, or simply love the thrill of live theatre, consider this your invitation to get in line for tickets—and maybe walk away with a special piece of Broadway memorabilia. After all, few things can beat the combination of a brand-new show, an immersion into golden-era tunes, and the chance to hold a signed token from a Tony-winning star. It’s the perfect reminder that, on Broadway, the past and future can come together in a swirl of melody and showmanship, leaving you humming Splish Splash long after the curtain falls.
