JUST IN TIME Previews- Page 3

[inception]

Posted: 4/3/25 at 10:18am

Penna2 said: 
There is this element of his feeling betrayed by the women he loved...even if only imagined. Outside of the times he was on stage or working with his music, he was insecure. I'm not sure of the exact words, but he would say in the dressing room he was this short, ugly guy from the Bronx but when he walked out of the door he was Cary Grant - that's what he loved the most.

Very interesting post about Darin. I don't really know anything about him.

The last part really struck me, because I'm sure many of us have met guys like this - either people you have worked with or been in relationships with - guys who are just so insecure, and then they get so worked up about any perceived sleight.  They're their own worst enemies damaging every relationship and themselves. One kid I had working with me about 15 years ago broke his hand trying to punch through somebody's windshield over really nothing.

 

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Another guy I went on a couple dates with, I chuckled at the wrong moment - & the drama.  I'm like, you're more handsomel than Tom Cruise,  You just dropped your shorts to reveal you've got a baseball bat between your legs - no I am not laughing at you, I'm happy, I am very very happy.    I am giggle with glee like Beef Tobin.  If you don't like hearing that,  well it looks like you've got the tool to shut me up.

"

 

[sm33]

Posted: 4/3/25 at 11:12am

Went to see this last night, and had a great time. Groff is clearly enjoying himself so much, and we as the audience were eating it up - he's charming as hell, he's onstage for basically the entire first act... a born entertainer! If you are a fan of his, I'd strongly advise a trip to CITS. 

The show itself is fine, nothing mind-blowing - not sure how well it would work without Groff. Gracie Lawrence has a nice voice, but needs to get a little more comfortable as an actor. Erika Henningsen was a more well-rounded performer, and has good stage presence. Michele Pawk made me cry one little tear, she was lovely. 

I don't disagree that the book, particularly the second act, could use some work, but as I was unfamiliar with Bobby Darin outside of a few songs before I saw this show, I have no specific complaints. It's a biomusical, certainly not my favorite genre, but the runtime felt pretty snappy and the show kept me engaged.

A woman who moved to a seat in front of me at intermission was clearly not engaged, though - she kept checking her (very bright) watch every three minutes, scrolled on her phone for a bit til her seatmate asked her to stop, left her phone on full brightness in her lap for a while, and then left five minutes before the end of the show. A real asshole, not sure why she didn't just leave at intermission since it clearly wasn't her thing. 

The theater transformation is so impressive, I truly hope they get some love for it. I've been there for five other shows, and while I loved the use of the space for Oklahoma!, no one else used it quite as beautifully as this show. As far as seating, we were in seats G 102 and 104, off the aisle at the top of the semicircle, and had a fantastic view of the whole stage. The table seating looked a bit awkward as far as having to move around to see - if I were getting a table, I'd go with one of the ones on the sides rather than the center. The mini banquettes looked ideal, though, as those folks were right in the midst of things with a better view - wish they'd been on sale when I bought tickets. 

[Wick3]

Posted: 4/3/25 at 11:33am

I sat in row K (last row) and view was great! Creative folks sat next to me and stood behind me taking notes.

For $101 without waiting in rush line I’m happy with the seat.

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 4/6/25 at 9:15am

Saw it yesterday. Groff is great- and the show was entertaining and well done. However, the seating arrangement is the worst I have seen EVER since going to BWAY shows in the sixties. For some unknown reason---the stage- which is in the center of the theater- has tables all throughout it--so the action, many times- takes place in between a throng of tables- making people in the front rows have to view the show through a mob scene. If the stage area was cleaned out- throw those damn tables and chairs out-- and the action was clearly seen from all vantage points- that would be a massive improvement. This staging is horrendous- and whoever thought having tables on a stage that makes viewing the show a real chore- that person should be fired, IMO- an awful idea which does not work. The show is good- clean up the stage area- have the performers act, sing and dance on a real stage that is easily seen by everyone in the theater- and that wold greatly improve this show. It still was enjoyable- Groff was excellent- and the story was good. I give it a Bplus---was it as great as Gypsy or Sunset Boulevard--or even Hell's Kitchen-- no--but it was still a good show and was quite entertaining. I hope it is a hit. 

[SteveSanders]

Posted: 4/6/25 at 9:27am

I don't remember tables at Lady Day being a problem and am curious about the differences in setup/staging that apparently makes them an issue here.  Anyone seen both who can comment?

[Glittergrrl]

Posted: 4/6/25 at 10:47am

SteveSanders said: "I don't remember tables at Lady Day being a problem and am curious about the differences in setup/staging that apparently makes them an issue here. Anyone seen both who can comment?"

I sat at a table for both shows. Lady Day used high tables, spaced further apart. The floor area seemed larger and more spacious. JIT-the tables and low and closer together. The floor area felt smaller overall. The people in the front rows by the tables couldn’t see a thing. I overheard one man complaining several times. 
 

Oh boy… this show. I sat at table 11. I am going to post spoilers for table 11. If you don’t want to know, skip the rest of this post. 
 

Table 11 is the main table. A couple of scenes take place right at the table. They were sitting with us-so cool.

I adore JG. I was at the first matinee in a table seat. I love him.  Keep that in mind.  During the 2nd act, he climbs on the table and performs a song. The man is an ocean. His fluids were pouring all over me. Then the table started to spin! It was like sitting under a sprinkler! I have a thing about body fluids. I expected a little splash—his Groffsauce was all over me. It was in my hair, all over my sweater. It was disgusting. I am not being hyperbolic-it was pouring down. Also, the table seats are bolted to the floor. I couldn’t move.  Several people approached me after the show about it. 

 

Updated On: 4/6/25 at 10:47 AM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/6/25 at 10:52am

“his Groffsauce was all over me”

If the marketing team doesn’t use this quote in bold letters all over social media, they need to be fired. 

[Glittergrrl]

Posted: 4/6/25 at 10:57am

Jordan Catalano said: "“his Groffsauce was all over me”

If the marketing team doesn’t use this quote in bold letters all over social media, they need to be fired."

I’m not making this up… a woman approached me after the show about selling my sweater. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/6/25 at 10:59am

How much money did you make?

[ElephantLoveMedley]

Posted: 4/6/25 at 11:03am

Groff is absolutely terrific in what’s ultimately a pretty generic and kind of uninteresting biomusical story. Really, there’s not much to Bobby Darin’s life that is screaming out for musical theatre treatment. But Groff elevates the material significantly and is working every fiber of his being in this show. It is a star vehicle and he makes the most of it all. I don’t think he’s offstage for more than two minutes total, combined, for the entire show. I might be rooting for him for the Tony again this year just because he’s so damn good and charismatic. 

Aside from Groff, the production is working overtime to elevate its story. I appreciate how hard they’re trying to make it all more interesting for audiences than every other biomusical we’ve seen (starting off the show as Jonathan and then becoming Bobby, the unique staging, etc.). The second act is a bit of a slog compared to the first and I hope is where they work the most on tightening during the rest of previews.

The show requires an actor as Bobby Darin who you can get behind and root for during the entire performance. Groff makes it so easy to do so. I think it would be difficult to sit through in the hands of a less capable performer. 

In terms of Tony nominations, Groff is certainly a lock for lead actor, though to be honest, I wouldn’t be entirely shocked if he was their one and only nom, given how competitive and stacked this season is. 

[A Canadian in NYC]

Posted: 4/6/25 at 11:29am

Glittergrrl said: "SteveSanders said: "I don't remember tables at Lady Day being a problem and am curious about the differences in setup/staging that apparently makes them an issue here. Anyone seen both who can comment?"

I sat at a table for both shows. Lady Day used high tables, spaced further apart. The floor area seemed larger and more spacious. JIT-the tables and low and closer together. The floor area felt smaller overall. The people in the front rows by the tables couldn’t see a thing. I overheard one man complaining several times.


Oh boy… this show. I sat at table 11. I am going to post spoilers for table 11. If you don’t want to know, skip the rest of this post.


Table 11 is the main table. A couple of scenes take place right at the table. They were sitting with us-so cool.

I adore JG. I was at the first matinee in a table seat. I love him. Keep that in mind. During the 2nd act, he climbs on the table and performs a song. The man is an ocean. His fluids were pouring all over me. Then the table started to spin! It was like sitting under a sprinkler! I have a thing about body fluids. I expected a little splash—his Groffsauce was all over me. It was in my hair, all over my sweater. It was disgusting. I am not being hyperbolic-it was pouring down. Also, the table seats are bolted to the floor. I couldn’t move. Several people approached me after the show about it.

"

I was sitting in front row beside this table and the poster is not exaggerating!  It is the only reason I didn’t go for a table seat because IYKYK!!

I agree with other posters that the table seats are a waste of space and serve no real purpose. The stage is too small. Everyone in the front row has to constantly try and see what’s happening through other people.  They added in the banquets which looked nice. Perhaps just a couple of those and then let the stage be the stage. 

LOVED the show. Such a treat to see JG up close and singing those classics!  I hope there’s a recording.  

[Penna2]

Posted: 4/6/25 at 4:31pm

ElephantLoveMedley said: "Groff is absolutely terrific in what’s ultimately a pretty generic and kind of uninteresting biomusical story. Really, there’s not much to Bobby Darin’s life that is screaming out for musical theatre treatment. But Groff elevates the material significantly and is working every fiber of his being in this show. It is a star vehicleand he makes the most of it all. I don’t think he’s offstage for more than two minutes total, combined, for the entire show. I might be rooting for him for the Tony again this year just because he’s so damn good and charismatic.

Aside from Groff, the production is working overtime to elevate its story. I appreciate how hard they’re trying to make it all more interesting for audiences than every other biomusical we’ve seen (starting off the show as Jonathan and then becoming Bobby, the unique staging, etc.). The second act is a bit of a slog compared to the first and I hope iswhere they work the most on tightening during the rest of previews.

The show requires an actor as Bobby Darin who you can get behind and root for during the entire performance. Groff makes it so easy to do so. I think it would be difficult to sit through in the hands of a less capable performer.

In terms of Tony nominations, Groff is certainly a lock for lead actor, though to be honest, I wouldn’t be entirely shocked if he was their one and only nom, given how competitive and stackedthis season is."

I said this earlier, but worth repeating after your post...Bobby Darin's life was fascinating. One excellent film by and with Kevin Spacey, one documentary, a number of books and people on YouTube still discovering him and his music. Very much doubt that will be the case with Groff. If they couldn't pay true homage to the man's life (as Spacey did with the film), they should have just done a concert...in a nightclub setting, which is what I think the intention was in the first place. Beautiful would have been a good model - Carole King's life and her music were both on stage. In general, people are there to hear Groff sing Darin, not to learn anything about the man who died 52 years ago and is still a legend.

[GirlFromOz68]

Posted: 4/6/25 at 5:38pm

Glittergrrl said: "SteveSanders said: "I don't remember tables at Lady Day being a problem and am curious about the differences in setup/staging that apparently makes them an issue here. Anyone seen both who can comment?"

I sat at a table for both shows. Lady Day used high tables, spaced further apart. The floor area seemed larger and more spacious. JIT-the tables and low and closer together. The floor area felt smaller overall. The people in the front rows by the tables couldn’t see a thing. I overheard one man complaining several times.


Oh boy… this show. I sat at table 11. I am going to post spoilers for table 11. If you don’t want to know, skip the rest of this post.


Table 11 is the main table. A couple of scenes take place right at the table. They were sitting with us-so cool.

I adore JG. I was at the first matinee in a table seat. I love him. Keep that in mind. During the 2nd act, he climbs on the table and performs a song. The man is an ocean. His fluids were pouring all over me. Then the table started to spin! It was like sitting under a sprinkler! I have a thing about body fluids. I expected a little splash—his Groffsauce was all over me. It was in my hair, all over my sweater. It was disgusting. I am not being hyperbolic-it was pouring down. Also, the table seats are bolted to the floor. I couldn’t move. Several people approached me after the show about it. "

Lea, Dan and Lindsay - despite the fact that they all love Jonathan - have all said how disgusting his bodily fluids are when they up close with him, both the sweating and the spitting. I know people laugh about it but you'd think he could try and do something about it for the sake of his costars. If it was anybody else I suspect they wouldn't get as big a pass about it as he does. 

 

[Glittergrrl]

Posted: 4/6/25 at 7:33pm

Jordan Catalano said: "How much money did you make?"

Ha! Ha! It’s still available if you’re interested.

[MezzA101]

Posted: 4/7/25 at 10:05am

6 Songs From ‘Just in Time’ That Capture Bobby Darin’s Versatility

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/07/theater/just-in-time-broadway-bobby-darin.html?unlocked_article_code=1.904.okaL.If-CRlkxNizg&smid=nytcore-android-share

[Lisalemann]

Posted: 4/7/25 at 10:32am

MezzA101 said: "6 Songs From ‘Just in Time’ That Capture Bobby Darin’s Versatility

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/07/theater/just-in-time-broadway-bobby-darin.html?unlocked_article_code=1.904.okaL.If-CRlkxNizg&smid=nytcore-android-share"

Damn!  I had NO idea that last song was Bobby Darin!  He really was a damn chameleon.

[RumTumJM]

Posted: 4/7/25 at 1:31pm

So, what's the concensus at this point?

Is the show REALLY about, A) Bobby Darin's life or B) Jonathan Groff playing Bobby Darin?

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 4/7/25 at 2:47pm

BOTH

[JSquared2]

Posted: 4/7/25 at 3:40pm

GirlFromOz68 said: "

Lea, Dan and Lindsay - despite the fact that they all love Jonathan - have all said how disgusting his bodily fluids are when they up close with him, both the sweating and the spitting. I know people laugh about it but you'd think he could try and do something about it for the sake of hiscostars. If it was anybody else I suspect they wouldn't get as big a pass about it as he does.

Why would Lea DeLaria, Dan Rather and Lindsay Graham care about his bodily fluids??  Well I suppose Lindsay Graham would care.

Also what would you suggest he "do" about it??

 

Updated On: 4/7/25 at 03:40 PM

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 4/7/25 at 4:25pm

Some performers sweat, spray- whatever- more than others- and a few do it to an extreme. It is not a choice--it is what happens when a performer goes full throttle - and if a performer has this tendency- as Groff has- that is just the way it is. He is a fantastic performer- and is getting more and more acclaim and recognition with each project. If people do not like the spraying, etc.- they should either sit further back- or just not go to his shows. There are plenty of other people wanting to fill those seats- and I hope momentum builds for his career- as he is a very talented and seemingly good hearted, hard working actor- singer- dancer and all-around performer.

Updated On: 4/7/25 at 04:25 PM

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 4/7/25 at 4:33pm

 how disgusting his bodily fluids are when they up close with him, both the sweating and the spitting. I know people laugh about it but you'd think he could try and do something about it for the sake of his costars. If it was anybody else I suspect they wouldn't get as big a pass about it as he does. 

Talk about disgusting. Wow. That is simply how he performs and how his body reacts. It's nothing any performer can ever control so you suggesting he "do something about it" is ignorant, rude, and disrespectful to Jonathan. 

[GirlFromOz68]

Posted: 4/7/25 at 4:57pm

JSquared2 said: "GirlFromOz68 said: "

Lea, Dan and Lindsay - despite the fact that they all love Jonathan - have all said how disgusting his bodily fluids are when they up close with him, both the sweating and the spitting. I know people laugh about it but you'd think he could try and do something about it for the sake of hiscostars. If it was anybody else I suspect they wouldn't get as big a pass about it as he does.

Why would Lea DeLaria, Dan Rather and Lindsay Graham care about his bodily fluids??

Also what would you suggest he "do" about it??

"

oh ho, so clever,  you know exactly who I mean.

Also, for the sweating at least, there are things that can be done medically but clearly people think he shouldn't have to be bothered about the effect he has on others because they all think he's cute. now swap him with his best friend and every person and their mother would have an opinion on the matter because people are giant hypocrites.

look i like Jonathan, he's talented,  but i know people ( not me) who would struggle in that situation ( and it don't mean audience members i mean co stars) because of their own medical conditions.  That's all I'm saying.  If Jonathan has tried to do something about it and nothing can be done,  fine, but like I said, if it wasn't Jonathan in this situation I don't think people would be as defensive about what I said, or think it was a joke like they do.

 

Updated On: 4/7/25 at 04:57 PM

[GirlFromOz68]

Posted: 4/7/25 at 5:10pm

clearly no point trying to have a reasonable conversation about this sort of thing here. I'll take my leave.

[BETTY22]

Posted: 4/7/25 at 5:16pm

I wanted to love it - but it is very cruise ship. 

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 4/7/25 at 5:24pm

The people on this board can sometimes be a bit defensive- dare I say bitchy- at times. I defended Jonathon because if that is how his body reacts- there is nothing that can be done about that- but then someone suggested that maybe something can be done medically- now the spitting I am pretty sure nothing can be done about- but perhaps the sweating can be minimized with some type of intervention- and maybe he has looked into that- or maybe he has not- I don't know- but suggesting that he looks into that for the sake of his costars or audience members is a good suggestion. If nothing can be done- at least he did try- if that is the case. I am pretty sure nothing can be done about the spitting- because that is what seems to be spontaneously happening as he performs with all his enormous energy- and I doubt that can be controlled- but maybe the sweating can be- and if it can be medically minimized without compromising his performance- that would be good. If not, it is what it is- and his costars- and audience members who find it distasteful or worse- have the choice of not being in his company for any of his performances.