Jonathan Groff Sets March 2025 Broadway Return with JUST IN TIME- Page 7

[ACL2006]

Posted: 11/29/25 at 6:31pm

n2nbaby said: "Groff is set to return Tuesday. Happy Matt is having his moment! It is insane Groff has gone this long without missing a performance. What a trooper."

And since Groff has an upcoming vacation soon, I wonder if they'll hire a second cover for Bobby Darin?

[CukorLover]

Posted: 11/30/25 at 12:31am

Understudy Trifecta!

I bought a discounted ticket to see the show tonight, knowing Matthew Magnusson (a steadfast, handsome Bobby) would be on for Groff. I didn't get the recent BWW update, so didn’t expect to see the covers for Sandra Dee (a likable Larkin Reilly) and Connie Francis (the terrific Gabi Carruba). So for the first time, all three were performing together, and sadly the rhythm of the show was off. It didn’t help that the sound person might have been an understudy as well.

I was wowed by the show back in March and wanted to revisit it because I’m a fan of most of the songs, the crackerjack orchestra, the design, and the overall entertainment factor. After seeing the show tonight, I’m more convinced than ever that it worked in the first place largely because of Groff’s charm, wit, timing, and effervescent energy. His commitment to the choreography, his gift of repartee, and so much more.

The book showed its weakness more than before, and both that and some of the mediocre songs desperately need someone of Groff’s caliber to carry them. When the show tours, that will become even more crucial. And shifting to a proscenium stage would strip away the cabaret vibe that made this production so special. For me, the 3/4 thrust and intimate setting is a big factor in the show's success.

 

I totally understand the circumstances weren’t ideal this weekend (with a dull crowd to boot), and I always cheer on an understudy—it’s a tough job. My reason for making this short observation is simply to say that I think the show truly hinges on having a magnetic leading man—someone with that rare combination of star power and captivating stage presence who can transform the entire production.

Updated On: 11/30/25 at 12:31 AM

[getatme]

Posted: 11/30/25 at 1:02am

Saw the show this afternoon and was pleased to see a lot of the audience actually stayed despite the absences. A few small areas of empty seats, but a largely full house and a very receptive audience.

Matt Magnusson made a very good Bobby. He doesn't have the star quality or ease of Jonathan Groff, but few people do. You see him working a little bit harder at the choreo and the acting beats, he makes some adjustments to suit his voice. But he really delivers a very good performance and his chemistry with the entire cast is very impressive considering this afternoon was his second time doing the entire show with them.

I had seen Larkin as Sandra back in July and liked her then, but today found her absolutely winning. Adorable and sweet, but with a surprising edge to her when she needs it.

For me, the real standout was Gabi Carrubba. Charming, funny, present, with an absolutely killer voice. They've lowered the key of Who's Sorry Now for Sarah and it sits in an incredibly warm and powerful part of Gabi's voice. After seeing her in Bat Boy and now Just in Time, this girl is an absolute star.

The show is a joy, yes the book is a bit creaky and not all the songs land without Groff's off the charts charisma holding it all together, but I still had a really lovely time. Very nice to see Matt get a chance to go on, and probably informative for the team to see how the show works without Groff ahead of his vacation, departure, and the tour.

[TheOtherOne2]

Posted: 11/30/25 at 9:05am

Earlier this week Larkin Reilly was on as Connie Francis.  Amazing that she's spending the weekend playing Sandra Dee.  She's probably more suited to Sandra, her voice wasn't quite right for Connie.   She's a great performer, though, and our audience loved her.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 11/30/25 at 10:56am

I appreciate the honesty in the appraisal of the show sans the star and usual leading ladies. It's far from a putdown of the talented trio to note that the piece isn't actor-proof - or more fairly, a show that easily sails across the finish line without a star. It's got a fairly hard-to-sustain conceit - that opening that starts meta - that may not translate easily without a charismatic leading man to wink knowingly at the audience. A non-name explaining that he's not really Darin might feel arch. Whatever. I've enjoyed the OBC album, but not every number is a treasure - a reality about pop music in that era - and the stuff that's magic, like Groff's genuinely brilliant "Mack the Knife," a standalone piece of glorious homage, make the rest of it feel like an ordinary juke show. 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 11/30/25 at 11:26am

TheOtherOne2 said: "Earlier this week Larkin Reilly was on as Connie Francis. Amazing that she's spending the weekend playing Sandra Dee. She's probably more suited to Sandra, her voice wasn't quite right for Connie. She's a great performer, though, and our audience loved her."

 

Larkin said she's not in the show today, so I'm curious to see who's covering what in terms of the female leads.

[SteveSanders]

Posted: 11/30/25 at 11:51am

I sense I am in the minority, but I don't see it as being particularly difficult for any actor to pull off the opening framing. 

While they may not infuse it with the genuineness or authenticity that flows from Groff, the basic conceit doesn't seem much more challenging for an actor than any other character. 

They just have to convincingly sell that Darin's a performer whose way of being resonated with them, even moreso after they did a deep dive into Darin's story and style.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 11/30/25 at 1:41pm

ACL2006 said: "TheOtherOne2 said: "Earlier this week Larkin Reilly was on as Connie Francis. Amazing that she's spending the weekend playing Sandra Dee. She's probably more suited to Sandra, her voice wasn't quite right for Connie. She's a great performer, though, and our audience loved her."



Larkin said she's not in the show today, so I'm curious to see who's covering what in terms of the female leads."

Welp, correction, same understudies on today.

[Falsettolands]

Posted: 11/30/25 at 2:31pm

I saw Larkin as Sandra Dee a couple months ago and thought she was sensational. Left the theatre wondering how Erika could possibly do it better. was super surprised.