Just The Time for Just In Time

Just In Time is a jukebox theatrical revelation. Full stop. Its Broadway arrival this season (which opened on April 26) is Just In Time for what audiences need.

A vibrant, full-hearted tribute to the music and magic of a bygone era, which oddly doesn’t feel dated at all. This is likely attributed to the pure love and elation that radiate from the actors and musicians who bring their all to this joyful staging. We could all use some pure joy and love these days, especially in the form of temporary escapism (if even in the “basement of Wicked“, as Jonathan Groff jokes a few times throughout the show).  I’ll take 2.5 hours of intimate performances from Jonathan Groff and Gracie Lawrence with a side of theatrical escapism in the basement of Wicked for $100, please.

At the center, Tony-Winner Jonathan Groff, whose performance is nothing short of magnetic. From the start, Groff (as Groff) quickly informs the audience that he’ll be playing Bobby Darin and shares the unlikely similarities between the two and his deep connection to the development of the piece. Rather than being a strict impression, Groff channels the spirit of Darin with nuance and warmth, blending charisma, vulnerability, and just a dash of swagger. The epitome of a showman, elevating the performances of his colleagues, the material, while also inviting the audience in like Old Friends (I couldn’t not include a Merrily reference in this). It is no wonder he is nominated for a Tony for his portrayal of Bobby Darin.

Onto Gracie Lawrence. As a longtime Lawrence (Gracie’s band) fan, I could not have been more excited to see Gracie command the stage and gain recognition for this breakthrough performance as Connie Francis. She is funny, fierce, and vocally electric while also being very grounded – really striking the tone of the show and earning her Tony Nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Her chemistry and connection with her co-stars shine through very clearly, especially with Groff and Erika Henningsen. Henningsen portrays Sandra Dee, an American icon, with a perfect balance of depth, tenderness, and emotional resonance.  The vocals across the board are stunning and a vehicle for the cast’s sheer talent.

Director (Tony nominee) Alex Timbers guides Just In Time with a clear vision, blending intimacy and spectacle in perfect measure. There are moments where you feel like you’re at the Copa and moments that you feel like you’re watching a TV broadcast of a performance from decades ago. Time is but a construct in this show, and it’s clear the cast feels supported to explore their roles with freedom and authenticity. Every moment feels intentional, which is kind of the main theme. The choreography by Shannon Lewis (nominated for a Chita Rivera Award for Outstanding Choreography for this show) is dynamic, inventive — calling on culture both from yesteryear and current to today. The choreography, which is fluid in movement but grounded in character, enhances Timbers’ direction and is a big crowd pleaser for the audience.

Just In Time is the rare kind of show that reminds theatre-goers of all generations why they fell in love with theatre in the first place. It’s no surprise that the production has received 6 Tony nominations this season. This is a testament to the extraordinary work of a team that poured their heart and soul into every note, step, line, and moment. Because right now felt like just the time for Just In Time to make a Splish Splash at the Circle in The Square (a.k.a. the basement of Wicked).

You can learn more about Just In Time here.