Jonathan Groff, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, explains that his quick return to Broadway was motivated by the fact that it’s his first true love. He won his first Tony Award for “Merrily We Roll Along” last year.
Currently, Groff finds himself honored with his fourth Tony nomination, stemming from his portrayal of singer-actor Bobby Darin in the musical production titled “Just in Time“. Previously, he had been recognized for his performances in “Hamilton” and “Spring Awakening“. However, this recognition holds a unique significance as Groff has been associated with the project for eight long years. During this time, he mastered the distinctive dance moves and persona of the iconic singer, making the experience unlike any other he’s had before.
The actor from “Mindhunter” is enjoying every moment of it. Right off the bat, he decides to present himself authentically to the audience, an idea he came up with, and humorously lets them know he might spit while singing, alluding to his unique saliva-based singing style that has become a recurring joke throughout his career.
As a gamer, I’m feeling quite nostalgic this year. You see, I find myself nominated alongside my old buddy from our shared Glee days, Darren Criss, for the best performance by an actor in a leading role category. It’s almost surreal, like we’ve been given the incredible gift of longevity with our peers. It feels like a dream come true!
Below, Groff discusses with THR how he achieved the peak of his physical fitness in preparation for the show, recalls his most impactful audience encounter, and shares insights on the enchanting connection that arises between performer and spectators.
This is your fourth nomination. What does this one in particular mean to you?
For the first time in my career, I’ve been part of a project right from its inception. About eight years ago, my friend Ted Chapin invited me to create a night dedicated to Bobby Darin’s music at the 92nd Street Y. Since then, we’ve been nurturing this show together. Therefore, being nominated for this and the show itself, receiving six nominations after working on it for eight long years, is an unprecedented feeling that I’ve never encountered before.
Following “Merrily We Roll Along,” what prompted you to head back to Broadway immediately rather than enjoying some leisure time or concentrating more on cinematic or television projects?
(Laughs.) The theater holds a special place in my heart, and I must confess, I adore it deeply. I’ve been trying to bring the Bobby Darin musical to life for years, and I never thought the timing would be just right. But there was an undeniable energy, momentum, and spirit surrounding Bobby Darin that made it feel like the perfect moment. Incredibly, the day after our last conversation at the Tonys, our team – the producers, director, choreographer, music supervisor – visited Circle in the Square for a site visit for the show. It all just fell into place unexpectedly, without any deliberate planning or scheduling on my part.
Can you share what you enjoy about portraying a character who existed in real life, and in what ways does this differ from other roles you’ve taken on?
Over the past eight years, I’ve developed an incredibly deep appreciation for Bobby Darin. Known for his Oscar nominations, Grammy wins, songwriting prowess, and production skills, he truly shone when performing live in nightclubs, engaging with the audience. Therefore, while researching him and planning the show, it was crucial to capture that unique energy and magic between performer and crowd, a essence that thrived when Bobby was at venues like the Copa. This is why our production concept transforms Circle in the Square into a nightclub setting, with tables on the floor level so you can almost reach out and touch the performers – replicating the intimate experience Bobby had with his audience at the Copa.
Furthermore, I choose to kick off the performance by appearing as myself, thus forging an immediate connection with the audience in the current moment. This shared experience creates a sense of unity, allowing us all to journey collectively through time and relive the story of Bobby Darin. Yet, it’s crucial to maintain that unseen bond between performer and spectator throughout the performance, keeping everyone on edge with the understanding that anything can happen spontaneously during each performance, making every night unique. Therefore, embodying Bobby Darin, that vibrant energy became the most vital aspect to infuse into the theater atmosphere spiritually.
Besides taking piano classes, he was incredibly versatile as an artist, mastering seven different instruments during a performance. I’ve attempted to portray him not only by playing the piano and drums but also by physically emulating him, collaborating with writers Warren Leight and Isaac Oliver. His life is rich with stories, enough for an entire TV series. The numerous books written about him attest to the complexity of his life. My goal was to condense his story into its most crucial moments, in order to truly acknowledge and commemorate who he was.
In the opening of the show, you shared that you’re none other than Jonathan Groff, and then you transformed into Bobby Darin. I’m curious, who came up with this brilliant idea, and in your opinion, what does it add to the overall production?
Absolutely, from the outset, I had proposed the concept of narrating Bobby Darin’s life story live on stage. It seemed fitting since that was where Darin thrived, at the pinnacle of his career. That’s where his tale should be told. Removing the initial layer of character and forging a bond between performer and audience was crucial to truly appreciate the impact he made when performing. I desired to commence the show as myself, and we spent years deliberating on how to execute this idea effectively. It wasn’t until our co-writer Isaac Oliver joined us that things began to fall into place. After all, it’s one thing for me to be myself at the start, but someone needed to script it.
Given your frequent dancing, which takes a great deal of energy, how have you been getting ready for such activities? Moreover, does it still present a challenge to you now?
For 10 weeks prior to the initial rehearsal, Shannon Lewis, an outstanding choreographer, collaborated with me three times per week. Our sessions took place in the studio where she instructed me on her unique physical warm-up routine, which lasts approximately 30 minutes and I still follow daily before performances. This prepares my body for the challenging role, much like preparing for a marathon physically. As a result, I’ve gained significant insights into my body and am currently in the best shape of my life. (Chuckles.). Furthermore, it is essential to maintain a daily routine of checking in with my body to understand its condition. In this process, I’ve developed quite a rapport with our theater’s physical therapist who assists me with any issues or minor injuries that may arise. Essentially, it’s similar to being an athlete – self-care is crucial. Over the past two months, I’ve come to realize that cross-training is essential for my wellbeing. Earlier today, I visited the gym to engage in light weightlifting exercises as a counterbalance to the repetitive movements I perform each night during our dance performances. This discipline requires dedication.
As a dedicated fan, I’m curious about why you chose to bring up the possibility of audience members getting sprayed with saliva during the show. Can you share some insight into that decision?
Absolutely! (Laughs heartily) Isaac, my fellow author, truly nailed it with that character. It’s such a unique and entertaining experience to see myself portrayed in this manner. (Laughs again) He really helped bring out the best of me, both in terms of humor and self-awareness.
He contributed significantly to the show, as did Warren, who enriched it in countless ways. However, one thing that Isaac excelled at was capturing my essence, essentially poking fun at me while simultaneously defining who I am. I’m incredibly thankful for the way he wrote my character. That’s all his genius at work!
Have internet users pointed out that you sometimes spit while singing? How do you feel about the attention this detail has received?
It’s amusing to reflect on how the habit of spitting during performances started for me, way back with “Spring Awakening”. People would question if I would spit on their programs after the show, since I had done so on stage. Then, years later, when the Disney+ version of “Hamilton” was released and I was playing King George, my on-stage drooling became a topic of conversation. More recently, during “Merrily”, Dan [Radcliffe] and Lindsay [Mendez] and I shared many laughs about it during our press tour. At this point, I can’t do much to stop it, but I’m just going with the flow. Luckily, all of the actors I’ve worked with are understanding and patient about my habit, and they don’t make me feel too self-conscious about it.
What’s been your most memorable dance and crowd member interaction so far?
That’s an intriguing query! What makes it so captivating is discovering that our audience is quite diverse, spanning generations from 8 to 80 years old. Interestingly, they both seem to relish the performance equally. In one of the recent performances, there was this adorable eight-year-old girl sitting in the front row who initially looked a bit apprehensive. I tried to put her at ease by winking and smiling at her throughout the show. At first, she seemed a bit scared or nervous, but I hoped to make her feel more comfortable. Towards the end, I extended my hand to invite her to dance, and her face lit up like a bulb! She looked so thrilled and took my hand, spinning around joyfully. It was a heartwarming moment that almost brought tears to my eyes. So cute!
In my fangirl moments, have I noticed any shared traits or experiences between us and Bobby that made it easier for me to empathize and relate to him?
At the heart of my performance, during the climax of our final song titled “The Curtain Falls,” a piece he used to conclude his act at the end of his career, I express, “This is where I find life.” In all honesty, I echo his sentiment by saying, “(laughs) Yeah, me too!” The connection I feel during these moments is profound. It’s the shared primal passion for performing, for sharing this magical experience with my fellow artists on stage, the cast and the band, and most importantly, with our audience that resonates deeply within me. This love for what I do is something I hold dear and share a strong bond with him. It’s one of my greatest joys in life.
In addition to being nominated this year, you’re also up for an award in the same category as your ex-colleague from Glee, Darren Criss. How does it feel for you both to be recognized with Tony nominations together?
It’s truly amazing how far he’s come. His debut was simply unbelievable, introducing such a unique, invigorating talent. Now, watching him excel in numerous Broadway shows like “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and “Maybe Happy Ending” is just breathtaking. Sharing these journeys with our peers over time is a rare privilege, as we get to witness each other’s growth. Lea Michele graced the opening night, and even brought her four-year-old son a fortnight later, who sat wide-eyed on the aisle, beaming with joy. Experiencing life together and sharing these memorable moments with friends is truly exceptional.
Reflecting on your time with Glee, it seems the series played a significant role in increasing people’s knowledge about theater and making it more approachable for those who might not be able to attend Broadway shows in New York. Has this been your experience as well, or have you encountered fans of Glee who discovered their interest in musical theater thanks to the show?
Absolutely! Incredibly exciting, isn’t it? Gracie Lawrence, our Tony-nominated actress portraying Connie Francis in the show, is an exceptional talent, and she shared with me during rehearsals that she was amazed to find herself performing a Broadway musical alongside me. You see, she used to watch me on “Glee” after school, and now we’re sharing duets on the same Broadway stage! It’s quite remarkable how our paths have crossed in this way. In essence, here we are, former “Glee” fans who have become co-stars in a Broadway musical together. Simply amazing!
As we approach the 20-year milestone of Spring Awakening, I’ve been thinking about my journey since then. If I could talk to my younger self now, I’d share insights from this amazing experience: “Keep pushing forward, trust in your talent and never give up on your dreams. The road may be long, but the rewards will be worth it.
I shared that experience when I was 20, and if asked for advice now, I’d say he should pursue his passions, the things that really excite him. When you’re fully invested in those, whether it leads to success or not, doesn’t matter much. Over the years, I’ve encountered both ups and downs, but when I focus on what ignites my enthusiasm, personally, without worrying about others’ opinions, that’s when I feel the most content. This is how I feel ‘Just in Time’, a song by Bobby Darin, whom I admire deeply. Being immersed in his music and life brings me immense joy.
Just in Time is playing at the Circle in the Square Theatre.
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2025-05-17 16:56