Jonathan Groff and Broadway Cast Dazzle With Bobby Darin Tribute on Late Night TV
If you caught The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night, you probably noticed the stage felt more like a sizzling, old-school nightclub than a talk show set. Tony Award winner Jonathan Groff and his fellow cast members from Broadway’s Just in Time nailed Bobby Darin’s iconic ‘Beyond the Sea,’ leaving the crowd visibly energized and Colbert grinning with approval. This wasn’t just a routine promo stop—it was a taste of why Darin’s tunes still spark magic decades later.
The musical, currently at the Circle in the Square Theatre, isn’t your run-of-the-mill jukebox show. Developed by Alex Timbers—whose trophy case already glitters with Tonys—Just in Time puts the spotlight on what made Darin both a musical legend and a fierce fighter in the recording industry. Songs like ‘Splish Splash,’ ‘Mack the Knife,’ and ‘Dream Lover’ fill the air, but the show digs much deeper than a greatest-hits playlist. There’s a real pulse to the production, thanks to a live band on stage and bold choreography from Shannon Lewis that’s as tight as Darin’s own suits.
Groff, fresh from his Tony win, leads the ensemble with palpable energy. He’s backed by a remarkable cast, including Gracie Lawrence, Broadway veteran Michele Pawk, and Joe Barbara. Together, they don’t just recreate Darin’s songs—they capture the swagger, hope, and grit that fueled his rise. When they performed on Colbert, the chemistry was so strong you almost forgot you were watching late night TV and not peeking into a swanky 1960s NYC club.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the New Broadway Biomusical
So what sets Just in Time apart? It’s the creative powerhouse working behind the scenes. Warren Leight and Isaac Oliver, both Tony winners, shaped the script to highlight the personal struggles that ran alongside Darin’s public persona—the health fears, showbiz battles, and a restless drive to do more than just pack dance floors. Andrew Resnick’s music supervision keeps each song swinging, while the scenic and costume design from Derek McLane and Catherine Zuber (see those wall-to-wall Tonys) makes the whole thing shimmer with vintage cool without ever feeling stuck in the past.
Fans sitting just feet from the actors at Circle in the Square can expect more than just nostalgia. There’s an edge to Darin’s story—a kid stuck between worlds, always chasing the next big moment, and unwilling to play safe with the suits at major labels. Groff channels Darin’s hunger, but he’s never alone; the ensemble and band turn every show into a throwback bash where heartache and hope dance together.
The Colbert performance was a pitch-perfect showcase for all this. Groff, with his unstoppable charisma, sold every note of ‘Beyond the Sea.’ Backed by powerhouse vocals and crisp moves from the cast, the number was a shot of what makes live theater feel alive and urgent—even through a TV screen. The show’s creative team has found a sweet spot where classic music, storytelling muscle, and a knockout cast come together, reminding everyone why Darin’s legacy lasts, and why Just in Time keeps packing in crowds on Broadway.
