Just In Time
Playbill: Just In Time
Overall Grade: A-
Just In Time opens with Jonathan Groff breaking the fourth wall, immediately grounding the audience in the world of the show with a few wry nods—his signature stage spit, the fact that we’re sitting “below Wicked,” and a few hints at how the night will unfold. It’s casual, meta, and instantly engaging.
The production leans into a nightclub atmosphere, and for a story about a passionate, time-strapped artist fighting to make his mark, it’s the perfect backdrop. No set changes, no elaborate visuals—just light, shadow, music, and character. And honestly, nothing more is needed.
Groff is remarkable here. On stage nearly the entire time, engaging directly with the audience, moving fluidly through the space, and capturing the full emotional arc of a complex character. His performance is nuanced and layered—charismatic and vibrant—and absolutely deserving of his Tony nomination. If anything, it feels like he didn’t get quite enough recognition.
Also noteworthy is Michele Pawk as Polly Walden, Bobby’s ever-present, ever-caring sister. She plays the role with warmth and conviction—a woman equal parts proud, protective, and quietly worried. Her grounded presence is the perfect counterweight to Groff’s exuberant Bobby. Their dynamic is tender and complex, offering some of the show’s most sincere emotional moments.
The songs are all pulled from the catalog of Bobby Darin, though it’s integrated so smoothly you might not realize it right away. Some numbers feel like performances, others are embedded right into the storytelling, and together they create a seamless emotional arc. Like Tommy or American Idiot, the structure lets the music carry narrative weight without feeling like a jukebox. And it works.
All told, Just In Time is a night of stylish songwriting, heartfelt storytelling, and powerhouse performing. It’s intimate, smart, and emotionally resonant, delivered with a perfect balance of glance-back-to-Broadway glam and honest, close-up humanity. A beautiful showcase for Jonathan Groff, and a seriously enjoyable evening of theater.