“Just In Time,” a biographical jukebox musical about the performer Bobby Darin, has recouped its entire production cost. The show, which earned a Tony nomination and plenty of raves for star Jonathan Groff, was capitalized at $12.5 million.
“Just In Time” is the first musical of the 2024-2025 season to achieve profitability, an increasingly rare accomplishment these days. Only four other musicals to open since the pandemic, “MJ,” “Six,” “& Juliet,” and “The Outsiders,” have managed to recoup.
“Just In Time” garnered mixed reviews and failed to earn a Tony nomination for best musical. It was nominated in six other categories but went home with zero awards. Groff, a Broadway favorite from “Merrily We Roll Along,” “Hamilton” and “Spring Awakening,” originated the role of Darin, and he was key in the show’s popularity. During his final week (Groff departed in March), “Just In Time” reached its highest gross of more than $2 million.
Developed and directed by Alex Timbers, “Just In Time” began performances at Broadway’s Circle in the Square Theatre on March 31 ahead of opening night on April 26. The venue, in the basement of “Wicked,” was transformed into an intimate and immersive night club, complete with a live band and ensemble of 16 to perform Darin’s hits like “Splish Splash,” “Beyond the Sea,” “Mack the Knife” and “Dream Lover.” Darin began his career as a songwriter and rose to fame during the 1950s and ’60s. He died in 1973 at age 37 due to complications from open heart surgery. “Just in Time” is planning a North American tour, which will launch in June 2027.
