Latest news with #Groff
USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Jonathan Groff opens up about death, Bobby Darin and why he's done with birthday wishes
Jonathan Groff opens up about death, Bobby Darin and why he's done with birthday wishes Show Caption Hide Caption Jonathan Groff cried when Lea Michele's son saw 'Just in Time' Jonathan Groff explains to USA TODAY's Ralphie Aversa why he cried when Lea Michele's son came to see "Just in Time," a musical about Bobby Darin. NEW YORK — In Broadway bio-musical "Just in Time," Jonathan Groff is a-splishin' and a-splashin' eight shows a week as chameleonic crooner Bobby Darin. And frankly, you couldn't ask for a better steward of his legacy. On a recent Zoom call from his dressing room, where he keeps a picture of Darin and Liza Minnelli, the affable actor lights up as he expounds on his favorite deep cuts ("I Am") and performances ("The Judy Garland Show") from the "Beyond the Sea" heartthrob. "Wow, I'm really nerding out right now," Groff says, grinning. "He was such a special performer. I mean, Lucille Ball used to play canasta with her sister and put 'Darin at the Copa' on repeat. There's a video of him singing 'If I Were a Carpenter' with Stevie Wonder on YouTube, and they're going back and forth. He could hold his own with every great entertainer." Groff, 40, is Tony-nominated once again this season for best leading actor in a musical, after winning the award last year for Maria Friedman's heart-rending revival of Stephen Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along." "Just in Time" is similarly emotional as it recounts the too-short career of Darin who, after a lifetime of health issues, died of heart failure in 1973 at only 37. But the musical is also an infectious showcase of Groff's megawatt charm. He conceived of the production eight years ago with director Alex Timbers and producer Ted Chapin. It's performed in the round at the intimate Circle in the Square Theatre, which has been transformed into a swank nightclub with two separate stages and table seating. Groff begins the show as himself, chatting and dancing with theatergoers as he steps back in time to tell Darin's story. "The cabaret tables, and me starting as myself, isn't just a gimmick," Groff says. "It feels like an essential way to celebrate the energy and spirit of who he was as a performer." Groff is beloved by Broadway fans from "Hamilton" and "Spring Awakening," although this is his first time developing a musical from the ground floor. "Jonathan has thought about the show in its totality – his performance, but also the writing and design and choreography," Timbers says. "He's a storyteller that cares about how every element contributes to the clarity of the narrative." We spoke with Groff about "Just in Time," his career so far and what's next: Question: Bobby Darin covered many musical theater standards and always wanted to star on Broadway. How does it feel to get to realize that dream for him? Answer: It feels so special. His son, Dodd Darin, wrote me a beautiful letter saying, 'Thank you for keeping my dad's story alive.' Bobby Darin was so prolific and so ahead of his time. Before 'Cowboy Carter" was genre-swapping, he was gaining fame and then immediately genre-swapping. Even for me, I knew 'Splish Splash,' 'Mack the Knife' and 'If I Were a Carpenter.' But I didn't know they were all sung by the same person, or that he wrote 'Dream Lover' and 'Simple Song of Freedom.' So I feel really proud to be sharing his artistry with the world again in this way. There's a quote that's widely attributed to Bobby: "You only die once. You live lots of times if you know how." Looking at your own career, how do you feel that you've managed to shape-shift and evolve? Every new project feels like a different life. I feel so lucky that last year, I was doing 'Merrily We Roll Along,' which was a huge dream. Meanwhile, we had been trying to make the Bobby Darin show for eight years, and we did this final gesture of a workshop while we were doing 'Merrily.' The gift of being able to come right back to Broadway in such extremely different projects has felt like living two lifetimes. I've always dreamt of being on Broadway ever since I was a kid, so to have as many creative experiences as I've had in my last 20 years of being an actor, I really feel deep gratitude. And what has stayed the same? When you think back to the little boy in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who dressed up as Dorothy in his dad's barn, what has been the through line ever since? Isaac Oliver wrote me this line where I get to say, 'I was twirling in my mother's heels in Amish Country, Pennsylvania.' A thing that has changed is 20 years ago, it was a lot of closeted men playing straight on Broadway. But at the top of this musical, I really get to own who I am as a gay guy. I get to declare exactly who I am, and then take them on the journey of this playboy crooner, who in many ways, was the polar opposite of me. I'm just incredibly grateful to live in a time where I can own that shift live in front of the audience. The thing that's stayed the same is that every show is like the middle-school play or performing in my dad's barn. This is why I relate the most to theater and why I always go back. There's something primal about the lights going down in a space, and there's an audience and the performers on stage and the simplicity of telling a story. It's just my favorite thing in the world. Was there a moment that really put time into perspective for you, or showed you how valuable life is? My grandfather died on my 10th birthday. I remember the night before that, we had a birthday party and the whole family came over; all the grandparents and cousins were there. I got VHS tapes of 'I Love Lucy,' because I was obsessed with 'I Love Lucy.' I blew my candles out, went into the living room, and just sat in front of the TV watching these episodes on repeat. The next day, we got the call that my grandfather died, and my 10-year-old self was wracked with guilt and regret about the fact that I didn't even say goodbye to him when he left. I was so glued to 'I Love Lucy.' I then became really superstitious about saying goodbye to my dad whenever he would leave to go to work. I would stand in the window and wave as the truck went away in the distance. But that was the first time death really landed for me. I remember seeing him in his coffin and comprehending at 10 that he's not going to wake up. So what do you hope this next decade looks like for you? I turned 40 this year, and I had a revelation when I was blowing out my birthday candles: No more wishes, just thank you. Even with the marathon that is opening a Broadway show and then doing a Tony campaign, I don't feel worried like I used to. By the time you're 40, you've sort of learned who you are and what you need. I've found my tribe of people that I love, which makes the whole experience less stressful. Back in 2007, you said you were so happy doing "Spring Awakening" that you couldn't imagine leaving it. Is it rare to find projects that give you that feeling? I remember the week of doing my huge, epic fight scene with Keanu Reeves in 'The Matrix Resurrections.' I had been training for so long, and we shot it over the course of five days. But I remember standing in the shower in Berlin on a Tuesday, like, 'OK, by the time I get to Friday, I will have done it. I will have fought Neo. I can breathe and relax and go out to these clubs.' And then I remember thinking, 'No, Groff, don't wish this time away! Try and enjoy the stress and intensity of this moment. Don't just fast forward to Friday – that's not a way I want to live.' So there are jobs where the end will come and I'll feel a sense of relief. Not with "Just in Time." I love it so much. I can't even think about leaving right now; I'm dangerously into it. My friend came to see the show last night and he was like, 'Jonathan, I just have this feeling you're so happy up there, that whenever you leave this, there's going to be some postpartum.' I thought that was going to happen with 'Merrily' and it didn't, because we had a real, complete experience. So maybe when I get to the end of this, it'll feel like a complete experience and I'll be ready to let go. But right now, I'm Gollum. "Just in Time" is now playing at the Circle in the Square Theatre (235 W. 50th Street) through Jan. 11, 2026.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Étoile' Star Gideon Glick Launches LGBTQ+ Not-for-Profit Theater Initiative Blue Roses Project With Jonathan Groff Joining Board of Directors (EXCLUSIVE)
'Étoile' star Gideon Glick and producer-director James Will McBride are launching the Blue Roses Project, a not-for-profit theater initiative featuring Tony award-winning Jonathan Groff ('Merrily We Roll Along') on the board of directors, Variety can exclusively reveal. The Blue Roses Project aims to connect local New Orleans artists with theater professionals across the U.S., providing a rare opportunity for queer playwrights to create authentic, contemporary plays. More from Variety 'Just in Time' Review: Jonathan Groff Plays Bobby Darin in a Lackluster Bio-Jukebox on Broadway Nicole Scherzinger and Jonathan Groff Bond Over NSFW Banter, Performing Sick on Broadway and 'Patti F--ing LuPone' Karan Soni and Jonathan Groff Rom-Com 'A Nice Indian Boy' Gets Theatrical Release by Blue Harbor (EXCLUSIVE) 'Blue Roses Project is vital because it provides a safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ voices to create, explore, and share stories at a time when queer narratives are increasingly under threat,' Blue Roses Project founder Glick said in a statement. 'By uplifting underrepresented voices, Blue Roses Project fosters empathy, builds community, and ensures that queer stories remain visible and celebrated.' In addition to Groff's involvement, the board of directors includes Tony award-winning actress Celia Keenan-Bolger, 'Dear White People' co-showrunner and writer Jaclyn Moore, 'A Strange Loop' producer Dale A. Mott, Apollo Theater director Kelley Nicole Girod, Broadway publicist Shane Marshall Brown and Not-For-Profit CEO and consultant David Emond. In a statement, Groff said: 'I'm honored to be a part of a project so dedicated to fulfilling a crucial need in our theatre community. Blue Roses Project provides resources so playwrights' imaginations can flourish in a place with a rich cultural legacy.' The initiative comes at a time of critical need with post-COVID budget crises and hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills being introduced across the country. Over the next year, the Blue Roses Project aims to host a 29-hour workshop, create relationships with local and nationally-renowned actors and collaborate with LGBTQ+ organizations in New Orleans. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Harrisburg woman allegedly using Snapchat during fatal hit and run that killed teen
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — A Harrisburg woman was allegedly on her phone when she fatally struck a teenage boy in a hit-and-run in Lancaster County last year, police say. Mikayla Mustard, 24, faces felony charges of homicide by vehicle and accidents involving death or personal injury. She also faces misdemeanor charges of involuntary manslaughter and recklessly endangering another person, along with summary charges, court records show. Prior coverage -> Teen killed in Lancaster County hit and run The criminal complaint filed Wednesday in Magisterial District Court Torrey Landis's Office details the investigation by Northern Lancaster County Regional Police. Officers found 16-year-old Curtis Groff dead in a cemetery along the 200 block of West Sun Hill Road in Penn Township on May 2, 2024, around 9:30 p.m. The complaint shows Groff had injuries that appeared to have come from being hit by a vehicle. Police said they learned that Groff was weed-whacking when he was struck. No vehicle was at the scene, but police said there was evidence that Groff was struck like scrapes on the road, tire tracks through the grass, and debris from a vehicle. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The complaint states that Mustard later showed up at the scene after being driven by a relative, and she told police she might have hit a deer or rock, and drove back to Harrisburg after the crash. By looking at data from Mustard's phone, police said they saw she was using Snapchat right before and after the crash. The complaint shows Mustard sent Snapchats regarding blood on her vehicle and that she might go to jail if she hurt someone. Caregiver charged with assaulting, neglecting Lancaster County patient 'The driving actions of Mikayla Mustard were determined to be the primary cause of the collision,' the charging officer said in the complaint. 'Specifically, regarding driving actions, the defendant traveling westbound on West Sun Hill Road, Penn Township, while attempting to read a message she received, which caused her to leave her lane of travel and the roadway. The defendant's vehicle then struck Curtis Groff, who had been weed whacking the grass and standing off the roadway, causing his death.' Mustard is scheduled to be arraigned Friday morning, court records show. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
NYSP: Woman faces attempted murder charge for stabbing state troopers
BOLIVAR, N.Y (WETM) — One woman was arrested on several felonies on Saturday regarding a stabbing incident involving New York State troopers in the Village of Bolivar, according to New York State Police (NYSP). Julia C. Groff, 31, of Bolivar, was arrested on Saturday, May 17, on the following charges: Two counts of attempted murder in the first degree, a class A-2 felony. Two counts of aggravated assault upon a police officer, a class B felony. Two counts of menacing a police officer, a class C felony. Grand larceny in the fourth degree, a class E felony. Obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, a class A misdemeanor. Resisting arrest, a class A misdemeanor. Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, a class A misdemeanor. PREVIOUS STORY: NYSP: Woman stabs two troopers during traffic stop for stolen vehicle According to NYSP, Groff's charges stem from an incident on Saturday, May 17, around 3:25 p.m., when troopers from Amity State Police were called to Crosby's Gas Station for the report of a stolen 2000 black Chevy Silverado in the Village of Bolivar. Upon arrival at the scene, NYSP said troopers located the vehicle at a gas pump, troopers then approached the driver of the vehicle at the pump, later identified as Groff. State police further said that when the troopers tried to arrest Groff, she became violent and stabbed Trooper Jacob Klock right above the eye and Trooper Michael Rich in the head. Trooper Rich pulled out his gun and fired in response, but the shot did not hit Groff, NYSP explained. NYSP stated, both troopers are at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester with serious injuries and are receiving treatment. Groff sustained minor injuries during the incident, NYSP said. State Police said Groff had her charges read to her and is being held in the Allegany County Jail without bail. A hearing is scheduled to happen on Wednesday, May 21, at the Town of Bolivar Court, according to NYSP. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jonathan Groff would be the first person to win Best Actor in a Musical consecutively
Just in Time star Jonathan Groff in currently in second place in Gold Derby's Tony Awards predictions for Best Actor in a Musical, only behind fellow Glee alum Darren Criss for Maybe Happy Ending. The former triumphed for Merrily We Roll Along just last year, so if he prevails again, he'd be the first individual in history to win this category consecutively. Prior to Groff, five men were Tony nominated for Best Actor in a Musical two years in a row, but didn't emerge victorious: More from GoldDerby 'One of the best creative teams in the business': NBC orders Tracy Morgan, Daniel Radcliffe comedy from '30 Rock' producers 'The Office' spinoff 'The Paper' first look and premiere month revealed during NBC Upfront 'Wicked' live musical event with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande coming to NBC Gregory Hines in 1980 for Comin' Uptown and 1981 for Sophisticated Ladies George Hearn in 1983 for A Doll's Life and 1984 for La Cage aux Folles (the latter of which resulted in a win) Patrick Wilson in 2001 for The Full Monty and 2002 for Oklahoma! Michael Cerveris in 2006 for Sweeney Todd and 2007 for LoveMusik Brian d'Arcy James in 2023 for Into the Woods and 2024 for Days of Wine and Roses Groff may be at a disadvantage due to the fact that Just in Time missed out on a Best Musical nom. To this day, the last time someone managed to win this category despite their show not having a corresponding bid for Best Musical nor Best Revival was Barry Bostwick for The Robber Bridegroom way back in 1977. Although given how well Just in Time did by scoring six nominations overall (including Gracie Lawrence surprisingly showing up in Best Featured Actress in a Musical), it might've been close. One important factor that may give Groff a serious leg up over his competition is that he's playing real-life musician Bobby Darin. We've seen in the past how much those kind of roles have been catnip for Tony voters. In 2006, John Lloyd Young won for his portrayal of Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys. In 2010, Levi Kreis won for his portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet. In 2014, Jessie Mueller won for her portrayal of Carole King in Beautiful. In 2019, Stephanie J. Block won for her portrayal of Cher in The Cher Show. In 2021, Adrienne Warren won for her portrayal of Tina Turner in Tina. In 2022, Myles Frost won for his portrayal of Michael Jackson in MJ. In 2024, Maleah Joi Moon won for playing a fictionalized version of Alicia Keys in Hell's Kitchen. The rest of this year's Best Actor in a Musical lineup includes Jeremy Jordan in Floyd Collins (third place), Tom Francis in Sunset Boulevard (fourth place), Andrew Durand in Dead Outlaw (fifth place), and James Monroe Iglehart in A Wonderful World (sixth place). SIGN UP for Gold Derby's free newsletter with latest predictions Best of GoldDerby Sadie Sink on her character's 'emotional rage' in 'John Proctor Is the Villain' and her reaction to 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' 'It should be illegal how much fun I'm having': Lea Salonga on playing Mrs. Lovett and more in 'Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends' 'Death Becomes Her' star Jennifer Simard is ready to be a leading lady: 'I don't feel pressure, I feel joy' Click here to read the full article.
