Newark’s Connie Francis is Portrayed on Broadway in Bobby Darin Musical, ‘Just In Time’
Gracie Lawrence is Connie Francis
Jonathan Groff is Bobby Darin
It’s the 1960s. You’re at The Copa. Bobby Darin is doing what he was born to do. The Circle In The Square Theater is filled with swinging brass on songs that are part of our DNA (if you’re a certain age). When Gracie Lawrence—in her first Broadway role—sings “Who’s Sorry Now” as Connie Francis, you could see why Darin fell in love with her. But Connie’s dad refused for his daughter to take up with a show biz ruffian like Darin, even pulling out his gun at one point. The romance was short-lived. And Connie sorta disappears until the end. But Jonathan Groff is stunningly spectacular as Darin. The two share a lust to be on a stage.
But Darin knew his time was limited. His bum ticker was so bad that doctors told his parents he wouldn’t live past his teens. Darin overheard this doomsday scenario and lived his life and worked his career as if his hair was on fire. Profoundly talented, he wrote, arranged, produced, sang, acted and played guitar, drums and piano. And he made it all the way to 37. In dramatic fashion, though, there are moments when he’s singing as if his life depends on it (and it did), he clutches his chest, he stumbles and almost falls. And it happens numerous times.
His “Splish Splash” got him on the board in 1958 but he had a helluva time writing a follow-up. So he finally wrote “Queen Of The Hop.” Both rock’n’roll songs are given an over-the-top theatrical presentation to the point where you just want to dance. When he does the doo-wop bop of “Dream Lover,” the audience swoons are audible. But what can possibly prepare the Darin fan for “Beyond The Sea” or “Mack The Knife”? Here’s where the band really kicks it into gear and you feel every snare drum hit and every lush multiple-sax honk. But it’s Groff-as-Darin who is totally captivating.
(Advertisement) Story continues below…
The second act reveals the shocking secret of Darin’s family. It traumatizes the singer. He withdraws from the public eye. He divorces his actress wife, Sanda Dee (played with earnest tact by Erika Henningsen.) He throws away his wig and tuxedo. He starts singing folk songs. He lives in a trailer. He writes one of the greatest anti-war protest songs of all time, equal to anything even Dylan ever wrote. This production decides not to have Groff perform “Simple Song Of Freedom.” But they allude to it. They also allude to the fact that Darin put his energies into helping Bobby Kennedy get elected. When Kennedy is assassinated, Darin is crushed. Eventually, he takes his tux out of mothballs.
Back on stage at The Copa, he’s greater than ever. And his final song, as was Darin’s final song at every Copa gig, is the tear-inducing blockbuster “The Curtain Falls,“ an apt metaphor for his concert…and his life.