Matthew Morrison Celebrates Broadway 'Homecoming' as He Begins Run in “Just In Time ”— See a First Look“ ”(Exclusive)

Meredith WilshereThu, April 2, 2026 at 2:45 PM UTC

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Matthew Morrison in 'Just in Time' on BroadwayCredit: Matthew Murphy -

Matthew Morrison has returned to Broadway after a decade to play Bobby Darin in Just In Time for a limited run

Speaking with PEOPLE, Morrison reflects on his time away from the stage, saying it brought him more gratitude and less ego

The actor takes over the role from Jonathan Groff, and says he aims to honor his performance while bringing his own perspective

Matthew Morrison belongs on the stage.

The Emmy and Tony Award-nominated actor, 47, has returned to Broadway after a decade away, stepping into the role of legendary singer Bobby Darin in Just in Time, the hit musical that focuses on the "Beyond the Sea" and "Mack the Knife" singer's life and career.

PEOPLE was at Morrison's milestone first performance on Wednesday, April 1. The Glee star brought the Circle in the Square Theatre in New York City to its feet, the audience giving the high energy Morrison exuded throughout his performance right back to him.

From his crisp, commanding vocals to his easy, magnetic charm, Morrison moved seamlessly through Darin’s catalog, balancing showmanship with quieter, more introspective moments that revealed the man behind the music. His physicality onstage — equal parts swagger and control — kept the show locked in, while his clear affection for the material added an emotional undercurrent that elevated the performance beyond pure tribute.

Matthew Morrison in 'Just in Time' on BroadwayCredit: Matthew Murphy

It was an electric evening overall, and a deserved welcome back to the stage for Morrison.

That energy is evident in the first production photos of Morrison in Just in Time, too, which PEOPLE can also premiere. In the pics, the actor is captured mid-performance, fully channeling Darin’s signature charm — sharp-suited, microphone in hand and radiating confidence under the lights.

Speaking to PEOPLE before his first performance, Morrison says the experience feels like "such a homecoming for me."

Reflecting on his time away, he explains that his absence changed his relationship to the work. "I feel like just there's so much more gratitude and a lot less ego," Morrison says. "And yes, there are nerves, but they're the good kind, the kind that reminds you that you're alive and how I'm about to share something real with people. That feels really empowering."

Matthew Morrison in 'Just in Time' on BroadwayCredit: Matthew Murphy

The last time Morrison was on Broadway was from 2015 to 2016 in Finding Neverland, when he played Peter Pan creator J.M. Barrie.

He made his Broadway debut in Footloose before breaking out as a leading man by originating the role of Link Larkin in Hairspray. Morrison then earned his Tony nomination for The Light in the Piazza and later starred in the revival of South Pacific at Lincoln Center Theater.

Circle in the Square is a familiar theatre for Morrison, too. He was last in the building over 20 years ago, in the revival of The Rocky Horror Show.

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Isa Briones and Matthew Morrison in 'Just in Time' on BroadwayCredit: Matthew Murphy

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Morrison is starring in Just in Time for three weeks. The Pitt's Isa Briones and Tony and Grammy Award winner Debbie Gravitte have also joined the cast.

Just In Time, which was conceived and directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, is a "beautifully built show," Morrison says.

"You can feel the care that went into it, and I'm stepping into something that's already been created with that much heart," he tells PEOPLE. "It's less about reinventing it and more about joining the beautiful conversation that's already happening."

Matthew Morrison in 'Just in Time' on BroadwayCredit: Matthew Murphy

The actor takes over the role from fellow Glee alum Jonathan Groff, who originated the role and received a Tony nomination for his performance. "It's such a great part, and Jonathan just really put his stamp on it," Morrison says. "I'm excited to take the reins with love and grace and gratitude for him."

While Groff didn't give Morrison any advice for the role, Morrison says the real advice is "what Jonathan put into the show."

"He put the work in. Replacing anyone is tricky, but Jonathan set the bar so incredibly high in the best way," Morrison says. "From everything that I've seen, he leads with so much kindness and joy in that building. My goal is to honor that energy and bring my own truth to it."

And though Morrison has had plenty of experience on the boards, he tells PEOPLE this he's taking a different approach this time by and is "actually enjoying not trying to be perfect in this process."

"I'm trying to be present, and that has been so freeing for me. That is something that I'm really looking forward to doing in a way that is not trying to impress anyone, be there for me and have fun," Morrison shares.

"The past has always been so career-driven," he continues. "Even when I'm in a project, it's always like, 'Okay, what's next? What's next? What's next?' I felt like I was never really there and present because you're always, like, just thinking about the next thing."

Morrison will be on Just In Time from April 1 to April 19. Jeremy Jordan is stepping into Darin's shoes after Morrison's turn, beginning an open run of performances on April 21.

Tickets for Just In Time are on sale now.

on People

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