Matthew Morrison, known for his portrayal of Will Schuester in the iconic television series “Glee,” is embracing a new chapter as he takes on the role of musical legend Bobby Darin in Broadway’s production of “Just In Time.” This limited run will see Morrison step into the spotlight for three weeks in April, and he notes that this transition has revived his connection to his “Glee” roots.
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In a recent conversation with PEOPLE, Morrison reflected on how fan interactions through Cameo, a platform that allows celebrities to create personalised video messages, have brought him back to the world of “Glee.” After the show concluded in 2015, he felt a disconnect from his character, leaving behind a fond but distant memory. However, requests from fans for his performances of classics such as “Thong Song” and “Tell Me Something Good” ignited a renewed sense of nostalgia and enthusiasm.
Morrison, now 47, shared how these viral videos have played a pivotal role in rekindling his connection with “Glee.” He expressed, “I feel like I’ve been so removed from it for so long. Then I just started doing these Cameo things that have kind of gone a little crazy and viral.” The overwhelming fan response led him to incorporate the most requested songs into his own one-man show titled “Show Up,” where audience members frequently cheer for those throwback hits.
The actor’s foray into Broadway comes at a time when several of his former “Glee” castmates are also making waves on the stage. Lea Michele is currently starring in “Chess,” while Kevin McHale is featured in “The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee.” The talent and camaraderie from their days on set continue to resonate in the theatre world, with a sense of friendly competition and support amongst the cast.
Morrison’s upcoming role as Bobby Darin marks a significant career transition, taking over from Jonathan Groff, who has set a high standard during his tenure in the role. When asked if he had received any guidance from Groff, Morrison remarked, “No, and I love that.” He revealed that while stepping into the shoes of another actor can be challenging, he aims to maintain the same level of joy and kindness that Groff embodied in the performance.
“Replacing anyone is tricky, but Jonathan set the bar so incredibly high in the best way,” Morrison explained. His commitment is to honour Groff’s energy while bringing his own interpretation to the character, highlighting the importance of authenticity as he prepares for this new challenge.
Despite his busy rehearsal schedule, Morrison has been making an effort to catch up with his past co-stars’ performances on Broadway. He mentioned attending Michele’s show, stating, “I saw Chess with Michele the other day. I’m trying to sneak in all the shows that I can.” His enthusiasm for their projects underscores the strong bonds formed during their years together on “Glee.”
As Morrison gears up for this exciting new venture, he’ll be headlining “Just In Time” from now until 19 April. His enthusiasm for the stage is palpable, and with a solid understanding of the impact that their collective past has had on their current journeys, there’s an evident sense of community among the former cast members.
In summary, as Matthew Morrison steps back into the world of musical theatre, he carries with him the legacy of “Glee” while looking forward to making his mark as Bobby Darin. This fusion of nostalgia and fresh ambition showcases not only his versatility as a performer but also the enduring connections forged during his time on the beloved television series. It is an exciting time for Morrison, his castmates, and the fans eagerly awaiting their Broadway performances.