Matthew Morrison, the former star of the hit series Glee, is making a triumphant return to Broadway with his role in the musical *Just in Time*. This comes after the departure of Jonathan Groff, a fellow Glee alumnus, who was previously in the lead role. On March 30, Morrison attended the opening night of *Dog Day Afternoon*, where he shared his desire to star alongside one of his former co-stars from Glee in a theatrical production.
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During a chat on the red carpet, Morrison, 47, expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with Jane Lynch, who famously portrayed Sue Sylvester, Will Schuester’s rival on Glee. Their on-screen rivalry was overshadowed by a strong friendship off-screen. “She’s one of my favourite people, and we just have a great friendship,” he told *PEOPLE*. He highlighted Lynch’s extensive Broadway experience, citing their shared passion for theatre. “I would love to make that happen,” he added, hinting at the excitement of potentially working together again.
Lynch, now 65, has an impressive Broadway pedigree, having made her debut in 2012 as Miss Hannigan in *Annie*. More recently, in 2022, she performed alongside another Glee star, Lea Michele, in the revival of *Funny Girl*, portraying Fanny Brice’s mother. Lynch has previously remarked on the joy she finds in live performances, stating that it allows her to be part of a collective effort, transcending individual identities for the show’s success. “It’s the actor’s life for me, man. I love being on stage,” she stated in a recent interview.
Since the conclusion of Glee in 2015, Morrison and Lynch have reunited on a few occasions. After the series ended, Lynch supported Morrison in his Broadway performance as J.M. Barrie in *Finding Neverland*. Reflecting on their time together, Morrison appreciated Lynch’s sense of humour, recalling moments on set when her antics made it difficult for him to keep a straight face. “I did laugh all the time,” he shared in a podcast hosted by fellow Glee cast members Jenna Ushkowitz and Kevin McHale. “She was a godsend.” Their relationship, filled with fond memories, has remained strong, even if their communication has diminished over the years.
Morrison’s recent foray into *Just in Time* marks a significant return to the Broadway stage. He initially debuted in the 1998 production of *Footloose*, and has since held roles in notable shows including *Hairspray* and *South Pacific*. His Tony-nominated performance in *The Light in the Piazza* in 2005 remains a highlight of his career.
The cast of *Just in Time* is thrilled to welcome Morrison back to the Broadway theatre scene. Isaac Oliver, co-book writer of the production, expressed excitement about the addition of Morrison to the cast. He stated that the show is designed to accommodate talented performers like Morrison, allowing for a tailored experience that aligns with his unique skills and journey. “I’m thrilled to get back in there and tailor the material so it’s personal to Matthew Morrison,” Oliver remarked.
Morrison’s role in *Just in Time* continues until April 19, marking not only his personal return to Broadway but also an opportunity to showcase the depth and versatility he brings to his performances.
As he embarks on this new chapter in a storied career, the prospect of a potential collaboration with Jane Lynch on stage remains a tantalising one for fans of both actors and the musical theatre community alike. While there is no official news regarding such a project, the mutual admiration expressed by Morrison and Lynch suggests that the future holds exciting possibilities in the realm of theatre.
With the theatre’s vibrant landscape ever-evolving, audience members and critics alike will be eager to see how Morrison brings his talents to *Just in Time* and if a stage reunion with Lynch may come to fruition.