Jonathan Groff’s Final Bow in JUST IN TIME | Ryan Reynolds $25K Auction & Farewell Speeches

March 29, 2026 — An emotional and "wildly unhinged" night at the Circle in the Square as Tony winner Jonathan Groff takes his final bow as Bobby Darin in Just in Time. The evening reached a peak during the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS post-show auction. Conducted by Emily Bergl, the auction for Jonathan’s iconic "Mack the Knife" hat turned into a celebrity showdown when Ryan Reynolds (seated with Blake Lively) entered the fray. After some playful banter and a memorable on-stage spanking (yes, really), Reynolds secured the hat with a massive $25,000 donation. Highlights of the Night: • The Final Performance: Heartfelt final turns from Sarah Hyland and Michele Pawk alongside Groff. • The Auction: Ryan Reynolds bidding $25k for the "Mack the Knife" hat, complete with high kicks and Groff’s signature humor. The $25k bid is one of the highest single-item donations for a prop in recent BCEFA history. • The Speeches: Producers Tom Kirdahy and director Alex Timbers take the stage to reflect on the show’s journey and Jonathan's "ascendance to full musical stardom." Alex Timbers emphasized that Jonathan didn't just play Bobby Darin; he "channeled the era," making the immersive Circle in the Square feel like a 1960s nightclub every single night. • The Transition: A look at the final moments before Matthew Morrison and Jeremy Jordan take over the role. While Jonathan, Sarah, and Michele had their final bows, the show continues with Matthew Morrison stepping in as Bobby Darin starting April 1st, followed by Jeremy Jordan later in the month.