Jonathan Groff Has Ended His Run as Broadway’s Bobby Darin with a Fundraiser, and a Surprise Bidder Donated to His Cause
Jonathan Groff saw off his successful Broadway run with a sensational performance, but a certain audience member almost stole the show with his generosity.
The Glee and Hamilton triple threat had just finished his run as the lead in Just in Time, a jukebox musical based on the life and times of Bobby Darin, the musical legend with a painful family history. After a well deserved standing ovation, he took to the stage once more to discuss the charity Broadway Cares/Equity Fights.
The charity was established in the midst of the AIDS crisis and supports those affected by HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. They also have deep links to the New York entertainment scene, and within minutes an enthusiastic crowd was donating in droves. Yet, things were about to take an even bigger turn for the wholesome when Groff let the audience know they were in for something special.
“Because this was the final performance I’m ever gonna do as Bobby Darin, on broadway…this is the hat I wore tonight during Mack the Night…I’m gonna sign and date it to whoever is the highest bidder…in a live auction at this very moment.”
The first bid was for $2,500, but after some high offers and higher kicks, a new contender emerged with a bid of $ 15,000: Ryan Reynolds.
The Deadpool star and Welsh soccer club owner quickly saw his bid rise to $20,000, aided by an enthusiastic host named Mary, who Groff had earlier introduced. Quickly, Reynolds was pushed to $25,000 as the departing star of the show was jokingly spanked by his co-cast (only on Broadway). After the rest of the audience were given the opportunity to throw their hat in the ring and declined, Groff headed into the audience and delivered the spoils to Reynolds himself, before the pair shared a hug, making for a wonderful end to a spectacular run.
Groff will be replaced as Darin by Tony nominee Jeremy Jordan after a brief run from Groff’s Glee co-star, Matthew Morrison.
(featured image: Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
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