Jonathan Groff Eyes Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical

NEW YORK, NY — Jonathan Groff is currently in second place in Gold Derby‘s prediction for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He trails behind former ‘Glee’ co-star Darren Criss, who is noted for his role in ‘Maybe Happy Ending.’

Groff, who won last year for his performance in ‘Merrily We Roll Along,’ could make history if he triumphs again this year. He would be the first actor to win this category consecutively. However, Groff may face challenges as his show, ‘Just in Time,’ did not receive a nomination for Best Musical.

The last actor to win the Best Actor award without their show being nominated for Best Musical or Best Revival was Barry Bostwick in 1977 for ‘The Robber Bridegroom.’ Despite missing the musical nom, ‘Just in Time’ earned six nominations in total, including a surprise nomination for Gracie Lawrence in Best Featured Actress.

One significant advantage for Groff could be that he plays real-life musician Bobby Darin. Historically, roles based on real musicians have captivated Tony voters. Notable past winners include John Lloyd Young for Frankie Valli in ‘Jersey Boys,’ Levi Kreis for Jerry Lee Lewis in ‘Million Dollar Quartet,’ and Jessie Mueller for Carole King in ‘Beautiful.’

This year, the competition includes Jeremy Jordan in ‘Floyd Collins‘ in third place, Tom Francis in ‘Sunset Boulevard‘ in fourth, Andrew Durand in ‘Dead Outlaw‘ in fifth, and James Monroe Iglehart in ‘A Wonderful World‘ in sixth place.