Broadway has long been home to high notes, heartbreak, and high drama — but this time, Jonathan Groff reminded us that it’s also a place where you just might catch a leading man stripping down to blue swim trunks before your first coffee.
Groff, the 40-year-old Broadway heartthrob with a Tony nomination and a cult queer following that rivals any pop diva’s, brought a little heat to a chilly New York morning on Good Morning America. Performing “Splish Splash” from the new musical Just in Time, Groff delivered charm, choreography, and a whole lot of chest in a scene that gay Twitter will undoubtedly be replaying on loop until Tony night.
The musical, in which Groff plays the legendary Bobby Darin, has already become a must-see. Described as an intimate nightclub experience, the show explores Darin’s rise to stardom, his brushes with fame, and the turbulent moments in between. And yes — if you were wondering — it includes bathtub antics and a Speedo that deserves its own billing in the Playbill.
During the GMA performance, Groff began in a classic suit and tie, crooning with effortless charisma. But in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it quick-change moment, he slipped into something more… aquatic. “Splish Splash” suddenly transformed into a Broadway thirst trap with a vintage twist.
This is musical theatre with an extra side of eye candy, and nobody’s complaining.
It’s not the first time Groff has made waves — from Spring Awakening to Hamilton to Mindhunter and Frozen, he’s carved out a unique space in pop culture. But Just in Time might be his most unapologetically queer-adjacent performance yet — not because it’s explicitly about sexuality, but because it celebrates theatricality, vulnerability, and showbiz razzle-dazzle with a wink and a flex.
RELATED: Jonathan Groff Opens Up About His Asexual Past
The gay gaze was alive and well during the number, and the internet took notice. Reactions ranged from “bless the costume designer” to “I’ve never wanted to be a bath faucet more in my life.” Same.
As we count down the days to the Tony Awards, where Groff is up for his third nomination, one thing is clear: the man can sing, act, strip, and splash — often all in the same number. Broadway’s always been about razzle-dazzle, but Just in Time and its leading man are making sure there’s a little razzle-thirst, too.
Watch the full GMA performance below. And maybe grab a towel.