Broadway is welcoming back a versatile talent as Isa Briones joins the cast of the Bobby Darin biomusical Just in Time. The actress, widely recognized for her role as Dr. Trinity Santos in the series The Pitt, takes over the role of legendary 1950s and ’60s ballad singer Connie Francis.
Briones began her limited run on April 1, 2026, succeeding Sarah Hyland. The production, which is staged at the Circle in the Square Theatre in New York, traces the life and career of Bobby Darin featuring a live onstage band and hits such as “Mack the Knife” and “Beyond the Sea.”
This move marks a significant return to the Great White Way for Briones, who previously made her Broadway debut as Eurydice in Hadestown in March 2024. For an artist who frequently balances the demands of prestige television and live theater, stepping into the shoes of Connie Francis offers a unique opportunity to explore a specific era of vocal styling.
Balancing the Intensity of ‘The Pitt’ with Broadway Joy
For Briones, the transition from the high-stakes environment of The Pitt to the melodic world of Just in Time provides a necessary creative equilibrium. Briones noted that she was drawn to the role of Connie Francis specifically because it allows her to imitate the distinct vocal style of the mid-century era. She described the experience of returning to the stage, stating, “It’s nice to do something that really just feels like joy for two hours.”
The contrast is stark. while The Pitt involves serious content and a theatrical approach to shooting and rehearsing, the biomusical allows her to lean into the glamour and sentimentality of the 1950s. This versatility is a cornerstone of her career goal to continue moving fluidly between theater and television.
A Diverse Portfolio of Stage and Screen
While many know her from current television projects, Briones has a deep history in theater. Her credits include the First National Touring Company of Hamilton and Grease. She likewise appeared in the MCC Theater’s All Nighter off-Broadway and starred in East West Players’ Next to Normal, a performance that earned her an L.A. Ovation Award.
Her television trajectory is equally varied. In addition to her function on The Pitt, she has appeared in the Disney+ series Goosebumps, the Paramount+ series Star Trek: Picard and FX’s American Crime Story: Versace.
Cast Rotations and Production Details
The casting of Connie Francis is part of a larger series of transitions within the production of Just in Time. The musical, developed and directed by Tony winner Alex Timbers, has seen several high-profile actors cycle through the lead role of Bobby Darin.
Jonathan Groff concluded his run as Darin on March 29. Following Briones’ arrival on April 1, she first performed opposite Matthew Morrison, who starred as Darin from April 1 through April 19. The production will spot another shift on April 21, when Jeremy Jordan takes over the lead role of Bobby Darin and will play opposite Briones.
| Actor | Dates of Performance |
|---|---|
| Jonathan Groff | Ended March 29 |
| Matthew Morrison | April 1 – April 19 |
| Jeremy Jordan | Beginning April 21 |
What to Expect from ‘Just in Time’
The production is designed as a celebration of Bobby Darin’s eclectic musical journey. By utilizing a live onstage band, the show recreates the energy of Darin’s most famous hits, including “Splish Splash” and “Dream Lover.” The inclusion of Connie Francis as a central figure highlights the intersection of pop and traditional balladry that defined the era’s music scene.
For audiences, the appeal lies in the blend of biographical storytelling and high-energy musical performance. With the addition of Briones, the production brings in a performer capable of bridging the gap between classical Broadway training and contemporary screen presence.
As Briones continues her limited run, the theater community remains focused on the chemistry between the changing leads and the enduring appeal of Darin’s catalog. The next major cast transition occurs on April 21, when Jeremy Jordan officially steps into the role of Bobby Darin.
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