The Tony recognizes Groff’s empathetic portrayal of Franklin Shepard, a Juilliard-trained composer who jettisons his youthful idealism, his stage career and his co-writer to become a successful film producer.
Groff uses his considerable charm to give the character, who can seem like a sellout, more depth, and in the process has helped make the musical, which was a notorious flop in 1981, into a huge hit this time around.
(Another key factor: One of Groff’s co-stars is Daniel Radcliffe, of “Harry Potter” fame.)
Groff’s performance, which is the scaffolding on which the production is constructed, was widely praised by critics.
Jesse Green, writing in The New York Times, described Groff as “thrillingly fierce,” and said “Groff, always a compelling actor, here steps up to an unmissable one.” And Charles McNulty, writing in The Los Angeles Times, said, “The key to making this work — which is to say making us care — is the performance of Groff, who humanizes Frank’s choices without sentimentalizing his arc.”
Persons:
Jonathan Groff, Tony, Sven, Disney’s, ”, King George, Franklin Shepard, Groff, Groff’s, Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Potter ”, Jesse Green, “, “ Groff, Charles McNulty
Organizations:
Broadway, Juilliard, New York Times, Los Angeles Times
Locations:
“ Hamilton