Matt Magnusson Shares the Backstage Scoop From JUST IN TIME
Matt Magnusson is the Standby for Bobby Darin, Don Kirshner, Charlie Maffia, Ahmet Ertegun.
By: Stephi Wild Aug. 06, 2025
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We all know how much hard work goes into the performances that audiences see eight times a week on Broadway. When they're not giving it their all onstage, most performers are backstage doing what it takes to stay happy, healthy, and ready to go between scenes. In Words From The Wings, BroadwayWorld is taking fans behind the curtain to shine a spotlight on the everyday routines that keep Broadway stars moving.
In this edition, we catch up with Matt Magnusson, who is currently appearing in Just in Time on Broadway. Below, he takes us backstage at the Circle in the Square Theatre (with photos by Jennifer Broski) to share some of his pre-show rituals, favorite moments, memories, and more!
Magnusson is the Standby for Bobby Darin, Don Kirshner, Charlie Maffia, Ahmet Ertegun. Broadway credits include A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical. Off-Broadway, he appeared in Hound Dog (Ars Nova). Regional credits include Jersey Boys, Mr. Holland’s Opus, Grease, Floyd Collins, Spring Awakening, and American Idiot. On TV, he can be seen in “Law & Order: SVU,” “FBI: Most Wanted,” and “The Rookie: Feds.” On film, he appeared in “Hall Pass Nightmare,” “Secret Lives of College Escorts” (Lifetime), Nightingale (Amazon Prime), and Dirty Sexy Saint (Passionflix).
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?
The first thing I do when I arrive to the theatre is sign in! Then I head to my dressing room where I kick off my shoes and slip into my “show slippers.” (I’m not kidding!)
What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?
The last thing I do before I go on stage is a quick mind/body connection exercise. I take a few deep breaths and shake out/release any tension in my body.
What’s your must-have backstage snack?
Our dressing room has the best snacks! People travel from far and near just to get them. We have peanut m&ms, popcorn, gummy worms, gummy bears, party mix, chocolate truffles…stop by!
Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?
A pre show ritual I have is I like to walk around the stage prior to half hour. It helps to ground me in a space when I get to be there before it’s filled with an audience. I call it “living in the space.”
What are five must-haves in your dressing room?
Throat coat
Back roller
Slippers
Peanut m&ms
FaceTime for my son, Levi, and my wife, Alison
What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?
My favorite moments of the show to watch from the wings is ‘First Real love’ and ‘Irresistible You.’ Watching Jonathan, Gracie and Erika in their element never gets old
What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?
My favorite backstage moment of the run thus far is using a cheap Halloween mask from Amazon to scare the fellow cast and crew. We swings are an engine for chaos here at Circle In The Square! Never let your guard down!
About Just in Time:
Developed and directed by Tony Award-winner Alex Timbers, Just in Time sees Jonathan Groff returning to Broadway as Bobby Darin, the legendary singer whose short but remarkable life took him from teen idol to global sensation, inspiring generations of performers who followed.
The great American entertainer’s meteoric journey – from soaring highs to crushing lows – is brought to life by Groff, transporting audiences into an intimate, swinging nightclub complete with a stellar ensemble cast of 11 on-stage actors, a live on-stage band performing such iconic hits as “Beyond the Sea,” “Dream Lover,” and “Mack the Knife,” all of which were originally released by Darin on Atlantic Records’ ATCO Records imprint.
