‘Sunday in the Park With George’ Revival Scrapped After Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey Exit
The planned 2027 London revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park With George was cancelled after Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey withdrew. Producers will look to stage the show in 2028, but the project’s future remains uncertain.
The highly anticipated London revival of Stephen Sondheim’s 1984 musical Sunday in the Park With George has been called off after two of its leading stars, Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, both stepped away from the production. The decision, announced by Empire Street Productions, means the show will no longer run at the Barbican Theatre in 2027 as originally planned.
What Happened
Empire Street Productions issued a statement to The Hollywood Reporter on Monday confirming that the Barbican revival would not proceed as scheduled. The company said it still holds the rights to the show and is exploring a 2028 staging. The announcement followed the withdrawal of Grande, the pop superstar who had been slated to play Dot, the muse and lover of Georges Seurat, and Bailey, the actor who would have portrayed the fictionalized painter.
Background on the Production
Sunday in the Park With George is a musical that blends Sondheim’s complex score with a book by James Lapine. The story follows the French post‑impressionist painter Georges Seurat as he creates his iconic painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, while Dot, a young woman who becomes his muse, navigates her own ambitions and desires. The original 1984 production was a critical success, and the show has seen several revivals, including a 2017 Broadway run starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford.
The London revival was announced in 2023 with director Marianna Elliott at the helm. The production was originally scheduled for May 2026, then pushed to summer 2026, before the 2027 date was set. The Barbican Theatre, a leading venue for contemporary theatre in London, had been preparing for a high‑profile run that would have blended Sondheim’s music with the star power of Grande and Bailey.
Reasons Behind the Star Withdrawals
Grande’s exit was announced as part of a broader decision to "step back from visibility" following the conclusion of her recent tour. The singer’s withdrawal came amid public scrutiny over her health and body image, prompting her team to prioritize her well‑being. Empire Street confirmed that Grande’s decision was made with the company’s full understanding and support.
Bailey’s departure followed a month later. The actor, known for his role in Jurassic World: Rebirth, expressed his support for Grande and his admiration for director Marianna Elliott. In a social media statement, Bailey said he had "decided to also step back from Sunday in the Park with George" after much consideration.
Implications for the Theatre Community
The cancellation of the revival underscores the fragility of large‑scale theatre projects, especially when they rely on high‑profile talent. It also highlights the challenges of scheduling and coordinating productions in the post‑pandemic era, where delays and uncertainties remain common.
Empire Street has indicated that the production is being "reshaped" and that casting discussions are actively underway. While the company has not yet revealed a new lead lineup, the decision to postpone to 2028 suggests a desire to preserve the artistic integrity of the show rather than rush a replacement.
What Happens Next?
As of now, the Barbican Theatre has no confirmed dates for a future run of Sunday in the Park With George. The production team is reportedly exploring new casting options and revisiting the production’s creative direction. Fans of the musical will need to wait for official updates, but the possibility of a 2028 revival remains on the table.
For those following the story, the key takeaway is that the production’s future hinges on securing new leads and aligning the creative team’s vision with the practical realities of staging a complex Sondheim score in a major London venue.
Key Takeaways
- Sunday in the Park With George revival cancelled for 2027 after Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey exit.
- Empire Street Productions still holds rights and plans a 2028 staging.
- Grande stepped back due to health and visibility concerns; Bailey followed suit in support.
- The Barbican Theatre had prepared for a high‑profile run that now faces uncertainty.
- Production is being reshaped with active casting discussions underway.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will the show be staged in 2028? The production team has indicated a 2028 date is possible, but no official confirmation has been released.
- Why did Ariana Grande leave the production? She chose to step back from visibility following her recent tour, citing health and personal reasons.
- What is the status of the Barbican Theatre’s schedule? The theatre has not announced new dates for the revival, and the venue remains open for other productions.
- Are there any replacement actors announced? No replacements have been publicly named; casting is still in progress.
Why it matters
The cancellation of a major Sondheim revival highlights the delicate balance between star power, production logistics, and artistic integrity in contemporary theatre.
Key points
- Revival of Sunday in the Park With George cancelled for 2027
- Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey withdrew due to personal reasons
- Empire Street Productions plans a 2028 staging
- Barbican Theatre’s schedule remains uncertain
- Production is being reshaped with new casting underway
Frequently asked questions
Will the show be staged in 2028?
The production team has indicated a 2028 date is possible, but no official confirmation has been released.
Why did Ariana Grande leave the production?
She chose to step back from visibility following her recent tour, citing health and personal reasons.
What is the status of the Barbican Theatre’s schedule?
The theatre has not announced new dates for the revival, and the venue remains open for other productions.
Are there any replacement actors announced?
No replacements have been publicly named; casting is still in progress.
