Image Source: Playbill
Ariana Grande is no longer attached to the planned London revival of Sunday in the Park With George, and her announced co-star Jonathan Bailey has now withdrawn as well. The departures leave the highly anticipated production without either of its headline performers, although producers say the revival will continue.
The production, scheduled for next summer at London’s Barbican Centre, was originally expected to reunite the two screen stars after their appearances in the two-part film version of Wicked. Grande was set to play Glinda, while Bailey portrayed Fiyero in the film adaptation.
Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey Exit the London Revival
Grande pulled out of the project last month. At the time, reports stated that the performer wanted to take personal, non-public time away from the spotlight. Her departure marked the first major change to the production’s announced casting.
Bailey has now confirmed his own exit in a statement shared through his Instagram stories. The Olivier-winning actor did not provide a specific reason, saying only that he made the decision “after much consideration.” Because the message appeared in a temporary story post, it was available publicly for a limited period.
The news means that Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey will not lead the initial company of the Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine musical. Their involvement had generated considerable attention, particularly because of their recent on-screen partnership and Bailey’s previous connection with the revival’s director.
Producers Promise a Bold New Chapter
Empire Street Productions, the company behind the London staging, responded with a statement of its own. The producers said that work remains underway and that casting conversations are actively taking place.
“Work on the production continues,” the statement said. “Casting discussions are actively under way, and the creative team is reshaping the production around a new company while preserving the ambition and artistic integrity of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s musical.”
The announcement suggests that the production is being reworked rather than canceled. However, the loss of two prominent performers creates an important challenge for the creative team, which must now find a new pair of actors capable of carrying one of musical theatre’s most demanding romantic and artistic stories.
What Is Sunday in the Park With George About?
The Pulitzer Prize-winning musical follows Georges Seurat as he works to complete his celebrated painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. The story explores the painter’s creative process, his relationships, and the tension between artistic ambition and personal connection.
With a book by James Lapine and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the musical first opened on Broadway in 1984. It was Sondheim’s first major stage project after the end of his professional partnership with director Harold Prince.
- The musical centers on painter Georges Seurat and his artistic legacy.
- James Lapine wrote the book, while Stephen Sondheim created the score.
- The production won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
- Broadway revivals followed in 2008 and 2017.
The work has become a defining title in the Sondheim canon, known for its intricate score and emotionally layered examination of creativity. Any new London cast will face the challenge of balancing the musical’s intellectual themes with its intimate human relationships.
A Missed Reunion With Marianne Elliott
Bailey’s departure also ends a potential reunion with director Marianne Elliott. The pair previously worked together on the acclaimed 2018 London revival of Sondheim’s Company.
In that production, Bailey played Jamie and delivered a widely praised performance in “Getting Married Today.” Elliott’s staging later transferred to Broadway in 2021, though Bailey did not join the New York company.
For now, the London revival remains in development. The producers have not announced replacement performers or a revised casting timeline. The project’s future company will likely become one of the most closely watched pieces of West End casting news as preparations continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ariana Grande leave the production?
Ariana Grande’s departure was previously associated with her decision to take personal, non-public time away from the spotlight. No further details were provided in the announcement.
Why did Jonathan Bailey withdraw?
Jonathan Bailey said he left after much consideration but did not disclose a specific reason for his decision.
Will the London revival still happen?
Empire Street Productions says the revival will continue. Casting discussions are underway, and the creative team is reshaping the production around a new company.
Who wrote Sunday in the Park With George?
The musical features a book by James Lapine and a score by Stephen Sondheim.
