A planned stage show starring Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey in London has been cancelled after both stars withdrew from the production.
The two actors were expected to appear in Sunday in the Park with George at the Barbican in 2027. The show tells the story of a fictional French painter and his dedication to his art. Producers Empire Street Productions initially planned to continue after Grande left, but Bailey later also withdrew.
Empire Street Productions announced on Monday that the show would no longer take place in 2027. The company said it is considering bringing the production to London in 2028.
“The planned 2027 production of Sunday in the Park with George at the Barbican will no longer proceed as scheduled,” the company said.
“Empire Street Productions will retain the rights with a view to presenting the production in 2028. Further details will be announced in due course.”
Grande announced in August that she was leaving the production as she prepared to take a break from public appearances after completing her Eternal Sunshine Tour.
The singer later told fans that her decision was not sudden and had been planned for a long time. She said people sometimes need to set boundaries and take a break.
Bailey announced his departure from the show in September. He also expressed his support for the director, Marianne Elliott, and the rest of the team.
“I wish the very best to the entire company. I will be cheering them on as they continue with this production,” Bailey said.
Grande and Bailey are known for playing Glinda and Fiyero in the Wicked films. Their planned appearance together in London would have marked another project featuring the two actors.
Sunday in the Park with George was created by American composer Stephen Sondheim and writer James Lapine. It first opened on Broadway in 1984.
The story is inspired by French painter Georges Seurat and his famous painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. It follows a fictional version of Seurat as he works on his art while dealing with his personal relationships.
The producers have not announced a new cast or confirmed whether the show will definitely return in 2028.
Ademide Adebayo
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