Stephen Sondheim’s London Revival Sunday in the park with George It was canceled after Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey exited the production.
“Planned production in 2027 Sunday in the park with George “At the Barbican will not go ahead as scheduled,” producers Empire Street Productions said in a statement. Hollywood Reporter on monday. They added that the team retains the rights to the show, and that Empire Street is looking to bring the production forward in 2028.
evil Co-stars Grande and Billie caused a stir in the theater world when they confirmed that a revival would happen with director Marianna Elliott at the helm next summer. But things started to get worse when Grande withdrew as part of her larger decision to “step back” following the end of her latest tour, amid public scrutiny over her health and body. THR It was reported at the time that this came as a surprise to some members of the production.
“Following Ariana Grande’s team announcement this evening, we can confirm that she has decided to step down Sunday in the park with George“We know this cannot be an easy decision, and she makes it with our full understanding and support,” Empire Street Productions shared in a statement upon her exit.
Then, earlier this month, Billy dropped out as well. “Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering. Marianne is extraordinary and one of my longest collaborators and friends,” The birth of Jurassic World The star said in a statement on social media. “After much thought, I have also decided to back out Sunday in the park with George“.
Following Billy’s exit, Empire Street said the show was being “reshaped” and that casting discussions were “actively ongoing”. Ticket sale dates for Sunday in the park with George It has been postponed twice, originally scheduled for May 2026, then postponed to summer 2026.
The 1984 musical features music and lyrics by Sondheim and a book by James Lapine. Billy was to play the fictionalized version of French painter Georges Seurat as he creates Sunday afternoon on the island of La Grande Jattewith Dot (Grande), his muse and lover, standing in front of the painting.
The last major revival of the musical on Broadway occurred in 2017, with Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford. It was announced that the production would be moved to London, but it never crossed the pond due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
