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Sunday in the Park With George Revival Canceled Due to Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey Exits
Confirmed
In Short: The London revival of 'Sunday in the Park With George' has been axed following the withdrawal of stars Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey.
The London revival of the musical "Sunday in the Park With George" has been officially cancelled, following the departures of its lead stars, Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey. The production, set to premiere at the Barbican in 2027, has now been postponed to 2028, according to Empire Street Productions.
Jonathan Bailey, who was set to star alongside Grande, announced his decision to step back from the production, citing his loyalty to his friend Ariana Grande. "Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering," Bailey wrote on social media. The production had already faced concerns about its viability following Grande's initial withdrawal, which she announced in August due to the need for a break from public life following her Eternal Sunshine tour.
The cancellation of the production has left fans and producers alike disappointed. Grande and Bailey were key figures in this highly anticipated staging, attracting significant interest from fans of both the stars and musical theatre. The company had initially moved to reassure audiences, insisting the 2027 timeline was intact, but the decision to postpone to 2028 has now been made.
The musical, which premiered on Broadway in 1984, has had several successful revivals, including a 2005–2006 UK production and a 2008 Broadway transfer. The 2017 Broadway revival, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford, further cemented the show's place in the hearts of theatre enthusiasts.
In a statement, Empire Street Productions confirmed the cancellation and the new 2028 date, stating, "We are disappointed to announce the cancellation of the Barbican revival of Sunday in the Park with George, but we are committed to bringing this production to the stage in the future." The company plans to revisit the show for a possible 2028 revival, hoping to secure new talent to carry on the legacy of the musical.
What's confirmed
- The upcoming London revival of Sunday In The Park With George has been cancelled following the withdrawal of stars Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey.
What's still developing
- "Marianne is extraordinary and one of my longest collaborators and friends,” Bailey says.
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