Ethan Slater’s off-Broadway performance in ‘Marcel on the Train’ concluded its run on Sunday, 22nd March, marking the end of a poignant theatrical journey. Slater, who not only starred in the production but also co-wrote it, portrayed the renowned French mime Marcel Marceau against the backdrop of World War II.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Ethan-Slater-Ariana-Grande-032326-827ef1c2551d4538a399ec18b6bdb077.jpg)
The play opened on 5th February and captivated audiences with its exploration of Marceau’s life and his efforts within the French Resistance during the Nazi occupation. The narrative shed light on his remarkable ability to communicate without words while helping to rescue Jewish children from the horrors of war.
Ariana Grande, the pop superstar and Slater’s partner, publicly celebrated his achievement after the final performance. Taking to her Instagram Stories, Grande shared her pride in Slater’s work, posting a heartfelt message alongside an image from the production. She wrote, “Congratulations on a beautiful run of this very beautiful show. So very proud,” accompanied by a butterfly emoji and heart outlines.
Grande and Slater began dating in July 2023, shortly after they met while filming the highly anticipated adaptation of ‘Wicked.’ Their relationship came to light just days after Grande’s split with her ex-husband, Dalton Gomez, and Slater’s separation from his former wife, Lily Jay, with whom he has a son. Slater filed for divorce in the same month he began his romance with Grande.
Throughout their relationship, the couple has been supportive of each other’s careers. Slater portrayed Boq in the ‘Wicked’ films, whilst Grande took on the role of Glinda. The pair had their relationship documented on social media, making their public debut at the premiere of the first ‘Wicked’ movie in November 2024. Since then, they have been notably seen together at various promotional events for the film.
As the release of ‘Wicked: For Good’ approaches, sources close to the couple suggest that their bond remains strong despite their busy schedules. “They both have a lot going on, but their relationship is the real deal. They’re incredibly supportive of each other’s careers and so excited for everyone to see their new film,” a source told PEOPLE in November 2025.
Beyond the stage, Slater is set to appear in an upcoming body horror film titled ‘The Designer’, while Grande has plans to make her return to film in November with ‘Focker In-Law,’ part of the iconic ‘Meet the Parents’ series, originally starring Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro. Grande also has a busy summer ahead, as she prepares for an eight-show tour in California to promote her latest album, ‘Eternal Sunshine.’
In a recent interview with comedian Amy Poehler on her podcast ‘Good Hang,’ Grande hinted at the potential hiatus from touring after the upcoming shows. She reflected on her career, stating, “This might not happen again for a long, long, long, long time,” showcasing her awareness of the demands of her profession and the need for personal time.
The conclusion of Slater’s run in ‘Marcel on the Train’ reflects not only a professional milestone for the actor but also highlights the increasing intersections of personal and professional journeys within the world of entertainment. As both Slater and Grande continue to navigate their evolving careers, their partnership exemplifies a blend of mutual admiration and shared aspirations.