In a recent development concerning the much-anticipated West End revival of “Sunday in the Park with George,” star Jonathan Bailey has confirmed his departure from the production. This announcement came shortly after fellow lead and global pop star Ariana Grande withdrew from the musical, which is set to premiere at London’s Barbican Centre in summer 2027.
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Bailey, known for his role in “Wicked,” shared a heartfelt message on his Instagram Stories on 1 September, expressing unwavering support for Grande. The two were set to portray George and Dot, respectively, in this Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine masterpiece. “Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering,” Bailey remarked, referring to Grande. He further noted, “After much consideration, I have decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George,” citing personal reflections on the project.
The revival of this influential musical remains a passion project for Bailey. He conveyed a sense of excitement for the show’s themes and the profound connection between the characters George and Dot. “I feel incredibly lucky to have shared in its journey with this team,” he wrote, looking ahead to the actors who will eventually take on these pivotal roles. Bailey concluded his message with well wishes for the cast and crew, stating, “I will be cheering them on as they continue with this production.”
Following Bailey’s announcement, producers of the musical confirmed his exit in a statement released on X (formerly Twitter). They reassured fans that plans for the revival are progressing, stating, “Work on the production continues.” The statement acknowledged the simultaneous withdrawals of both Bailey and Grande, expressing commitment to retaining the artistic integrity of Sondheim’s work while actively engaging in new casting discussions.
Grande’s decision to step away from the production was made public in August when her team indicated that she would be taking a break after completing her Eternal Sunshine Tour. A representative emphasised the need for her to step back from the limelight following increased scrutiny regarding her health and appearance. The singer aims to conclude her tour on a positive and healthy note, thus temporarily halting her public engagements.
In their earlier statements, producers expressed understanding towards Grande’s decision, stating, “We know this cannot have been an easy decision… We wish her nothing but the best.” They confirmed that the revival will proceed as planned, with an unwavering commitment to the production’s integrity.
Bailey and Grande’s initial casting had generated significant excitement, especially following their collaboration in the film adaptation of “Wicked,” where they portrayed Fiyero and Glinda. Their on-screen chemistry has contributed to the anticipation surrounding “Sunday in the Park with George,” a musical inspired by Georges Seurat’s iconic painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.”
The 1984 Broadway production of “Sunday in the Park with George,” which captured the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, focuses on Seurat’s artistic process and his relationship with his muse, Dot. The musical explores themes of love, creativity, and the passage of time across two acts, and has resonated with audiences since its original debut.
As producers gear up to cast new actors in the lead roles, further updates regarding the revival’s progress will be announced in due course. The forthcoming production promises to honour the legacy of Sondheim and Lapine while offering a fresh perspective through a new cast.