The highly anticipated revival of ‘Sunday in the Park With George’ has been canceled following the exits of Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, with plans for a future production yet to be confirmed.
The much-anticipated revival of Stephen Sondheim's acclaimed musical Sunday in the Park With George has been officially canceled. Empire Street Productions announced on September 14, 2026, that the show, originally scheduled for a London performance next summer, will not proceed as planned after lead actors Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey exited the production.
According to a statement from Empire Street Productions, shared with The Hollywood Reporter, the planned 2027 production at the Barbican in London “will no longer proceed as scheduled.” Despite the cancellation, the production company noted that it still holds the rights to the show and is considering a potential presentation in 2028.
Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, who gained popularity together as co-stars in Wicked, were set to lead this revival. However, their departures have significantly impacted the production. Grande's decision to withdraw was amid her choice to step back from public appearances after the end of her recent tour, reportedly rooted in dealing with public scrutiny regarding her health and wellbeing. Following Grande's exit, Bailey announced his departure in a show of support for his friend, stating that the decision was difficult but made with the understanding and respect of the production team.
The cancellation of Sunday in the Park With George’s revival is a setback for Sondheim enthusiasts and theatergoers who were looking forward to the fresh interpretation of this classic. Originally, the musical's ticket sales were set to begin in May 2026 but were postponed twice, indicating early signs of trouble even before the lead actors exited. Bailey was slated to portray the fictionalized French painter Georges Seurat, with Grande cast as his muse and lover Dot. The pair’s involvement had generated considerable excitement, making their exit all the more consequential for the production.
Sunday in the Park With George debuted in 1984, featuring music and lyrics by Sondheim and a book by James Lapine. Its last major revival was in 2017 on Broadway, which starred Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford. A planned transfer to London in light of its Broadway success was ultimately thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving fans eager for a new production.
There is currently no confirmed replacement for the Sunday in the Park With George revival, and the timeline for a future production remains undefined. While Empire Street Productions retains the option to stage the show in 2028, no additional casting announcements or production updates have been provided. As it stands, the theater community awaits clarity regarding the future of this beloved Sondheim work, especially considering the challenges posed by lead cast exits. Further developments will be closely monitored as fans and industry insiders hope for a resurgence of this classic musical.
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