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Sunday in the Park with George London Run Cancelled

The planned London revival of Sunday in the Park with George has been called off after Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey both left the project.

The two, who appeared together in Wicked, had been expected to share a stage again next year at the Barbican in a new staging of Stephen Sondheim's musical.

Grande was the first to go, saying she wanted to "step back from visibility", and Bailey soon did the same. On Monday, the producers confirmed the revival would not happen in 2027.

"The planned 2027 production of Sunday in the Park with George at the Barbican will no longer proceed as scheduled," their statement said. "Empire Street Productions will retain the rights with a view to presenting the production in 2028. Further details will be announced in due course."

Fans of musical theatre had been thrilled in January when the pair confirmed the casting rumours. In August, the Thank U, Next singer announced she was leaving the role to take "a much-deserved break from public-facing work".

Back then, a spokesperson for Empire Street Productions said Grande had their "complete understanding and support" and that the show would still open in summer 2027 "as planned".

Earlier this month, however, Bailey confirmed he would not be playing George.

"Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering. (Director) Marianne (Elliott) is extraordinary and one of my longest collaborators and friends," he said in a statement on social media. "After much consideration, I have decided to also step back from Sunday in the Park with George."

He added: "I wish the very best to the entire company. I will be cheering them on as they continue with this production."

Delays are nothing new for this musical in London. An earlier revival starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford was put on hold indefinitely during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Photo: Cover Media
Source: Muzland
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