Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande to Star in ‘Sunday in the Park with George’
Empire Street Productions and London’s Barbican Theatre have announced that Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande will headline a new stage adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s musical, Sunday in the Park with George. This exciting production is set to commence performances at the Barbican Centre in the summer of 2027.
Production Details
The revival will be directed by acclaimed theater director Marianne Elliott, known for her innovative approach to storytelling. The design for the production will be crafted by Tom Scutt. This musical is being produced by Empire Street Productions in collaboration with the Barbican.
Ticket Information
- Tickets for the production will be available for purchase starting May 2026.
- Further details about the production are expected to be revealed in the coming months.
Context and Inspiration
Sunday in the Park with George is inspired by Georges Seurat’s famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. The musical explores themes of art, relationships, and societal dynamics, reflecting on the lives of characters depicted in Seurat’s work.
Character Dynamics
The narrative revolves around George, a fictional representation of the artist, and his muse, Dot. Additionally, Dot’s daughter, Marie, is portrayed by the same actress in the second act. This dual role has historically been performed by notable talents such as Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters on Broadway, and Philip Quast and Maria Friedman in its London premiere.
Broadway Revivals
Previous adaptations of Sunday in the Park with George include a notable Broadway revival in 2017 featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford. This production was initially slated for London’s Savoy Theatre in 2020 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande leading the cast, this upcoming revival promises to be a landmark event in London’s theatre scene, bridging classic artistry with contemporary talent.