Jonathan Bailey, Ariana Grande Lead ‘Sunday in the Park’ Cast
Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey will headline the upcoming revival of “Sunday in the Park With George,” set for summer 2027 in London. The production will premiere at the Barbican Theatre, under the direction of Marianne Elliott, known for her innovative approach to theater.
Details of the Production
The musical features a score by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine. It tells the story of the artist George Seurat, played by Bailey, as he works on his masterpiece, with Grande portraying his muse, Dot. The artwork that inspires this musical is Seurat’s “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.”
Ticket Information
- Tickets for the Barbican’s “Sunday in the Park With George” will go on sale in May 2026.
- This marks Ariana Grande’s West End debut, adding to her impressive portfolio.
Background on the Cast
Ariana Grande began her career on Broadway in the musical “13” and expressed a desire to return to the stage. Recently, she received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in “Wicked: For Good.” Grande is also gearing up for a tour with her latest album, “Eternal Sunshine.”
Jonathan Bailey is no stranger to the West End, having starred in productions like “Richard II” and “Cock.” He won the Laurence Olivier Award for his role in the 2018 revival of “Company,” directed by Elliott. Bailey is also known for his roles in “Bridgerton” and the upcoming “Jurassic World: Rebirth.”
Historical Significance of the Musical
The revival comes after a successful run on Broadway in 2017, featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford. “Sunday in the Park With George” originally debuted in 1984, starring Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters. It was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in its opening year and garnered a Tony nomination for Best Musical, winning the Olivier Award for Best Musical as well.
This anticipated production aligns with Bailey’s recent focus on charitable efforts through his LGBTQ+ organization, The Shameless Fund, as he takes a brief pause from other projects. The collaboration between Grande and Bailey promises to bring fresh energy to this poignant work.