Revival of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE cancels its 2027 run

The cancellation comes as little surprise following the departures of both leading actors, Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, within weeks of each other. Grande announced her withdrawal from the musical in August as a decision to step back from the public eye, while Bailey did not give a reason for stepping back.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, Sunday in the Park with George features a book by James Lapine and a score by Stephen Sondheim. It tells the story of French post-Impressionist painter Georges Seurat in the months leading up to the completion of his most famous painting, 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte', and explores his relationship with his lover Dot.

The revival was due to be directed by Marianne Elliott and open in summer 2027. Its cancellation will come as a huge disappointment to lovers of this musical, and marks the second time a West End revival of Sunday in the Park with George never made it to opening night. In 2020, the Broadway transfer starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Empire Street Productions has retained the rights to the production, with a view to present it in 2028. While no details have been confirmed, there may still be hope of seeing this Sondheim classic on the West End stage sometime in the future.