Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, the dynamic duo behind the hit musical 'Wicked', are reportedly gearing up for a highly anticipated reunion on the London stage. The duo is set to tackle the iconic musical 'Sunday in the Park With George', a Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, directed by the renowned Marianne Elliott. This potential revival is set to grace the Barbican Theatre in 2027, marking a significant milestone in the world of musical theatre.
The excitement surrounding this project is palpable, with early planning already underway. However, the road to this potential revival is paved with numerous challenges and considerations. With over 18 months until the anticipated summer opening, the team is carefully navigating the intricate web of logistics, ensuring that all the pieces fall into place.
The story of 'Sunday in the Park With George' is a captivating one, inspired by the painting 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grand Jatt' by Georges Seurat. Lapine and Sondheim's imaginative journey explores the lives of the people in Seurat's painting, creating a unique narrative. The musical introduces the witty and charismatic Dot, George's muse, and Marie, Dot's daughter, roles originally portrayed by Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters on Broadway. In London, Philip Quast and Maria Friedman brought these characters to life, earning the show an Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, who have already collaborated on 'Wicked' and its sequel, 'Wicked: For Good', are reportedly excelling in their respective roles during early read-throughs. Their chemistry and friendship, forged through years of working together, make them an ideal team. The social media buzz surrounding this potential revival is understandable, especially given Grande's expressed desire to return to the stage.
The revival would also reunite Jonathan Bailey with Marianne Elliott, who directed him in the critically acclaimed 'Company'. Elliott's production, a contemporary take on Sondheim's 1970 musical, was a standout success. The director's collaboration with Sondheim on this project is particularly intriguing, as they had previously discussed 'West Side Story' for a potential National Theatre production in 2027-2028. Elliott's passion for Sondheim's work is evident, and her interest in directing 'Sunday in the Park With George' adds to the excitement.
The Barbican Theatre's summer musical slot, typically filled with shows like 'Anything Goes' by Cole Porter, is a prime opportunity for this revival. With 'Fiddler on the Roof' recently gracing the stage and 'High Society' set for 2026, the Barbican is a hub for exceptional musical theatre. As Sondheim's 'Into the Woods' takes center stage at the Bridge Theatre, the anticipation for more of his timeless work continues to grow, ensuring that the legacy of this musical theatre titan endures.
