The revival is off

Empire Street Productions confirmed the 2027 staging of Sunday in the Park With George at the Barbican will not go ahead. Ticket sales had already been delayed twice.

“The planned 2027 production of Sunday in the Park With George at the Barbican will no longer proceed as scheduled.”

A Wicked reunion lost

Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey were set to share a stage after starring together in the Wicked films. That pairing is what sold the show.

Grande stepped away first

Her rep announced in August that she was taking a break from public life, which meant leaving the production. She had just finished an album and the Eternal Sunshine Tour.

“a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny”

The producers backed her

Empire Street responded with support rather than friction, framing the exit as a hard call they understood.

“We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support.”

Bailey followed a month later

He called the musical a passion project and Grande one of his dearest friends, and said he looked forward to seeing two new actors take on George and Dot.

“Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering.”

A 2028 attempt is alive

Empire Street still holds the rights to Sondheim's musical and is planning a 2028 production. The cancellation landed while they were publicly casting replacements, with previews set for summer 2027.