Thescreescore – The theatrical world is abuzz with anticipation as reports surface of a potential reunion between "Wicked" cinematic stars Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey. The acclaimed duo, who will soon be seen captivating audiences in the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, are reportedly in early planning stages to grace the stage once more. This time, their sights are set on a revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, "Sunday in the Park With George."
According to industry reports, Grande and Bailey are exploring a London run for the iconic musical, tentatively slated for 2027 at the Barbican Theatre. Guiding this ambitious project is multi-Tony and Laurence Olivier winner Marianne Elliott, a director renowned for her transformative stage productions. The pair are expected to take on the pivotal roles of George and his lover, Dot, characters famously originated by Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters on Broadway. Sources close to the production indicate a "cautiously optimistic" outlook, with both stars having "excelled in the parts" during initial read-throughs.
"Sunday in the Park With George," which first premiered on Broadway in 1984, is a profound meditation on art, creation, and legacy. Inspired by Georges Seurat’s iconic pointillist painting, "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte," the narrative intricately weaves a fictionalized account of the artist’s painstaking process, bringing to life the subjects within his masterpiece. The story’s second act then bridges generations, exploring the struggles of George’s great-grandson, also an artist, grappling with similar creative and personal challenges. Its intricate score and poignant book earned it the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
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This potential collaboration marks a significant moment for both Grande and Bailey, who recently forged a strong artistic bond portraying Glinda the Good and Fiyero, respectively, in Universal’s upcoming "Wicked" films, alongside Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Their on-screen chemistry and musical prowess in the highly anticipated adaptation have undoubtedly paved the way for this new theatrical venture. For Bailey, this project also signifies another reunion with director Marianne Elliott, under whom he previously won an Olivier Award for his role in the 2018 gender-swapped production of "Company." A seasoned stage veteran since childhood, Bailey’s career spans acclaimed roles in "Bridgerton," "Fellow Travelers," and "Jurassic World Rebirth."
Grande’s journey to this potential stage return is equally compelling. Her career began on Broadway as a teenager in "13" before her breakout role as Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s "Victorious" and its spin-off, "Sam & Cat." While she subsequently became a global music sensation, her role in "Wicked" represents a powerful return to her theatrical roots and a major foray into serious acting on a grand cinematic scale. The prospect of such formidable talents—Grande, Bailey, and Elliott—converging on a work as profound and celebrated as "Sunday in the Park With George" promises an unforgettable theatrical experience, poised to draw immense global attention to London’s Barbican in 2027. This collaboration, blending established stage prowess with mainstream star power, underscores the enduring allure of Sondheim’s genius.
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