Daily TribuneBailey and Grande most recently worked together on the big screen, appearing in the highly anticipated Wicked and its sequel Wicked: For Good, where Bailey plays Fiyero and Grande stars as Glinda.
THE ‘Wicked’ stars breathe new life into the Sondheim classic where creativity demands everything.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/JBAYLEAF
Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande are set to headline a major new revival of Sunday in the Park with George, marking one of the most talked-about casting announcements in recent theater news and reuniting two performers who recently shared the screen in the Wicked film franchise.
The Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine musical, widely regarded as one of the most significant works in modern musical theater, centers on artist Georges Seurat as he grapples with the tension between artistic obsession and personal connection. Through its Pulitzer Prize–winning score, the show meditates on creativity, legacy and the sacrifices demanded by the act of making art.
Bailey, best known for his Emmy-nominated performance in Bridgerton and his acclaimed stage work in Company, will take on the role of Georges. The casting signals a return to the Sondheim canon for the actor, who earned widespread praise for his portrayal of Jamie in the West End revival of Company, becoming the first openly gay actor to play the role. Bailey’s performances and musical precision have made him one of the most respected stage actors of his generation, qualities seen as essential for tackling Seurat’s emotionally complex journey.
Grande will star as Dot, Seurat’s lover and muse, a role that demands both vocal brilliance and emotional vulnerability. A global pop superstar and Oscar-nominated actress, Grande also has deep roots in musical theater, having made her Broadway debut in 13. Her casting marks a high-profile return to the stage for the singer.
Bailey and Grande most recently worked together on the big screen, appearing in the highly anticipated Wicked and its sequel Wicked: For Good, where Bailey plays Fiyero and Grande stars as Glinda. Their involvement in the blockbuster adaptations of the beloved Broadway musical has already introduced them to a shared fan base, making their pairing in Sunday in the Park with George particularly notable. Industry observers see the move as a compelling crossover moment, blending blockbuster film appeal with the intimacy and rigor of live theater.
Originally premiering on Broadway in 1984, Sunday in the Park with George won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and has since become a cornerstone of the musical theater repertoire. The show is celebrated for its innovative structure, lush orchestration and profound exploration of the creative process. Past revivals have starred performers such as Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford, setting a formidable standard for new interpretations.
Details regarding the production’s director, venue and opening dates have yet to be announced.
