Get ready for a theatrical reunion that’s already setting the stage on fire! Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, the dynamic duo from Wicked, are reportedly eyeing a comeback in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, Sunday in the Park With George, slated for London’s Barbican Theatre in 2027. But here’s where it gets controversial: can this high-profile pairing truly do justice to Sondheim’s complex legacy? Deadline has exclusively learned that the stars are in the early planning stages, with the production helmed by the legendary Marianne Elliott, a powerhouse director with multiple Tony and Olivier Awards under her belt. Yet, with over 18 months until the potential summer opening, there are countless moving parts—some bigger than others—that need to fall into place before an official announcement can be made.
And this is the part most people miss: the musical itself is a creative exploration inspired by Georges Seurat’s iconic pointillist painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. Lapine and Sondheim don’t just tell a story; they deconstruct the artist’s process, imagining the lives of the figures in Seurat’s work. From George’s witty lover and muse, Dot, to her daughter Marie in the second act, the roles demand both depth and versatility—originally brought to life by Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters on Broadway, and later by Philip Quast and Maria Friedman in London’s National Theatre production, which snagged the Olivier for Best New Musical. So, the question is: can Grande and Bailey rise to the challenge?
Early read-throughs suggest they’re more than up for it, with both reportedly excelling in their roles. Their friendship, forged during their time on Wicked and this year’s Wicked: For Good, seems to translate into undeniable chemistry on stage. But let’s not forget the social media buzz—Grande has hinted at her desire to return to the boards, while Bailey would reunite with Elliott, whose gender-swapped production of Company in 2018 catapulted him into the spotlight. That production, by the way, was a contemporary reexamination of Sondheim’s 1970 classic, and it was nothing short of magnificent.
Here’s the kicker: Elliott and Sondheim had discussed directing Sunday in the Park With George long before this revival came into focus. They also talked about West Side Story, which might be headed to the National Theatre in 2027-28—but that’s a story for another day. Elliott’s passion for Sondheim’s work is undeniable, and her collaboration with Bailey on Mike Bartlett’s Cock in 2022 only solidifies their creative bond. If all goes according to plan, her Sunday in the Park With George would take the Barbican’s coveted summer musical slot, a tradition established by Howard Panter’s Trafalgar Theatre Productions with hits like Anything Goes and Fiddler on the Roof.
But let’s zoom out for a moment. Sondheim’s Into the Woods is currently enchanting audiences at London’s Bridge Theatre, and as the centenary of his birth approaches in 2030, the world is gearing up for more celebrations of his genius. The passion for Sondheim will never wane—but does this revival risk oversaturating the market? Or will it breathe new life into a timeless classic? Weigh in below—do you think Grande and Bailey are the right duo to carry this torch? And is Elliott the director to make it all sing? The stage is set, but the curtain hasn’t risen yet. What’s your take?
