Jonathan Bailey Exits Sunday in the Park With George

Jonathan Bailey has withdrawn from the highly anticipated West End revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's musical "Sunday in the Park With George." This decision follows the earlier exit of his "Wicked" co-star, Ariana Grande, from the same production last month. The musical was slated to be a significant reunion for the two actors on stage, with Bailey set to portray the artist George Seurat and Grande cast as his muse, Dot. The production was scheduled to begin performances at the Savoy Theatre in London.

Bailey's departure marks another setback for the revival, which had generated considerable excitement due to the involvement of the "Wicked" film cast. Grande, who is starring as Glinda in the upcoming "Wicked" films, had been announced as Dot, and Bailey, who plays Fiyero in the same films, was to take on the role of George. The musical's creative team had not yet announced a replacement for Grande, and now faces the task of finding a new George Seurat as well. The reasons for both actors' withdrawals have not been publicly disclosed by the production.

"Sunday in the Park With George" is a two-act musical that explores the creation of Georges Seurat's famous painting, "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." The first act focuses on Seurat's artistic process, his relationships, and the challenges he faces in completing his masterpiece, culminating in the painting's completion. The second act jumps forward 100 years, exploring the legacy of Seurat's work and the art world through the eyes of his great-granddaughter, also named Dot, and her husband, George, who is an art museum director. The musical is renowned for its innovative structure, its exploration of art, family, and the creative process, and its complex musical score.

This production was particularly notable for its casting, aiming to leverage the immense popularity of the "Wicked" film adaptation. The films, which are set to be released in two parts in November 2024 and November 2025, have brought renewed attention to the musical theatre world. Bailey, known for his role as Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix series "Bridgerton," and Grande, a global pop music superstar, were expected to draw significant audiences to the theatre. The Savoy Theatre, a historic venue in London's West End, was chosen to host the revival, adding to the prestige of the production. The ongoing casting changes raise questions about the future of this specific revival and its timeline for opening.