{
  "id": 4943605,
  "title": "So much for Sunday In The Park With Jonathan Bailey",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/so-much-for-sunday-in-the-park-with-jonathan-bailey",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-01T16:41:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The A.V. Club",
    "slug": "the-a-v-club",
    "url": "https://www.avclub.com/jonathan-bailey-drops-out-sunday-in-the-park-with-george"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a shocking turn of events, the revival of the beloved musical Sunday In The Park With George has seen both of its stars, Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande, withdraw from the production. The news was first reported in January, but now Deadline confirms that Grande has officially dropped out of the show, citing a need for a break from public life. Bailey, in a statement to the press, expressed his deep admiration for Grande and his support for her decision, while also announcing his own departure from the production.\n\nBailey emphasized that the decision to step away was a result of careful consideration, stating that the show had become a significant passion project for him. He expressed his excitement to see how the team and the new actors would bring the story of George and Dot to life. The production, which had not yet begun selling tickets, will now embark on a new chapter with a reshaped creative team and fresh actors taking on the central roles.\n\nDespite the abrupt changes, the show's creative team remains committed to preserving the artistic vision of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. The production's Instagram story announced that casting discussions are currently underway, and the team is actively reshaping the production around a new company while ensuring the musical retains its original ambition and artistry.",
  "summary": "After Ariana Grande dropped out of the production last month, her Wicked costar has also stepped back in an apparent act of solidarity.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 7,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Deadline",
        "title": "Jonathan Bailey Drops Out Of West End Revival Of ‘Sunday In The Park With George’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/jonathan-bailey-drops-out-of-west-end-revival-of-sunday-in-the-park",
        "published": "2026-09-01T16:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Variety",
        "title": "Jonathan Bailey Exits ‘Sunday in the Park With George’ After Ariana Grande Bows Out",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/jonathan-bailey-exits-sunday-in-the-park-with-george-after-ariana",
        "published": "2026-09-01T16:21:46.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Hollywood Reporter",
        "title": "Jonathan Bailey Withdraws From ‘Sunday In the Park With George’ Following Ariana Grande",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/jonathan-bailey-withdraws-from-sunday-in-the-park-with-george",
        "published": "2026-09-01T16:25:29.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "TheWrap",
        "title": "Jonathan Bailey Drops Out of ‘Sunday in the Park With George’ Revival After Ariana Grande’s Exit",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/jonathan-bailey-drops-out-of-sunday-in-the-park-with-george-revival",
        "published": "2026-09-01T16:54:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Billboard",
        "title": "Jonathan Bailey Drops Out of ‘Sunday in the Park With George’ Following Ariana Grande’s Exit",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/jonathan-bailey-drops-out-of-sunday-in-the-park-with-george-following",
        "published": "2026-09-01T17:44:33.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Rolling Stone",
        "title": "Jonathan Bailey Drops Out of West End Musical After Ariana Grande’s Departure",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/jonathan-bailey-drops-out-of-west-end-musical-after-ariana-grandes",
        "published": "2026-09-01T17:59:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}