Ariana Grande withdraws from London musical to pause public engagements
The singer announced she will not appear in the planned 2027 production of "Sunday in the Park with George" and will take a break after completing her current tour.
Ariana Grande has withdrawn from a scheduled London staging of Stephen Sondheim’s "Sunday in the Park with George," producers said. The production, set for the Barbican theatre in 2027 and originally to feature Grande alongside Jonathan Bailey, will proceed with new casting to be announced later.
Empire Street Productions released a statement acknowledging Grande’s decision and expressing support. The company added that the show will open next summer as planned.
"We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support," the production company said.
Grande’s representatives told People magazine that she intends to step back from public appearances after her "Eternal Sunshine" tour concludes on Sept. 1 in London.
"She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a break from public-facing work and appearances," the statement read.
The pop star, who began her career on Nickelodeon and released her debut album in 2013, has earned three Grammy Awards and an Academy Award nomination for a supporting role in the film adaptation of "Wicked."