Ariana Grande has withdrawn from a highly anticipated London stage production, ending plans to reunite with Jonathan Bailey in a revival of Stephen Sondheim's 'Sunday in the Park With George' scheduled for 2027 at the Barbican.
The decision represents more than a simple scheduling conflict. Grande's representatives confirmed to PEOPLE that the performer intends to retreat from public-facing work entirely once her Eternal Sunshine Tour concludes, seeking what they characterized as a necessary respite from constant visibility.
According to her team, Grande wishes to complete her current tour while maintaining her well-being and happiness, then pursue a "much-deserved break," her representatives told PEOPLE. The statement emphasized that while the performer has treasured her interactions with audiences throughout the tour and remains appreciative of the opportunity, she now recognizes the need to make herself a priority.
The announcement cited the toll of fame, noting that public appearances have exposed Grande to what her representatives described as "endless, ongoing public scrutiny," according to PEOPLE.
The Barbican production had generated substantial interest among theater enthusiasts due to the prospect of Grande and Bailey working together again following their collaboration on 'Wicked.' The show's official social media account confirmed that the revival will proceed despite the casting change, with producers planning to fill Grande's role before the production opens.
The withdrawal marks a significant shift for Grande, who has maintained a demanding schedule across music, film, and live performance in recent years. Her departure from the Sondheim revival signals a broader intention to disengage from the entertainment industry's public demands following the conclusion of her Eternal Sunshine Tour.
Theater producers at the Barbican now face the task of recasting the production ahead of its 2027 opening, while Grande prepares to conclude her current touring commitments before beginning an extended period away from professional obligations.