Pop star Ariana Grande has pulled out of an upcoming stage musical in London, producers said, and plans to take a break from the public eye due to intense scrutiny. She was set to star alongside her “Wicked” co-star Jonathan Bailey in a production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Sunday in the Park with George” at the Barbican theatre in 2027.
Empire Street Productions announced on Sunday that Grande will no longer be part of the production. “We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support,” the company said. It added that the production will open next summer as planned, with casting to be announced in due course.
A representative for Grande told People magazine that the 33-year-old singer will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour. “She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny,” the statement said.
The tour is due to wrap up in London on Sept. 1. Grande rose to fame as a child performer on Nickelodeon before releasing her debut album, “Yours Truly,” in 2013. She has won three Grammy Awards and was nominated for a supporting actress Oscar for the film adaptation of “Wicked.”