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LONDON - Ariana Grande has pulled out of the upcoming London revival of "Sunday In The Park With George", with the singer's representative saying she plans to take a break from public-facing work and the scrutiny that comes with it, reported PA Media/dpa.
The pop singer was due to appear opposite her "Wicked" co-star Jonathan Bailey in a new production of Stephen Sondheim's critically acclaimed musical at the Barbican in 2027.
A representative for Grande told People: "Ariana 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.
"This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much."
The Barbican show will still go ahead as planned and Grande's part will be recast, production company Empire Street Productions said.
A statement to the Press Association said: "Empire Street Productions have said following this evening's announcement from Ariana Grande's team, we can confirm that she has decided to step back from ‘Sunday in the Park with George’.
"We know this could not have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support.
"We wish her nothing but the best. The production will open at the Barbican in summer 2027 as planned, and casting will be announced in due course."
The original musical, created by Sondheim and James Lapine, debuted on Broadway in 1984 starring Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters.
The show is inspired by the Georges Seurat painting "A Sunday Afternoon On The Island Of La Grande Jatte."
It follows the story of a fictionalised Seurat as he tries to complete the portrait, showing challenges in understanding life and art, and exploring his relationship with his lover and muse, Dot.
Grande is currently on her Eternal Sunshine tour, which will come to the United Kingdom in August, with a 10-night residency at London's The O2.
Her final London show on Sept 1 will also mark the end of the tour.
The announcement about "Sunday In The Park With George" comes after Grande released the music video for "Petal", the title single from her newly released eighth studio album, which sparked speculation about her health.
Grande has won three Grammy awards amid a successful music career which took off in 2013 after the release of her debut album, "Yours Truly".
She first found fame playing Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon television shows "Victorious" and "Sam & Cat".
She was nominated for an Oscar for her role as Glinda in the big screen adaptation of "Wicked". - BERNAMA
