Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande in SITPWG?- Page 2

[Mickey3309]

Posted: 12/16/25 at 2:12pm

When I was going through an Audra interview deep dive she talked about the Puffy revival of Raisin (a crazy thing that actually happened) a lot and how at first it was strange to have audiences with "poor theatre etiquette" but in the end she really enjoyed it because she realized how many people in the audiences were experiencing something for the first time.

It really resonated with me at the time and has only resonated more the longer I work in the industry. Yes, a pop star is bound to bring in audiences that are perhaps are a bit more frenzied than your typical theatre patron but it's exciting that they're excited to be there!"

This is a really nice sentiment, but I don’t understand why “experiencing something for the first time” can’t also include (as it did for so many of us at some point) learning how to respect fellow audience members and performers, and being held to those very reasonable standards. I’m glad Audra was eventually able to enjoy it, but I can also understand how someone who cares deeply about a piece and paid tons of $ for a single chance to see it and feel fully present might not be able to enjoy it in the same way. Hooting and cheering and standing after songs, an occasional audible reaction to a line, getting up to use the bathroom - fine. But using a phone with a bright screen in others’ sightlines, talking through the show, crinkling chip bags, singing along, and similar behavior has never made sense to me as “ok,” unless the show is explicitly inviting it for a specific reason. I’ll be excited to see this if it truly does come to fruition - they're both excellent for the roles! And if it does, I hope that audiences are held to a reasonable standard.

Updated On: 12/16/25 at 02:12 PM

[Falsettolands]

Posted: 12/16/25 at 3:18pm

All it has to be is good.

[Ke3]

Posted: 12/16/25 at 3:45pm

Mickey3309 said: "When I was going through an Audra interview deep dive she talked about the Puffy revival of Raisin (a crazy thing that actually happened) a lot and how at first it was strange to have audiences with "poor theatre etiquette" but in the end she really enjoyed it because she realized how many people in the audiences were experiencing something for the first time.

It really resonated with me at the time and has only resonated more the longer I work in the industry. Yes, a pop star is bound to bring in audiences that are perhaps are a bit more frenzied than your typical theatre patron but it's exciting that they're excited to be there!"

This is a really nice sentiment, but I don’t understand why “experiencing something for the first time” can’t also include (as it did for so many of us at some point)learning how to respect fellow audience members and performers, and being held to those very reasonablestandards. I’m glad Audra was eventually able to enjoy it, but I can also understand how someone who cares deeply about a piece and paid tons of $for a single chance to see it and feel fully present might not be able to enjoy it in the same way. Hooting and cheering and standing after songs, an occasional audible reaction to a line, getting up to use the bathroom - fine. But using a phone with abrightscreen in others’ sightlines, talking through the show, crinkling chip bags, singing along, and similar behavior has never made sense to me as “ok,” unless the show is explicitly inviting it for a specific reason. I’ll be excited to see this if it truly does come to fruition - they're both excellent for the roles! And if it does, I hope thataudiences are held to a reasonable standard."

I think the issues you named go a bit deeper than theatre etiquette tbh. The things Audra mentioned were more reacting to the show which you list as acceptable. Things like talking during a performance generally signal a lack of etiquette in general, not just a lack of understanding of how to behave in a theatre. And there's not really a way for Broadway to handle that because society as a whole has been unable to  find a way to deal with it. Not to be like "that's just the way it is now" but for certain things, that's sadly just the way it is now.

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 12/17/25 at 4:00am

Jordan Catalano said: "There was a rumor a while ago about Bailey doing this show and then he announced his acting hiatus so I just wrote it off.


But could you even imagine?"

Imagine what a train wreck it would be?

[John Adams]

Posted: 12/17/25 at 6:24am

Dancingthrulife2 said: "Imagine what a train wreck it would be?"

Why a train wreck? Because of fans? Do you feel like he can't act the role? (just curious)

[Globefan]

Posted: 12/17/25 at 7:17pm

I’d love them to play Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle in a remake of My Fair Lady 

[TheOtherOne2]

Posted: 12/18/25 at 7:25am

I’d love for Bailey and David Corinswet to star in a revival or a film version of City of Angels. Not that he and Ariana aren’t good casting for Sunday but just because City Is more in need of reviving.

Updated On: 12/18/25 at 07:25 AM

[MadsonMelo]

Posted: 12/18/25 at 12:45pm

I was actually thinking about musicals that Grande could be great and thought that maybe Legally Blonde could be very good, but My Fair Lady... oh my!

[Globefan]

Posted: 12/21/25 at 1:26am

MadsonMelo said: "I was actually thinking about musicals that Grande could be great and thought that maybe Legally Blonde could be very good, but My Fair Lady... oh my!"

oh my in a good way?

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 1/14/26 at 7:02am

An announcement seems imminent!

Updated On: 1/14/26 at 07:02 AM

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 1/14/26 at 7:55am

This is far, far down the line but the production apparently wants the Jacobs at some point in 2028 when this transfers. THE OUTSIDERS started a slow descent in its grosses last summer but it’s still in okay shape at the moment.


 

 

Updated On: 1/14/26 at 07:55 AM

[binau]

Posted: 1/14/26 at 8:50am

I hope they can get Bernadette as the Old Lady (or backup Patti given director/producer connection). 

This is quickly feeling like it could turn into a "greatest of all time" kind of event production. 

I don't think I have felt this excited since the rumours and announcement started coming through with the CZJ/Lansbury Night Music. 

Please God, let us all live long enough to see this. And let the world be stable enough for it to happen. 2027 seems too far away. 

[SteveSanders]

Posted: 1/14/26 at 9:19am

In my dreams, tickets for select performances would be reserved for those who correctly answer questions to a challenging Sondheim quiz.

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 1/14/26 at 9:35am

As exciting as the prospect of the Bailey and Grande pairing is, Marianne Elliott (so many double letters in her name, I have to confirm it every time) is the most enticing bit about this for me. One of the only directors working today balancing spectacle, intimacy, and genuinely-felt performances in nearly equal ability. If nothing else, the physical production is sure to be a treat to watch.

Updated On: 1/14/26 at 09:35 AM

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 1/14/26 at 10:07am

Agreed, Color. She is the real star of this for me. Already freaked out at the idea of ticket prices but also incredibly excited. So many possibilities.

[Kad]

Posted: 1/14/26 at 10:36am

Well, at least we can start saving for this now. 

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 1/14/26 at 10:56am

I'm curious how long this surely "strictly limited engagement" will likely be. 

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 1/14/26 at 11:03am

jacobsnchz14 said: "I'm curious how long this surely "strictly limited engagement" will likely be."

My guess is 3 months in London, a 3-4 month break for one or both of them to film or promote a movie, and then another 3-4 months in New York for a limited run that may extend because of Tony nominations.

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 1/14/26 at 12:04pm

It’s official: https://www.instagram.com/sundayparkstage

Barbican, Summer 2027. Directed by Marianne Elliott with design by Tom Scutt.

Updated On: 1/14/26 at 12:04 PM

[RippedMan]

Posted: 1/14/26 at 12:09pm

Perf plenty of time to save $$

[jlindsey865]

Posted: 1/14/26 at 12:12pm

Realistically, what are the chances this transfers to New York?

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 1/14/26 at 12:14pm

It will absolutely come to New York. 

[WldKingdomHM]

Posted: 1/14/26 at 12:20pm

WiCkEDrOcKS said: "It will absolutely come to New York."

Front row $500

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 1/14/26 at 12:21pm

Pardon me, Empire Street Productions is lead producing this. 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 1/14/26 at 12:22pm

WldKingdomHM said: "WiCkEDrOcKS said: "It will absolutely come to New York."

Front row $500"


At least triple that.