The sexiest man alive and the blond star of \u201cWicked\u201d made a stealth visit Tuesday to the Art Institute of Chicago to promote an upcoming production of \u201cSunday in the Park with George\u201d \u2014 in London.<\/p>\n
An Instagram post on Wednesday featured Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey staring thoughtfully at each other on folding chairs in front of the Georges Seurat painting \u201cA Sunday on La Grand Jatte,\u201d one of the museum\u2019s marquee attractions. The pose was apt for a musical centered on an artist and his muse.<\/p>\n
Bailey and Grande will star in a new stage production of Stephen Sondheim\u2019s \u201cSunday in the Park with George,\u201d slated for summer 2027. The musical is likely to be a very hot ticket, and was inspired by the painting.<\/p>\n
The photo of the pair was taken by photographer Katia Temkin, known for her work with Grande, including for album covers. No other visitors are visible, suggesting that the museum gave the pair special access. (The Art Institute confirmed Wednesday night that the pair were in town Tuesday.)<\/p>\n
Performances of the musical, which will feature a book by James Lapine, music by Sondheim and direction by Marianne Elliott, with design by Tom Scutt, are slated for London\u2019s Barbican Center. Empire Street Productions is the producer.<\/p>\n
Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.<\/p>\n
cjones5@chicagotribune.com<\/p>\n
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