Mandy Patinkin offered advice to Jonathan Bailey as he prepares to step into the role Patinkin originated in the upcoming London revival of Sunday in the Park with George.
During a Wednesday, Jan. 21 interview with TODAY, the Tony-winning actor expressed that the musical was one of the “greatest gifts” of his life. Bailey will be starring in the revival alongside Wicked co-star Ariana Grande.
“You are embarking on one of the privileges of your life,” Patinkin said. “What James (Lapine, playwright) and Stephen (Sondheim) wrote is one of the greatest gifts of my life. The word that is the north star of my existence … ‘Connect, George. Connect.'”
He also added, “The word ‘connect,’ the music, the lyrics, the story — I just beg you to, even on your worst day, enjoy every second of it. This is as good as it gets.”
Patinkin originated the role of George on Broadway in 1984 and earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance.
Bailey and Grande shared an Instagram post taken at the Art Institute of Chicago following the announcement of the revival.
The post is captioned, “All it has to be is good,” a famous line from the musical’s song “Color and Light.”
The London revival of the iconic musical is set for a 2027 run at the Barbican Centre. The musical follows George, a fictionalized version of French painter Georges Seurat, as he immerses himself deeply in creating his masterpiece and navigating his relationship with his muse, Dot, who will be portrayed by Grande.
Patinkin’s wife, Kathryn Grody, also shared her excitement for Bailey and Grande to step into these roles.
“I don’t think there’s anything better,” she told TODAY. “That’s my bias, but I’m thrilled that a new generation will be able to see it and have that encouragement about life and art.”
Tickets for the Barbican Centre production of Sunday in the Park with George are set to go on sale in Spring 2026.
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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