Chicago, IL, September 8, 2026 — The cast and artistic team involved with Kokandy Productions’ staging of the musical “Sunday in the Park with George” recently undertook a visit to the renowned Art Institute of Chicago.

The purpose of this excursion was to gain direct inspiration from Georges Seurat’s seminal painting, “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte.” This iconic work is recognized as the primary muse for the musical itself, forming the artistic and thematic core of the production.

By immersing themselves in the environment where the original artwork is housed, the theater professionals aimed to deepen their understanding and connection to the source material. The visit provided an opportunity to observe the painting’s details, composition, and the techniques employed by Seurat, which are central to the narrative and visual language of the musical.

“Sunday in the Park with George,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, explores themes of art, love, and the process of creation. The musical famously centers on the creation of Seurat’s masterpiece and its enduring impact. The cast and artistic team’s direct engagement with the painting is a key step in their preparation process, ensuring an authentic and resonant portrayal for audiences.

The Art Institute of Chicago, a prominent cultural institution, houses a vast collection of art, including numerous Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works. The presence of “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” within its galleries makes it a significant destination for those seeking to connect with this particular era and style of art. The musical’s narrative is intrinsically linked to the painting, making the visit a critical element in the production’s development. The contractor’s name was not provided. The fine amount was not provided. The timeline for the musical’s performance was not provided.


Story summarized from the original created by Web Behrens on blockclubchicago.org, see more information here.

About The Author