Sunday in the Park with George is the product of Steven Sondheim's inspiration that came from the painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, the Pointillism masterpiece by French painter Georges Seurat. It is loosely based on his life and told in two parts, one in Seurat's time of 1884, and the other a century later in the 1980s, which focuses on Seurat's great grandson.
Both generations are dealing with the agonies and ecstasies of being an artist. The first part is revealing of the legendary painter's obsession with his work and his conviction that all aspects of reality could always be improved upon in art. His work was of the utmost importance to him, surpassing all other aspects of his life, including his romantic relationships.
The second part, set in 1980s New York City, tells of his great grandson's struggle to find inspiration in the harsh and unforgiving environment of the contemporary art world. He has to confront the repressed feelings of both his great grandfather and himself.
Told with elegance, sophisticated humor and visual virtuosity, Sunday in the Park with George was a collaboration of Sondheim and his friend James Lapine who is responsible for the story.
It was nominated for multiple Tony Awards and received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. A meditation on art, emotional connection and community, it is a musical fantasy not to be missed.