Photo Flash: Jason Danieley, Carmen Cusack and CST's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Perform at Art Institute of Chicago!

Yesterday, at the top of the museum's Grand Staircase leading to the Impressionist Galleries, a full-sized replica of Georges Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte-1884 was installed but devoid of most of the foreground characters, leaving visitors puzzled by the strange new version. In anticipation of Chicago Shakespeare Theater's upcoming production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's musical Sunday in the Park with George, characters from this famous painting came to life for a surprising musical performance.

Hundreds of patrons heard music as fully costumed characters from the painting emerged and sang a rousing rendition of the song "Sunday." Afterwards, The Acting Company cascaded down the Grand Staircase, out the main entrance of the Art Institute between the iconic lions and onto a Chicago Trolley. The trolley then carried them up Michigan Avenue, along the city's lush Millennium Park, and back to Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, where the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical opens the Theater's season,September 26 through November 4, 2012.

Inspired by the Art Institute's famous Seurat masterpiece, the musical Sunday in the Park with George tells the story of a painter's struggle between creating art and living life. The Chicago Shakespeare production is staged by Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin (The Color Purple, Follies) and features Jason Danieley as George and Carmen Cusack as Dot/Marie.

Performances in Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Courtyard Theater are September 26–November 4, 2012. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com/sunday.

Photo Credit: Michael Litchfield

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Cast

Art Institute of Chicago

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Cast

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Cast

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Cast

Jason Danieley and Carmen Cusack

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Cast

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Cast

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Cast

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Cast