Additional principal casting has been announced for the Off-Broadway premiere of Imitation of Life, the new musical from Lynn Nottage and John Legend. Jessica Vosk, Michael Luwoye, Charlie Thurston and Aleyse Shannon will join previously announced Adrienne Warren when the production opens this fall at The Griffin Theater at The Shed.
Warren plays Delilah, alongside Vosk as Bea, Luwoye as Elroy, Thurston as Archie and Shannon as Adult Peola. Scarlett London Diviney plays Young Peola, and Lily Gilliam plays Young Jessie. Further casting will be announced at a later date.
The musical is inspired by Fannie Hurst’s 1933 novel, which was adapted into two Universal Pictures films: John Stahl’s 1934 version, starring Claudette Colbert and Louise Beavers, and Douglas Sirk’s 1959 adaptation, starring Lana Turner and Juanita Moore. The 1934 film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture and is included in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry.
Per the official description, “Across the neon rush of 1920s Atlantic City and the harder edges of 1930s New York, two single mothers—one Black, one White—and their daughters build a life together, chasing success and love by very different rules. Their stories ask what we sacrifice to be seen—and what we pass down to the ones who come after us.”
Nottage wrote the book, and Legend composed the original score. Two-time Whitney White directs, with choreography by Baye & Asa.
National Black Theatre, Universal Theatrical Group, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Get Lifted Film Co. (Legend and Mike Jackson), Crocodile Eyes (Liesl Tommy and Jennifer Mudge), LD Entertainment (Mickey Liddell and Pete Shilaimon) and The Shed produce. The production is a co-production between The Shed and National Black Theatre.
When does ‘Imitation of Life’ open?
Performances begin Nov. 21, with an official opening on Dec. 3, for a six-week limited engagement through Jan. 3, 2027, at The Griffin Theater at The Shed. Tickets are on sale at theshed.org/imitationoflife.
Photo: Polk & Co.
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