‘Imitation of Life’ announces cast for world premiere

NEW YORK—The new musical Imitation of Life, featuring a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and an original score by EGOT winner John Legend, has announced its principal cast for its world premiere at The Shed this fall.

Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren will lead the company as Delilah. She will be joined by Jessica Vosk (Beaches) as Bea, Michael Luwoye (Hamilton) as Elroy, Charlie Thurston (Liberation) as Archie, Aleyse Shannon as Adult Peola, Scarlett London Diviney as Young Peola and Lily Gilliam as Young Jessie.

Performances begin November 21, 2026, at The Griffin Theater at The Shed. The musical officially opens December 3 and will play a strictly limited six-week engagement through January 3, 2027.

The Shed and National Black Theatre will present the world premiere as a co-production.

‘IMITATION OF LIFE’: (left to right) Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren & acclaimed actor Jessica Vosk star. Photos: Courtesy of Polk PR & Michael Kushner.

Lynn Nottage and John Legend bring ‘Imitation of Life’ to the stage

Two-time Tony Award nominee Whitney White directs the new musical, with choreography by Baye & Asa.

Imitation of Life takes audiences from 1920s Atlantic City to 1930s New York. At its center, the story follows two single mothers, one Black and one White, and their daughters as they build a life together. Along the way, the musical explores race, identity, motherhood, ambition and belonging.

In addition, the musical draws inspiration from Fannie Hurst’s bestselling 1933 novel and the two Universal Pictures film adaptations that followed.

John Stahl directed the 1934 film, which starred Claudette Colbert and Louise Beavers. Later, Douglas Sirk directed the acclaimed 1959 adaptation starring Lana Turner and Juanita Moore.

Tony Award winners join the creative team

The production has also assembled a notable design and music team.

Tony Award winner Chloe Lamford (Death of a Salesman) will design the scenery. Tony Award winner Qween Jean (Cats: The Jellicle Ball) will create the costumes, while eight-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz will design the lighting.

Meanwhile, Gareth Owen (MJ: The Musical), a Tony Award winner, will handle sound design. Brandon Michael Nase serves as music supervisor, with Ben Covello as music director. Tony Award winners Bryan Carter and Charlie Rosen will provide co-orchestrations. The Telsey Company handles casting.

In addition, National Black Theatre, Universal Theatrical Group, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Get Lifted Film Co., Crocodile Eyes, LD Entertainment and The Shed serve as producers.

Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

Tickets and information

Imitation of Life begins performances Saturday, November 21, 2026, and officially opens Thursday, December 3, at The Griffin Theater at The Shed. The limited engagement runs through Sunday, January 3, 2027.

The Shed
545 West 30th Street
New York, NY 10001

Tickets are now on sale at https://www.theshed.org/program/519-imitation-of-life

For more information, visit National Black Theatre.