Imitation of Life tickets
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About Imitation of Life
Imitation of Life is a new musical with a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, an original score by EGOT winner John Legend, and direction by Tony Award nominee Whitney White, and starring Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren.
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.
Inspired by Fannie Hurst’s best-selling 1933 novel and the beloved 1934 and 1959 Universal films, Imitation of Life arrives for its world premiere, reimagined in this strictly limited engagement.
Some stories take generations to find their stage. This is where Imitation of Life begins.
Run time
2hr 40min. Incl. intermission.
Venue
Categories
Age
All Ages.
Start date
November 21st, 2026
End date
January 3rd, 2027
Stars on stage
Adrienne Warren
Jessica Vosk
Imitation of Life cast and creative team
By: Lynn Nottage, based on the novel by Fannie Hurst
Songs by: John Legend
Director: Whitney White
Choreography: Baye & Asa
Producer: The Shed and National Black Theatre
Cast list: Adrienne Warren (as Delilah), Jessica Vosk (as Bea), Michael Luwoye (as Elroy), Charlie Thurston (as Archie), Aleyse Shannon (as Adult Peola), Scarlett London Diviney (as Young Peola), and Lily Gilliam (as Young Jessie)
Sets: Chloe Lamford
Costumes: Qween Jean
Lighting: Natasha Katz
Sound: Gareth Owen
Other info: Music supervision by Brandon Michael Nase, music direction by Ben Covello, orchestrations by Bryan Carter and Charlie Rosen
More information about Imitation of Life
Imitation of Life explores two single moms, one white and one Black, in a changing America. The mothers and their daughters build a shared life as each strives for love and fulfillment in a time where race and class deeply divided communities. Profound and moving, this new musical asks what we want in life, and what we leave for future generations.
The classic novel has been adapted into Academy Award-nominated films, and now an Oscar winner is bringing it to the stage: John Legend, alongside two-time Pulitzer Prize for Drama winner Lynn Nottage (the only woman to have won twice), adapts this story for off Broadway at The Shed. The Shed is a newer venue quickly establishing itself as a home for bold, big works, as with Stephen Sondheim's final musical, Here We Are.
Audiences can expect a gorgeous score and classic story with contemporary themes about race, class, and love.
What to watch for
- Lynn Nottage has written other musical works, including an opera and MJ The Musical.
- John Legend won a Tony Award for co-producing the stage play Jitney.
- Liesl Tommy was nominated for a Tony for directing the Danai Gurira's Eclipsed.
- Author Fannie Hurst was a noted voice around World War I for tackling American themes from women's points of view.
Upcoming performances
Frequently asked questions
What is Imitation of Life about?
Based on the beloved story, Imitation of Life is about two single mothers trying to build better lives for their daughters.
What is the running time of Imitation of Life?
Imitation of Life runs for 2hr 40min. Incl. intermission.
Which theatre is Imitation of Life at?
Imitation of Life is at New York's The Shed, which is located at 545 West 30th Street, New York, 10001.
How much are tickets for Imitation of Life?
Imitation of Life tickets start at $79.
What is the age recommendation for Imitation of Life?
All Ages.
How do you get tickets for Imitation of Life?
Check the top of this page for current availability on Imitation of Life tickets on TodayTix.
Is Imitation of Life playing on Broadway or Off-Broadway?
Imitation of Life is playing Off Broadway.
How long is Imitation of Life on for?
Tickets for Imitation of Life are available through 3 January 2027 — check the calendar for the latest availability.
Who stars in Imitation of Life?
Imitation of Life stars Adrienne Warren (as Delilah), Jessica Vosk (as Bea), Michael Luwoye (as Elroy), Charlie Thurston (as Archie), Aleyse Shannon (as Adult Peola), Scarlett London Diviney (as Young Peola), and Lily Gilliam (as Young Jessie).
Who is the director of Imitation of Life?
Whitney White is the director of Imitation of Life.
Who composed the music and lyrics for Imitation of Life?
The music and lyrics for Imitation of Life were composed by John Legend.
Who is the writer of Imitation of Life?
The writer of Imitation of Life is Lynn Nottage, based on the novel by Fannie Hurst.