Imitation of Life tickets
About Imitation of Life
See this stirring new musical with an all-star creative team: Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, EGOT winner John Legend, and Tony Award nominee Liesl Tommy. Coming this fall to The Shed, Imitation of Life the musical is a daring and sweeping look at two single mothers, one white and one Black, who are looking to give their daughters a better life.
Imitation of Life off Broadway explores identity, race, and ambition, set against the vibrant backdrop of Atlantic City and New York in the 1920s and 30s. A beautiful rumination on the American Dream, Imitation of Life is based on the 1933 best-selling novel by Fannie Hurst and the subsequent 1934 and 1959 Universal film adaptations.
Imitation of Life in New York plays for a limited run only — and this is sure to be a highly anticipated event thanks to its starry creative team and ever-timely story.
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.