“Imitation of Life” has set dates for its world premiere, Off-Broadway at the Shed. The new musical will play a four-week engagement at the Griffin Theater, with its first performance set for Sept. 9. “Imitation of Life” will be presented as a co-production with National Black Theatre in a strictly limited engagement through Oct. 4.
“Imitation of Life” is based on the 1933 novel of the same name by Fannie Hurst, as well as its 1934 and 1959 film adaptations. It centers on a pair of single mothers — one Black and one white — their daughters, and the shared life they build together.
The new musical features a book by Lynn Nottage, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner for “Ruined” and “Sweat.” Nottage has also written the book for the Broadway musical “MJ.” Music and lyrics are by John Legend, an EGOT winner who also contributed music to Broadway’s “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Legend and Mike Jackson’s Get Lifted Film Co., which also co-produces the Main Stem production of “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” will also produce the premiere of “Imitation of Life.” Liesl Tommy, winner of a 2014 Obie Award for her direction of “Appropriate” and a Tony Award nominee for “Eclipsed,” will direct and produce as Crocodile Eyes alongside Jennifer Mudge.
The producing team for “Imitation of Life” also includes National Black Theatre, Universal Theatrical Group, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Mickey Liddell and Pete Shilaimon of LD Entertainment and the Shed.
Additional details, including cast, design and creative team members, will be announced at a later date..
