Jessica Vosk, Michael Luwoye to Star With Adrienne Warren in John Legend and Lynn Nottage's Imitation of Life

More casting has been announced for the Adrienne Warren-led world premiere of the new musical Imitation of Life, by John Legend and Lynn Nottage, at the Shed. The run will take place November 21-January 3, with opening night set for December 3.

A co-production with National Black Theatre, Imitation of Life is based on Fannie Hurst’s 1933 novel about two single mothers, one Black and one white, building a shared life with their daughters in a society deeply divided by race and class. The story was adapted for film in 1934 and 1959, and the musical has an all-new score by Legend, with a book by Nottage. Whitney White directs.

Warren will play Delilah, alongside 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. Complete casting will be announced at a later date.

Imitation of Life has scenic design by Chloe Lamford, costume design by Qween Jean, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Gareth Owen, choreography by Baye & Asa, music supervision by Brandon Michael Nase, music direction by Ben Covello, and co-orchestrations by Bryan Carter and Charlie Rosen.