The full cast for the Off-Broadway production of John Legend and Lynn Nottage’s new musical Imitation of Life was recently announced.
Performances for Imitation of Life, directed by Whitney White, begin on Saturday, November 21, 2026 with an official opening on Thursday, December 3, for a strictly limited 6-week engagement through Sunday, January 3, 2027 at The Griffin Theater at The Shed.
Joining previously announced Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren as Delilah is Jessica Vosk as Bea (Wicked), Michael Luwoye (Hamilton) as Elroy, Charlie Thurston (Liberation) as Archie, Aleyse Shannon (Leverage: Redemption) as Adult Peola, Scarlett London Diviney (The Lion King) as Young Peola, and Lily Gilliam (Little Amélie or the Character of Rain) as Young Jessie.
The ensemble will feature Kayla Davion, Karli Dinardo, EJ Hamilton, Sheldon Henry, Dan Horn, Aliah James, Evan Latta, Kyle Taylor Parker, Morgan Jeanell Robbins, Martell Dimitri Ruffin, Clifton Samuels, Carla Stewart and Ryan Vona. The swings and offstage covers for the production are Zach Bravo, Skylar Geary, Dava Huesca, Malik Kitchen, Zoe Brooke Reed, and Zoe Rock.
What is Imitation of Life Off-Broadway about?
Inspired by Fannie Hurst’s best-selling 1933 novel and the landmark 1934 and 1959 Universal films, Imitation of Life tells the story of two single mothers—one Black, one White—and their daughters who build a life together, chasing success and love by very different rules across the neon rush of 1920s Atlantic City and the harder edges of 1930s New York. Their stories ask what we sacrifice to be seen—and what we pass down to the ones who come after us.
Who will be in the cast of Imitation of Life Off-Broadway?
The cast of Imitation of Life will feature 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.
The ensemble will feature Kayla Davion, Karli Dinardo, EJ Hamilton, Sheldon Henry, Dan Horn, Aliah James, Evan Latta, Kyle Taylor Parker, Morgan Jeanell Robbins, Martell Dimitri Ruffin, Clifton Samuels, Carla Stewart and Ryan Vona. The swings and offstage covers for the production are Zach Bravo, Skylar Geary, Dava Huesca, Malik Kitchen, Zoe Brooke Reed, and Zoe Rock.
Who will be on the creative team of Imitation of Life Off-Broadway?
Imitation of Life features a book by Lynn Nottage, music and lyrics by John Legend, and direction by Whitney White. Additional creative team members include Ben Covello (Music Direction), Bryan Carter and Charlie Rosen (Co-Orchestrations), Baye & Asa (Choreography), Chloe Lamford (Scenic Design), Qween Jean (Costume Design), Natasha Katz (Lighting Design), Gareth Owen (Sound Design), Nikiya Mathis (Wig and Hair Design), and Sterling Tull (Makeup Design). Casting is by The Telsey Company.
Where can I find official tickets to Imitation of Life Off-Broadway?
Broadway Direct will always direct you to the official ticketing source for Imitation of Life. Tickets can be found here.
