Adrienne Warren to star in new musical IMITATION OF LIFE
Producers of new musical IMITATION OF LIFE have announced that Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren will star as Delilah in the upcoming world premiere run at The Griffin Theater at The Shed, in a co-production with National Black Theatre, from 21 November.
IMITATION OF LIFE features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, an original score by EGOT winner John Legend, and is directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Whitney White.
Adrienne Warren said: “It is truly an honour to join this incredible team in bringing Imitation of Life to the stage. Over the years, developing the role of Delilah has become a highlight of my career. She is a character I have grown to love deeply, and I cannot wait to share her with audiences.”
John Legend said: “Imitation of Life tells a deeply emotional story of a remarkable woman’s journey, and I'm thrilled to know that Adrienne Warren will bring Delilah to life! Adrienne is an incredibly gifted performer who brings heart, humanity and radiance to every character she plays. I'm so excited that the world will hear her magnificent voice on the first musical that I've composed. I can’t wait for audiences to see her in this role.”
First published in 1933, Fannie Hurst’s novel Imitation of Life remains one of the most enduring, emotionally resonant, and groundbreaking stories in American popular culture. A powerful exploration of race, identity, motherhood, ambition, and belonging, its themes continue to captivate audiences generations after its debut.
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.
Some stories take generations to find their stage. This is where Imitation of Life begins.
Additional casting, as well as design and creative team members will be announced at a later date.