Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren will star as “Delilah” in the upcoming world premiere engagement of the new musical IMITATION OF LIFE at The Griffin Theater at The Shed in New York.
A co-production with National Black Theatre, 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.
First published in 1933, Fannie Hurst’s novel 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.
Adrienne Warren said:
“It is truly an honor 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.”
Performances for IMITATION OF LIFE begin on Saturday, November 21, 2026 and officially open on Thursday, December 3, for a strictly limited 6-week engagement through Sunday, January 3, 2027.
Additional casting, as well as design and creative team members will be announced at a later date.
Tickets for IMITATION OF LIFE are now on sale and available at theshed.org/imitationoflife.
