Jessica Vosk and Michael Luwoye join “Imitation of Life”: full cast revealed for Off-Broadway world premiere

The world premiere of the highly anticipated musical “Imitation of Life” now has a full cast: as BroadwayWorld reports, joining previously announced star, Tony winner Adrienne Warren as Delilah, are Jessica Vosk as Bea, Michael Luwoye as Elroy, Charlie Thurston as Archie, as well as Aleyse Shannon, Scarlett London Diviney and Lily Gilliam as Peola and Jessie at different ages.

The new musical is one of the most ambitious projects of the Off-Broadway season: the music and lyrics were written by EGOT winner John Legend, while the book is by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Lynn Nottage. Direction is by Tony nominee Whitney White, and the creative team gathers Broadway heavyweights — from set designer Chloe Lamford and costume designer Qween Jean, to eight-time Tony-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz and orchestrators Bryan Carter and Charlie Rosen.

“Imitation of Life” is based on Fannie Hurst’s 1933 novel and the two Oscar-nominated Universal film adaptations of 1934 and 1959. The story follows two single mothers — one Black, one white — and their daughters, building a life together amid ambition, race and class, from 1920s Atlantic City to 1930s New York.

The production’s official opening is set for December 3, with previews beginning November 21 at The Griffin Theater at The Shed, in a co-production with National Black Theatre. Performances will run for six weeks, through January 3, 2027.