John Legend, renowned singer, songwriter, and producer, is venturing into the world of musical theater as he takes on the role of composing the score for a stage adaptation of the 1959 film “Imitation of Life.” This highly anticipated musical, which is currently in development and aiming for Broadway, is a collaboration between Legend, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, and director Liesl Tommy.
The production, produced by Universal Theatrical Group, Get Lifted Film Co (Legend’s production company), producer Mike Jackson, and Friends at Work CEO Ty Stiklorius, recently had a private industry reading at the end of April. The creative team is excited to bring this timeless story to life on stage, and the addition of Legend’s musical talent is sure to elevate the experience.
“Imitation of Life,” originally a novel written by Fannie Hurst in 1933, follows the story of Delilah Johnston, a Black woman living in Atlantic City in the 1920s, and her daughter Peola, who passes as white. Delilah forms a close friendship and business partnership with Bea Pullman, a white widower, as they navigate the challenges of starting a business and dealing with racial and economic tensions. Peola also faces her own career aspirations, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
The novel was adapted into a 1934 film, starring Claudette Colbert and Louise Beavers, which received an Academy Award nomination for best picture. It was later remade in 1959, starring Lana Turner and Juanita Moore, and received two acting Academy Award nominations. The story’s exploration of race, friendship, and motherhood struck a chord with audiences, making it a timeless tale.
Related Post
Director Liesl Tommy, known for her work on Broadway including Danai Gurira’s “Eclipsed” and the recent Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect,” saw great potential in adapting “Imitation of Life” for musical theater. She believed that the story’s complexities and themes of love, identity, and societal pressure were uniquely suited for the stage. Tommy’s choice to collaborate with Lynn Nottage and John Legend was a natural one, given their immense talents and deep understanding of the American experience.
Reflecting on her decision to pursue this project, Tommy shared, “When I met with Universal Theatrical Group, the only title I wanted to discuss was ‘Imitation of Life.’ I’d long been a fan of the book, and I knew there was a passionate, contemporary, and newly relevant adaptation of this story uniquely suited to musical theater. To my mind, the only collaborators for this beautifully complex, wholly American story are Lynn Nottage and John Legend; thankfully, they agreed to join me immediately in bringing their creativity and immense talents to this retelling. We are thrilled to partner with UTG as we turn a whole new lens on ‘Imitation of Life,’ using this great American art form to illuminate and uplift Black life.”
Although John Legend is best known for his solo music career, he has dabbled in the world of Broadway before. He wrote a song for the “SpongeBob SquarePants” musical and served as a producer for August Wilson’s “Jitney” and “Ain’t Too Proud.” With his experience in both music and theater, Legend is poised to bring a fresh and vibrant sound to the stage adaptation of “Imitation of Life.”
As the development of the musical continues, audiences can look forward to experiencing this iconic story in a new and captivating way. The combination of a compelling narrative, powerful music, and talented creatives promises to deliver a Broadway production that will leave a lasting impact. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of “Imitation of Life” as it makes its way to the stage.
