Lynn Nottage and John Legend Developing New Musical, Imitation of Life

A private industry reading of Imitation of Life, a new musical based on Fannie Hurst’s 1933 novel and two subsequent film adaptations, took place April 24-28 in New York City. The book is by two-time Pulitzer winner Lynn Nottage (MJ), with music and lyrics by John Legend. Liesl Tommy (Eclipsed) is directing the project, which is still in development.

“When I met with Universal Theatrical Group to talk about a possible collaboration, the only title I wanted to discuss was Imitation of Life,” said Tommy. “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.”

Hurst’s novel was first published in 1933, and is about a woman who peddles maple syrup and takes on boarders at her Atlantic City home after a series of tragedies makes her the sole breadwinner for her family. It has twice been adapted for film: in 1934, directed by John Stahl, and starring Claudette Colbert and Louise Beavers; and in 1959 directed by Douglas Sirk, starring Lana Turner and Juanita Moore.

Imitation of Life will be produced for the stage by Universal Theatrical Group and Get Lifted Film Co. Wagner Johnson Productions serves as General Manager.