Show Finder
Imitation of Life
Opening Date: Sep 9, 2026
Closing Date: Oct 4, 2026
Running Time: 02:40
Playing @
The Shed
545 West 30th Street , New York City, NY 10001
Imitation of Life is a new musical with a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, music and lyrics by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award winner John Legend, and directed by multi-award-winning and Tony Award–nominated Liesl Tommy.
Inspired by the 1933 best-selling novel by Fannie Hurst and the beloved 1934 and 1959 Universal films, Imitation of Life follows two single mothers, one Black and one White, as well as their daughters, who build a shared life while each strives for success and love in a society divided by race and class. Set across the vibrant backdrop of 1920s Atlantic City and 1930s New York, this new, profoundly moving musical explores themes of identity, the American dream, and what we leave for future generations.
This limited engagement marks the first major step in nurturing and developing a new American musical. Imitation of Life will be performed with a full cast and live orchestra, in a staged presentation that prioritizes the primacy of the work itself. Audiences are invited to be present at the moment an important new musical begins.
Inspired by the 1933 best-selling novel by Fannie Hurst and the beloved 1934 and 1959 Universal films, Imitation of Life follows two single mothers, one Black and one White, as well as their daughters, who build a shared life while each strives for success and love in a society divided by race and class. Set across the vibrant backdrop of 1920s Atlantic City and 1930s New York, this new, profoundly moving musical explores themes of identity, the American dream, and what we leave for future generations.
This limited engagement marks the first major step in nurturing and developing a new American musical. Imitation of Life will be performed with a full cast and live orchestra, in a staged presentation that prioritizes the primacy of the work itself. Audiences are invited to be present at the moment an important new musical begins.
Music
- John Legend
Lyrics
- John Legend
Book
- Lynn Nottage
Director
- Liesl Tommy
TDF Tickets Offers:
TDF Member tickets:
Not currently available for this show
Listed at 
n/a
Full-price tickets:
Coming soon
Accessibility
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Assisted Listening System
Assistive listening devices availble at any either of two ticket desks or at the coat check. A driver’s license will be held to check out the device. Admissions desks are equipped with induction loop systems. -
Elevator/Escalator
Elevators are located on the east and west sides of the building. The west elevators are closest to the Hudson Yards Public Square entrance. -
Entrance
Both entrances are wheelchair accessible -
Parking
There are two parking garages in close proximity to The Shed on West 30th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues. One is on the north side of the block, beneath Hudson Yards. An additional garage is located across the street from The Shed at 552 West 30th Street. -
Passenger Loading Zone
The Shed’s Hudson Yards Public Square entrance provides an accessible passenger loading zone allowing for automobile pick-up and drop-off access to the building -
Restroom
All of The Shed’s restrooms are accessible. Men’s (self-identified) and women’s (self-identified) restrooms can be found in The Lobby, the mezzanine, and on levels 4, 6, and 8. These restrooms include baby changing tables. Single-occupancy all-gender restrooms can be found on the mezzanine and levels 4, 6, and 8 -
Telephone
None on premises -
Wheelchair Info
All performances have wheelchair accessible seating. Call box office at (646) 455-3494 with questions







