A Broadway musical adaptation of Imitation of Life, based on the 1933 Fannie Hurst novel and the two screen adaptations by Universal Pictures in 1934 and 1959, is being developed for the Broadway stage, with book by Lynn Nottage, music and lyrics by John Legend, and directed by Liesl Tommy. The 1934 film was nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award, while the 1959 film garnered two nominations (Best Actress, Juanita Moore and Best Supporting Actress, Susan Kohner).
No timetable has been set for the show’s production, though a private industry reading took place recently in New York City.
Feature photo: Lynn Nottage (left), Liesl Tommy (top right), John Legend (bottom right)
