John Legend Alberto Rodriguez/Variety via Getty Images UPDATE, with production dates: Imitation of Life, the new musical with a book by Lynn Nottage, music and lyrics by John Legend, and direction by Liesl Tommy will begin performances on Wednesday, September 9, at The Griffin Theater at The Shed Off Broadway. A co-production of The Shed and National Black Theatre, Imitation of Life will play a strictly limited four- week presentation engagement through Sunday, October 4.