John Legend has a busy itinerary this season. Along with the release of his new Pharrell Williams-produced album, Muse, he’s gearing up for the Off-Broadway world premiere of Imitation of Life at The Shed, a new musical for which he wrote the music and lyrics.
With Imitation of Life, Legend takes a story that made such an impact in the 1930s—first as Fannie Hurst’s 1933 novel and then the 1934 film—and reimagines it for the stage. The production is backed by National Black Theatre and The Shed, alongside Legend’s production company, Get Lifted Film Co., which he co-founded with Mike Jackson, his friend of more than two decades, and Ty Stiklorius.
“It’s incredible. We’ve got Lynn Nottage writing the book, Whitney White directing, and Adrienne Warren in the lead role,” Legend shared with EBONY at the National Black Theatre’s Inaugural Fall Fête.
The “Daylight” singer was honored alongside his producing partner Jackson at the organization’s gala, held at Current at Chelsea Piers in New York City on November 11. Hosted by Bevy Smith, the evening also recognized Margaret Anadu, Sanford Biggers and Nona Hendryx, with performances by Legend, Somi Kakoma and Liza Jessie Peterson.
With such a packed schedule, it would be easy to get overwhelmed, though Jackson joked that Legend stays completely unflappable: “I’ve never caught him freaking out. He’s as cool as the other side of the pillow, like they say.”
Legend credits that calm demeanor to keeping his priorities centered on his family—wife Chrissy Teigen and their four children: Luna, Miles, Esti and Wren.
“It’s always a balancing act, and you have to be intentional about making time to be home,” Legend said. “And sometimes it’s a struggle because there are so many demands pulling at me, and I want to put my best work out there all the time. But my most important job is to be a father and a husband. And so I just try to make it all work.”
The household also has a string of milestone birthday celebrations coming up. “Oh, Chrissy’s birthday’s next; she’s at the end of the month [November 30]. And then my birthday is December 28. And then our next baby is January 13, Esti. She’ll be four,” he shared.
As for whether any of his kids are inheriting his musical prowess, his eldest daughter is already taking the stage. “Luna is definitely doing it. She’s been in musical theater at school, and she takes piano lessons and vocal lessons, and she’s talented. So, she may have a future.”