Work in the theater has been a part of Mr. Adilifu’s career from the very start. However, starting in 1981, he began to work with ever increasing frequency in Broadway shows. The following is a list of the shows in which he was a member of the opening night orchestra. Not included are the numerous other shows (both on and off Broadway) in which he performed as a frequent substitute.
Broadway Shows:
- Ain't Supposed To Die A Natural Death (1971-72)
- Dude (1972)
- Much Ado About Nothing (1972-73)
- Over Here (1974-75)
- The Wiz (1975-77)
- But Never Jam Today (1979)
- It's So Nice To Be Civilized (1980)
- Sophisticated Ladies (1981)
- The Tap Dance Kid (1983)
- Big Deal (1986)
- Honky Tonk Nights (1986)
- Anything Goes (1987)
- Meet Me In St. Louis (1989)
- Guys and Dolls (1992)
- A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (1996)
- On The Town (1998)
- Marie Christine (1999)
- The Wild Party (2000)
- Elaine Stritch At Liberty (2002)
- The Color Purple (2005)
- Gypsy (2008)
Off-Broadway Shows:
- The Exception and The Rule / The Prodigal Son (1965)
- Salvation (1969 - 1970)
- Rainbow (1972)
In addition, from 2005 through 2010, Mr. Adilifu was a member of the "Coffee Club Orchestra," the resident ensemble for the "ENCORES" musical productions at City Center. Below is a list of the shows he played:
- Babes In Arms
- Ziegfeld Follies
- Do-Re-Mi; On A Clear Day
- A Connecticut Yankee
- Hair
- Golden Boy
- Pajama Game
- No Strings
- House of Flowers
- Bye Bye Birdie
- Purlie
- Follies
- Stairway to Paradise
- Applause
- On The Town
- Girl Crazy