BEHIND THE MASK: INVISIBLE LIFE — THE MUSICAL

WORLD PREMIERE FEATURING ORIGINAL SCORE BY ASHFORD & SIMPSON A CELEBRATION OF FAITH, FAMILY & CHURCH

Join us for a special evening exploring faith, family and LGBTQ+ acceptance. Through the story of Invisible Life and a post-show conversation, we’ll reflect on how faith communities can foster healing, affirmation and unconditional love.

Behind the Mask: Invisible Life — The Musical brings the groundbreaking novel by Washington Post bestselling author E. Lynn Harris to the stage in a newly reimagined world-premiere production at Washington, D.C.’s historic Howard Theatre.

Set between Birmingham, Alabama, and the vibrant nightlife of late-1980s New York City, the musical follows Raymond Tyler Jr., a promising young attorney struggling to reconcile the future expected of him with the truth of his own desires. After a passionate encounter with charismatic football star Kelvin Ellis transforms his understanding of love and identity, Raymond leaves the South for New York's "City of Second Chances."

There, Raymond discovers an unforgettable chosen family and falls for Nicole Springer, a glamorous Broadway starlet who offers him the possibility of marriage, family and the life he believes he should want. But when Kelvin reenters his world, Raymond can no longer keep love, sexuality, faith and family separated behind a carefully constructed mask.

As intertwined relationships confront the unfolding HIV/AIDS crisis, silence and secrecy take on life-altering consequences — and Raymond and those closest to him must decide what it means to love, forgive and live truthfully.

Featuring an original score by legendary songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson, this bold new musical blends R&B, gospel, soul and house music into a theatrical celebration of Black LGBTQ+ life, resilience, chosen family, unconditional love and dance. Audiences can expect an emotionally charged experience filled with romance, humor, sensuality, heartbreak and hope.

Content Advisory: This production contains mature themes and strong language. Recommended for ages 16 and older.

Based on the groundbreaking novel by E. Lynn Harris

Original Score — Music & Lyrics by Ashford & Simpson

Musical Director — e'Marcus Harper-Short

Choreography and Musical Staging — Otis Sallid

Conceived and developed for the stage by Proteus X

Written and directed by Proteus X and Javon Johnson

Executive Producer — Reggie Van Lee

Producers — Proteus X, Javon Johnson, Toni Isreal and Zain Sheikh