Book lovers, authors and admirers of E. Lynn Harris are invited to celebrate the groundbreaking novel that inspired the musical. A post-show conversation will explore Harris’s extraordinary connection with his readers, his influence on Black LGBTQ+ literature and the journey of bringing Invisible Life from page to stage. HBCU Title Description: Students, alumni, faculty members and friends of the HBCU community are invited to celebrate an evening of Black storytelling, culture and community. Join us for Behind the Mask: Invisible Life – The Musical and a special post-show conversation connecting the work to a new generation of readers and artists.

Host: Featuring a post-show conversation with Javon Johnson of Tyler Perry's The Oval, Producers Sidra Smith and Proteus X

Invisible Life — The Musical brings The Washington Post’s bestselling author E. Lynn Harris's groundbreaking story 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 American love, and dance. Audiences can expect an emotionally charged experience filled with romance, humor, sensuality, heartbreak and hope.

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