**** Recommended The Goodman Theatre’s production of Covenant is a kind of eerie, kind of Southern Gothic, sort of confusing ‘the devil-made-me-do-it drama. At first, I thought it was another story inspired by the legend of Robert Walker, but no, it went off in a direction I never expected. It definitely kept me guessing! 4 Spotlights
There are only five people in the cast: sisters Violet (Felicia Oduh) and Avery (Jaeda LaVonne), their mother (Anji White), their best friend Ruthie (Ashli René Funches) and Johnny James (Debo Balogun).
Johnny left their small town in Georgia looking for success. When he returns a couple years later, he’s a blues star, to everyone’s surprise. Some people think he made a deal with the devil.
When Johnny calls on Avery, Mama, a religious fanatic, absolutely forbids it, so Avery sneaks out to see him. When she leaves with Johnny, Violet tries to appease Mama, while Ruthie whispers venom.
When Johnny brings an injured Avery back, Mama blames him and Violet attacks him with all the rumors Ruthie whispered in her ear. Actions have consequences when long-buried secrets come to light, and everything you thought you knew is turned upside down!
One problem, my friend and I were sitting in almost the last row, and we both had a hard time hearing all the dialogue because their voices were really soft at the beginning of many lines.
It was a bit confusing, too. At different times, each character would tell a story. Were they or weren’t they autobiographical? It would take some time before we could figure that out.
Covenant was written by Chicago native York Walker. Covenant had its premiere Off-Broadway in 2023. The Goodman production is directed by Malkia Stampley.
Covenant has been extended through June 7th in the Owen Theatre at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago. Most reasonable parking option for the Goodman is the Government Center garage (entrance on Lake Street between LaSalle and Dearborn), online advance payment at www.interparkonline.com/goodmantheatre.
Running time is one hour, 40 minutes, no intermission. Performances are Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 2:00 & 7:30 pm; and Sundays at 2:00 pm with Wednesday performances on May 20th & 27th at 7:30 pm.
Accessible performances: ASL Interpreted, May 22nd at 7:30 pm; Audio Described, Mary 23rd at 2:00 pm, Touch Tour at 12:30 pm; Spanish Subtitled, May 23rd at 7:30 pm; Open Captioned, May 24th at 2:00 pm.
Tickets range from $24-$64. FYI (312) 443-3800 or www.goodmantheatre.org/covenant