Covenant

May 2 - May 31, 2026 in Goodman's Owen Theatre

“Everybody got a secret.”

Expect one devilish twist after another in Covenant, a mythic and suspenseful new play hailed as “blackout-and-blood-curdling-scream deliciousness” (New York Magazine), “undeniably spooky (and) absolutely enjoyable” (TheaterMania). He left the small Georgia town a struggling guitarist—and returned a blues star. As rumors of a darker deal abound, it becomes clear that he’s not the only one with a secret….or seeking salvation. This “striking Southern gothic work” (New York Times) explores the power of belief and the thin line between rumor and truth.

Recommended for ages 15+

COVENANT contains mature content including depictions and discussions of violence, sex and sexuality, strong language, and alcohol use. This production includes strobe lights, the sound of gunfire and sudden loud noises.

A struggling guitarist turned blues star isn’t the only one with a secret….Covenant is on stage starting May 2.

Buy Tickets

Group Tickets: Now available for 10+, email Groups@GoodmanTheatre.org for information on select discounted rates and perks.

Questions? Need help? Contact the box office at (312) 443-3800, 12noon – 5pm, daily.

(L-R) Charence Higgins, Kristin E. Ellis. Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

(L-R) Marlene Slaughter, Josh Mayo. Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

Shadana Patterson. Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

Playwright York Walker and director Malkia Stampley. Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

Principal cast of "Covenant". Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

Cast of "Covenant". Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

Creative Artists

Choose someone to see their bio and past Goodman productions.

A man in a black sweater sits with his hands folded under his chin in front of a yellow arched background.

York Walker

Playwright

A woman with short curly hair, wearing a patterned red scarf and gray sweater, looks at the camera and smiles softly. The background is softly blurred.

Malkia Stampley

Director

A man with short hair and a beard, wearing a dark jacket and gray shirt, looks directly at the camera against a dark, neutral background.

Debo Balogun

Johnny James

A woman with short curly hair, wearing a white ruffled blouse and hoop earrings, poses with her arms crossed and a neutral expression against a plain background.

Ashli René Funches

Ruthie

A woman with short curly hair wearing a light blue tank top looks directly at the camera with a neutral expression.

Jaeda LaVonne

Avery

A woman with natural curly hair, wearing a sleeveless yellow top, looks directly at the camera against a light blue background.

Felicia Oduh

Violet

Woman with shoulder-length dark hair smiles broadly, showing teeth, against a neutral background. She is wearing a black top.

Anji White

Mama

A woman with straight, shoulder-length black hair and a pink top looks directly at the camera against a neutral background.

Kristin E. Ellis

Understudy Mama

A woman with dark, curly hair pulled back into a ponytail, wearing hoop earrings and a lavender top, looks at the camera against a neutral background.

Charence Higgins

Understudy Avery

A man with short curly hair, a beard, and hoop earrings wears a light blue shirt and stands in front of a dark, plain background.

Josh Mayo

Understudy Johnny James

A woman with long, braided hair wearing a gray tank top and a necklace looks at the camera against a plain background.

Marlene Slaughter

Understudy Ruthie / Understudy Violet

A woman with short, curly gray hair and round glasses smiles at the camera. She is wearing a black top and is positioned in front of a colorful painting.

Evelyn M. Danner

Costume Designer

A person with short brown hair and glasses, wearing a blue shirt with a white floral pattern, stands in front of a plain dark blue wall, smiling at the camera.

Ryan Emens

Set Designer

A middle-aged woman with long gray hair and glasses, wearing a dark shirt, stands indoors with a neutral expression.

Gina Patterson

Lighting Designer

Shokie Tseumah

Assistant Scenic Designer

Levi J. Wilkins

Assistant Lighting Designer

A person with bright blue curly hair wears a black and gray floral-patterned shirt, sitting against a dark background and looking at the camera.

Dee Etti-Williams

Sound Designer

Isaac Jo

Assistant Sound Designer

Mike Przygoda

Music Director and Composer

A woman with short, curly hair is wearing a white sweater and hoop earrings, looking directly at the camera against a light background.

Shadana Patterson

Voice and Dialect Coach

Benjamin Barnes

Co-Illusion Consultant

A woman with short, curly two-tone hair smiles while looking at the camera, wearing a tan sleeveless top and a necklace, with a blurred background.

Tyra Bullock

Co-Dramaturg

Tor Campbell

Associate Director and Movement

A woman with short, braided hair and a nose ring poses against a dark background, wearing a sleeveless olive green top.

Jyreika Guest

Intimacy

A young person with short curly hair and light eyes is wearing a patterned sweater over a collared shirt, posing in front of a bright yellow background.

Trent James

Co-Illusion Consultant

Lena Romano

Line Producer/Co-Dramaturg

A man with medium-length brown hair and blue eyes wearing a black shirt with a unique square neckline poses against a neutral background.

Trent Stork

Original Casting

Lauren Port

Additional Casting

A person with short curly hair and large, multicolored glasses smiles at the camera, wearing a patterned shirt.

Nykol DeDreu

Stage Manager

A person wearing a headset and a denim jacket with patches smiles at the camera in an indoor setting.

Mia Maccarella

Floor Manager

Lauren Westfahl

Production Assistant

Special Events

Pre-show programming, unique performances, and related programming.

A red vintage typewriter with a sheet of white paper inserted, viewed from above on a white background.

Friday, May 8 @ 6:00pm – 7:15pm

CONTEXT: Covenant Behind the Curtain

Explore the line between superstition and belief and the historical forces that shaped this haunting story.

Red wax seal with an embossed inverted cross, accompanied by three drops of red wax, on a white background.

Saturday, May 23 @ 12:00pm – 7:30pm

Hidden Gems: The Goodman Vendor Fair

Experience local makers from Chicagoland before or after the matinee and evening performances of "Covenant".

Accessible & Enhanced Performances

Questions? Please contact (312) 443-3800 for voice, or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org. Visit our Accessibility Overview page for full details.

American Sign Language-Interpreted Performance
Friday, May 22 at 7:30pm

Use code SIGN for $34 tickets ($25 tickets plus $9 handling fee)

Touch Tour and Audio-Described Performance
Saturday, May 23
12:30pm Touch Tour & 2:00pm Performance

Use code AUDIO for $34 tickets ($25 tickets plus $9 handling fee)

Spanish Subtitles Performance
Saturday, May 23 at 7:30pm

Use code SPANISH for $34 tickets ($25 tickets plus $9 handling fee)

Open-Captioned Performance
Sunday, May 24 at 2:00pm

Use code OPEN for $34 tickets ($25 tickets plus $9 handling fee)

OUR CENTENNIAL 2025/2026 Season

For a century, the Goodman has been more than a theater—it’s been the heartbeat of Chicago. Where stories come alive and move us to dream bigger and feel deeper. Here, art doesn’t just entertain you—it awakens. This is The Goodman—where humanity takes center stage. Join us for the Centennial 25/26 Season.