The Fourth Walsh

Goodman Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of COVENANT.

Johnny has returned home. He left to pursue his musical dreams. Now, he’s back and coaxing Avery to join him on the road. Her mama doesn’t like him. Violet doesn’t trust him. And Ruthie appears obsessed with him. Is he Avery’s escape from a small town’s fire and brimstone fervor? Or did Johnny strike a deal with the devil for his success?

Playwright York Walker sets his Southern gothic tale in Georgia in 1936. Walker engages immediately. A breathless Ruthie (played with conviction by Ashli Rene Funches) makes dark insinuations in the small glow of a match. Funches’ fearful confession creates a sinister overtone. The audience is hooked. On the surface, the plot is familiar: boy likes girl, mom doesn’t approve of boy. Walker digs deeper. Each of the five characters will reveal secrets through stories or reenactments. All the pieces will finally connect in an explosive finale. WOW! A stunned audience is rendered immobile. Walker is a master storyteller!

Malkia Stampley paces this to perfection. Shortened blackouts build intrigue and gasp-worthy moments. Stampley creates a perpetual state of wonder. What-really-goes-on-here-in-this-small-town? The first-rate ensemble add to the authentic complexities. An intense Anji White (mama) is sanctimonious to her daughters. Later, she tells a haunting tale of deceit. Debo Balogun (Johnny) glides into town as charming Honeycomb. His carefree facade is cracked when he reveals the reason for his departure. A suspicious Felicia Oduh (Violet) doesn’t want her sister messed up with Johnny. She has her reasons, which become apparent in her gut-punching soliloquy. And Jaeda Lavonne (Avery) seems to choose Johnny over her mama but we learn later that wasn’t the choice she made.

COVENANT is well-done! It’s one of those exceptional plays that lends itself to an animated discussion post-show and serious contemplation on seeing it again. Knowing the stories from the beginning would definitely change the experience.   

Running Time: One hours and forty-five minutes with no intermission

At Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn

Written by York Walker

Directed by Malkia Stampley

Performances are:

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm

Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm

EXTENDED Thru June 14

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Hugo Hentoff

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