New York Premiere
Venue Newman Theater
Runtime 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one 15 min intermission
Music and Lyrics by Michael Thurber
Book by Saheem Ali
Additional Book Material by James Ijames
Choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie
Directed by Saheem Ali
GODDESS comes to The Public for its New York premiere featuring music and lyrics by Michael Thurber, book and direction by Associate Artistic Director/Resident Director Saheem Ali, additional book material by James Ijames, and choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie. A mysterious singer arrives at Moto Moto, a steamy Afro-jazz club in Mombasa, Kenya. She casts an entrancing spell on everyone, including a young man who has returned home from studying in America. Will the big plans for his life—stepping into a political legacy and marrying his fiancée—be upended? Inspired by the myth of Marimba, the Goddess who created beautiful songs from her heartbreak, this new musical is a rousing tale of romance, the supernatural, and the quest towards one’s truest self.
This production closed on June 15, 2025.
Content and Production Effect Warning
GODDESS contains strobing, fog, and haze. Contact [email protected] or 212.967.7555 if you have questions.
Rehearsal Photos
Production Photos
Join GODDESS choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie and the company as they shape a powerful moment in this electrifying new musical. Every step is pulsing with heat and energy, reverberating through the room as the world of GODDESS takes form.
Before there was music, there was Marimba. Discover the myth behind GODDESS, a story of defiance, transformation, and the divine power of music. Come hear her song in GODDESS
Go behind the scenes with visionary designer Julian Crouch as he reveals how he and the ensemble have brought Watamaraka, the Goddess of Evil to life.
GODDESS DAY ONE! Tony Award-nominee Saheem Ali returns for GODDESS, a dazzling musical set in Moto Moto, a legendary Afro-jazz club. A story of love, myth, and music!
Tony Award-nominee Amber Iman takes the mic with HONEY SWEET from the upcoming GODDESS EP: Moto Moto Presents Nights in Mombasa, celebrating the music that fuels the upcoming musical.
Access the Playbill here.
Dance and groove the night away! Moto Moto Presents: Nights in Mombasa EP is available to stream now. Get a taste of what you'll hear on stage in GODDESS.
During your visit, check out Making Mombasa: Dramaturgical Insights into the World of Goddess, the new exhibit in on the Mezzanine of The Public. It offers information about Mombasa, where GODDESS is set. Dive deeper into theatrical techniques and African symbols that informed the making of the story, as well as the theatrical design. Curated by co-dramaturg and cultural consultant Karishma Bhagani.
Produced by special arrangement with Mara Isaacs, No Guarantees Productions, and Rashad V. Chambers.
Principal production support for GODDESS is provided by Teresa Tsai Productions. Generous support for GODDESS is provided by The Otis Booth Foundation and Reade St Productions/Cathy Dantchik. Special thanks to Andrew B Cogan, Barbara A. Gallay, Rosanne Leshner, and the Anna L. Weissberger Foundation. Musical Theater Production at The Public receives support from The Mandy Hackett Musical Theater Fund.