Please note- There are very limited roles for children in this production.

 CAST OF CHARACTERS FOR RUTH

Samuel: The prophet, the narrator and assumed author of the Book of Ruth. This male vocalist must have a commanding voice and strong stage presence.
Boaz: Son of Salmon and Rahab (approximately 35-55 years of age) in whose field Ruth happens to glean. Must have commanding voice and strong stage presence. Sings solos and duets.
Tobiah: The oldest son of Elimelech’s brother Beriah. Strong character role. The nearer kinsman.
Naomi: The wife of Elimelech, mother-in-law of Ruth. She ages from newlywed to older widow. Her name means 'pleasant' which once characterized her demeanor (and her voice). However, a series of disappointments and the deaths of her husband and sons leave her bitter and empty. She gradually awakens to God's faithfulness and purpose through the impact of Ruth's loving loyalty and the gracious provision of a kinsman-redeemer. This part calls for a Jewish mother’s humor and a pleasant singing voice (mezzo- soprano).
Elimelech: The prodigal potter, whose name means 'God is my king'. He loses his life and legacy by forsaking Bethlehem in time of famine and resorting to the idolatrous nation of Moab for his livelihood. Actor playing this role can also play other character roles.
Abagail: Friend of Naomi. This character part also sings.
Rebecca: A sister of Naomi. Singer-character role.
Beriah: His name meaning 'in trouble'. The brother of Elimelech who also leaves Bethlehem during the famine.
Mahlon: Eldest son of Elimelech and Naomi. Tenor. Sings solo and challenging sextet.
Chilion: Younger son of Elimelech and Naomi. Character part. Sings duet.
Ruth: Wife and widow of Mahlon. Daughter-in-law of Naomi. This central character has a strong pleasant and dramatic singing voice. Speaks with an accent distinguishing her as a foreigner. She has an innocence and earnestness as a seeker. She continually makes discoveries and cleaves to them as she seeks to know the person and plan of Yahweh.
Orpah: Wife of Chilion. Daughter-in-law of Naomi. Singing role.
Shimron: The caravan leader. Comical character role.
Members of the caravan to Bethlehem.
Shalisha: Another friend of Ruth. A widow. Strong character role.
Chephirah: Her name means young lioness. She is another widow working in the fields of Boaz. Sings and dances
Tarah: Another friend of Ruth. Sings and dances.
Jabesh: The foreman of the harvesters. Character role.
Abiram: His name means ‘my father is exalted’. Young male. Apprentice of Boaz. Strong acting role. Sings.
Coniah: His name means ‘Yahweh has established’. Age 7-12. Younger brother of Abiram. Strong acting role. Sings a short solo.
Ben-Ibzan: Friend of Elimelech.
Jehoash: Worker in Boaz's field.
Abinadab: His name means ‘father of a willing giver’. One of the elders of Bethlehem.
People of Bethlehem Judah, Priests of Tribe of Levi, Friends, and Revelers at Festival of Chemosh. Workers in the Harvest: Singers and dancers
If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at info@newlifefinearts.org or call New Life at (978) 369-0061.
 

Performances will be held at the Groton Dunstable Performing Arts Center on September 15, 16, 22, and 23 @ 7:30 p.m. and September 16, 17, 23, and 24 @ 2:30 p.m.

Rehearsals take place every Thursday and Saturday at the New Life Ministry Center. Thursdays will be from 7:00-10:00 pm, and Saturday rehearsals from 9 am-12:30 pm and 9-2 pm as we start run-throughs. A more detailed rehearsal schedule will be provided before the first rehearsal (TBD)

Tech Rehearsals, Dress Rehearsals, and Performances at the Groton Dunstable Performing Arts Center will take place in September:

*This schedule is subject to change as we work with the GDPAC schedule and their events, but sufficient notice will be given

PRODUCTION WEEK 1 SCHEDULE
Sunday, Sept 10 5:30-11:00 pm - Wet Tech 1
Monday, Sept 11, 5:30-11:00 pm - Wet Tech 2
Wednesday, Sept 13 5:30-11:00 pm - Dress Rehearsal 1
Thursday, Sept 14, 5:30-11:00 pm - Dress Rehearsal 2
Friday, Sept 15, 5:30-11:00 pm - Show 1 (7:30 pm)
Saturday, Sept 16, 12:30-11:00 pm - Show 2 (2:30 pm) & Show 3 (7:30 pm)
Sunday, Sept 17, 12:30-6:00 pm - Show 4 (2:30 pm)

PRODUCTION WEEK 2 SCHEDULE
Wednesday or Thursday Sept 20 or 21 (TBD), 5:30-11:00 pm - Dress Rehearsal *This will be a recorded performance with audience*
Friday, Sept 22, 5:30-11:00 pm - Show 5 (7:30 pm)
Saturday, Sept 23, 12:30-11:00 pm - Show 6 (2:30 pm) & Show 7 (7:30 pm)
Sunday, Sept 24 12:30-11:00 pm - Show 8 (2:30 pm) & Load Out

Your availability is a key factor in our casting decisions. We will use this information to construct our scene rehearsal calendar so it is vital that each cast member not miss rehearsals with exception to emergencies only. Our expectation is that you will do your utmost to clear these dates on your calendar of all possible social or work engagements so that we maintain order and the best use of time for staff and cast members at each rehearsal.

Missing rehearsals not listed on this form can lead to changes in assigned roles or dismissal from the cast if the number of absences is significant.

If you find you have many conflicts, please consider participating on one of our backstage or offstage teams: stage crew, orchestra, makeup, costuming, set construction, sound, lighting, props management, recruiting, media projection, cast childcare, publicity & advertising, ticketing, ushering, or hospitality.

This is a great opportunity to get involved and become more acquainted with the NLFA family, and you’ll be introducing yourself to us for future production consideration.

After you submit this form, you will be redirected back to the NLFA audition page, where you can find material to prepare for your audition. Please review all available links. A second email will be sent to you at a later date with your scheduled time slot. If you do not a time slot within a week, please email us at info@newlifefinearts.org. We look forward to seeing you at auditions on Thursday, April 13 or Saturday April 15 at the New Life Ministry Center in Concord, MA.