Casting Performers for Musical "Ruth"

*Can be split into 3 roles* (timeless, must sing). She introduces the story, furthers the story and concludes the story. She also appears once as a character sent to encourage Naomi. She is the connection between reality and storytelling. Beautiful, calming voice, warm, personable. She knows the story, its purpose, its relevance and wants to bring the audience into it. At the end of the show, we realize she is an angelic figure who ascends during the finale.

(must sing). A Jewish husband and craftsman of Bethlehem. Somewhat prideful and determined but mostly compassionate and light-hearted. Makes a rash decision to move to Moab during a severe famine in Bethlehem. He loves his family and continually rallies them together. Name means “God is Kind.”

(must sing). The wife of Elimelech. Name means “sweetness” or “pleasure.” She is kind, good, lovable and keeps religious traditions strong in the family. She is reluctant to leave Bethlehem and raise her sons in a foreign land but honors her husband’s decision to leave. She is widowed early in the story and slowly develops bitterness toward God and life, especially after the death of her sons. (“call me Mara - bitter”). She returns to Bethlehem as an old and hopeless woman.

(must sing). He is kind and loving, not a physically strong son. Closer to his mother after his father’s death. He is a good businessman, and carries on his father’s business. Calm, mild-mannered. Lives on the edge when it comes to Ruth. Godly character. Sees Ruth for who she really is.

He is the physically stronger of the two boys. Loves conflict, loves his mother, but not a mama’s boy. Willing to die for his brother. He breaks all the rules like dating a Moabite woman (Orpah). He lives way on the edge of life. Likable but distant, moody.

(must sing). Starts the story as a driven, arrogant, wealthy young man who has promise of being a very influential man in Bethlehem. He resents his older cousin Elimelech for leaving family and the Promised Land during a time of crisis. Hot tempered, does not think before he speaks. Has yet to get a sense of what “family” really means. Excellent businessman, very prejudiced against foreigners. He yells a curse on Elimelech as they leave Bethlehem.

He is pompous, arrogant and the leader of the temple. Totally sold out to Chemosh. He arranges for the sacrifice of young girls to Chemosh. Somewhat heartless and cold. He is not prejudiced over any race, as his land is filled with people from all nations. He respects the craftsmanship of Elimelech and his sons and treats them well by doing business with them. As long as things are going his way, he is content.

She is the King’s “girl Friday.” She has served since she was a little girl. Deeply supportive of the king and Chemosh. Finds no problem with child sacrifice. She is somewhat alluring. Somewhat heartless, loves her position and is quite strict.

(must sing). A young woman of Moab who grew up in the temple of Chemosh, her character develops from a woman lost in a dark world of idolatry to one who finds truth in the God of Israel, as well as a woman who leads others to Truth. She falls in love with Mahlon’s godly character early on. After making a difficult decision to leave the Temple and overcoming several obstacles with Naomi, she marries Mahlon and grows as a believer in God.

She and Ruth are the best of friends, and she is a servant girl in the temple of Chemosh. She falls in love with Chilion and also chooses to leave the temple and live according to the ways of the Israelites, while never totally embracing it. She is not as devoted as Ruth and falters when it comes time to decide between Bethlehem and going back to Moab. She struggles with who she is and why she does the things she does. She has a difficult time saying goodbye to Naomi and Ruth.

(Needs to look older). A jovial Israelite who left Bethlehem years ago and established a business in Moab. He has now sold his lantern business to Elimelech and is returning to Judah. He is returning because he has made his money and wants peace and quiet. It’s a perfect world, and he has chosen to close his eyes to the evil he has been a part of in Moab. Happy day.

He first arrives on the scene as a young man of Bethlehem who ferries the boat back & forth over the Jordan River. He knows the passageway like the back of his hand. Good storyteller and friend to all his passengers. This will be his job for a lifetime. Loves Yahweh. He is seen the second time much older and wise. He is able to read situations without a word being spoken. Like a seasoned taxi driver, he has seen it all. He has seen many Israelites leave the Promised Land full & return empty.

(must sing). He is the Jewish butcher living in Moab and sells his “kosher” meats to all Israelites. He has a delightful personality. His biggest weakness is that he can not stop talking. He rambles. His meat business is profitable, but he does complain too much about work. He eats too much of what he sells. Underneath the jovial façade is a compassionate truth that comes through when he is forced to bring Naomi, Orpah and Ruth the devastating news of Mahlon’s and Chilion’s deaths.

(Needs to look mid 20’s). A true son of Moab, he despises foreigners, especially ones who set up a business in Moab and steal the women away. He has not liked Mahlon or Chilion since they arrived in Moab as children. He is a true, bigoted bully. Hot-tempered and always ready to pick a fight. He eventually murders the sons of Naomi. No redemption here. Leader of a gang that picks fights with Mahlon and Chilion.

A hardworking Israelite widow with no kinsman redeemers available. She has embraced her fate and encourages the little people. She is the mother hen in the fields of Boaz. Makes a lasting friendship with Ruth by showing her the ropes of gleaning.

Hiram is the villain of Act II. He is what Boaz was in his earlier days. Bold, prejudiced, revengeful, pretentious and proud. His deep loyalty to Israel overshadows any sort of heart toward God. Like Boaz, he is very influential and prominent in Bethlehem. But Hiram is hungry for more power. He uses his weight to push around the “low lifes.” His fields were burnt to stubble by some Moabites, which fuels his hatred toward them even more. So, when Ruth arrives in Bethlehem, he has her number.

Boaz’ foreman and closest friend. A gentleman, trustworthy, he sticks closer than a brother and is willing to do whatever it takes. He can read Boaz’ thoughts and deal with any situation with calm confidence. He becomes a platform for Boaz to share his heart regarding Ruth. One day, he will take over Boaz’ position.

Wise, unmatched knowledge of the Law, great love for God but very spunky and charming. He gives very sound insight in such a light-hearted manner that you are forced to love him. He hits the nail on the head when it comes to finding the source of the problem and then makes certain he does his part in resolving the issue. He’ll give you truth, the rest is left up to you.

An energetic, loud, colorful and spontaneous fellow who loves to tell stories of old. He is great at stirring excitement and holding the attention of the crowd, especially children. His stories always reflect the goodness of God but never lack pizzazz. He is athletic and even does a stunt to get everybody’s attention.

Ability to perform special tricks.

Ability to juggle various objects with agility.

Must be acrobatic.

Ensemble: made up of many ages.

Ensemble: made up of many ages.