Character Descriptions

PRINCIPLE ROLES

• RUTH: a Moabite young woman and the widow of Chilion, bold, tenacious and willing to take great risks to do what she believes is right. Mezzo-soprano with musical solos, duets, and chorus songs. Basic dance with some partnering choreography.
• BOAZ: a wise landowner and single man in Bethlehem, kind, giving, respected by others in town and full of integrity. Tenor/high baritone role with solos. Easy dance choreography.
• NAOMI: an older, Israelite woman, mother of Mahlon and Chilion and widow of Elimelech. Mezzo-soprano role with a duet and basic dance choreography.
• JAMEN: Cousin of Boaz and nephew of Naomi’s husband Elimelech, unmarried, strategic, tactful, and willing to scheme to avoid work if possible. Baritone role with solo and chorus songs. Easy partnering dance choreography.

SOLOIST ROLES

• MERCHANT: a wandering salesman somewhat ridiculous and random who buys and sells merchandise, but finds his greatest pleasure in sharing grandiose news to anyone who will listen.
• BENIAH: father of Ruth, wise, stable, and faithful to stand for what he believes to be right. Moabite chorus member when not playing Beniah.
• ABDON: the loyal and lifelong servant of Boaz. Israelite chorus member when not playing Abdon.
• CHILION: son of Naomi and husband of Ruth, adventurous, with a positive outlook on life. Baritone role with solo and chorus songs.
• MAHLON: son of Naomi and husband of Orpah, rational with a realistic outlook on life. Baritone role with solo and chorus songs.
• LISE: the girlfriend of Jaman, virtuous, tender and attentive to matters of the heart. Alto/mezzo soprano role with solo and chorus songs.
• DIMONA: an outgoing, friendly woman in Bethlehem. Minor solos in women’s ensemble song and Israelite chorus member also.
• JENEESA: a smart, wise woman in Bethlehem. Minor solos in women’s ensemble song and Israelite chorus member also.
• BETTA: a silly, ridiculous woman in Bethlehem. Minor solos in women’s ensemble song and Israelite chorus member also.
• ADELINA: a quiet, contemplative woman in Bethlehem. Minor solos in women’s ensemble song and Israelite chorus member also.
• ORPAH: a tender, sensitive Moabite woman and wife of Mahlon. Moabite chorus member also.
• PHINEAS: the father of Lise, resourceful, wise, and protective of his daughter wanting her best. Israelite chorus member also.
• DECKER: father of an Israelite girl Boaz pursues without success. Israelite chorus member also.
• BUTCHER: a friend of Ruth’s family who sells meat in Moab and easily follows popular opinion. Moabite chorus member also.
• DAFNA: a Moabite friend of Ruth who freely speaks her mind. Moabite chorus member also.
• LEMUEL: elderly father of Jamen and cousin of Boaz. Israelite chorus member also.
• LANDBUYER: an Israelite man who purchases land from Ruth and Naomi. Israelite chorus member also.
• SHOP GIRL: works in Moab. Moabite chorus member also with a minor solo in one song.
• STORE OWNER: works in Moab. Moabite chorus member also.
• MAN 1: congratulates Boaz on his marriage to Ruth. Israelite chorus member also.
• DAUGHTER: daughter of Decker and secretly pursued by Boaz without success. Israelite chorus member also.

NON-SPEAKING ROLES & CHORUS MEMBERS

• Gossiping Women
• Workers of Boaz
• Townspeople