Reviewed by Chezré van Rensburg.
If you know the powerful story of Ruth from the Bible, you’ll love how it comes to life on the stage in this stunning musical.
The original score and lyrics were written by Polyda van Niekerk, who also serves as the concept producer and co-creator while Jean-Minique White penned the moving, heart-filled script. Ferdinand W. Gernandt serves as the director, co-producer, and choreographer. They have worked together to create a truly spectacular production where faith and hope meet music.
The story follows Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth, as they venture back to their home in Bethlehem, where famine had affected the lands several years prior. They had moved to Moab, where tragedy struck the family and Naomi lost her husband and two sons. Naomi and her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, are left widowed.
Naomi wants to return home now that the famine has ended and God has blessed the lands with food again, but begs Orpah and Ruth to stay in Moab to remarry, build up their lives again, and continue their family lineage. While Orpah agrees, Ruth refuses, promising her mother that she will follow her wherever she goes, adopt her people, and worship her God. The audience sees the power of Ruth’s commitment and loyalty to her mother as we follow them to Bethlehem and Ruth sings “I Will Follow.”
The standout beauty of Ruth the Musical lies in the interweaving of two separate stories. We follow Chloe, a 19-year old young lady whose mother has just passed away. Her father is an alcoholic and is barely involved in her life, so she’s left to deal with the trauma and grief all alone.
After a couple of months, she decides to start afresh by transferring to a different university in a new city. There, she meets Liam, who is instantly drawn to her. He treats her with kindness and compassion, lending an ear to listen to her troubles and offering to help her, much like Boaz was drawn to Ruth and gave her favour and kindness.
Chloe reads from her mother’s journal, where she, and the audience, discover how her mother chose to remain steadfast in her faith and to trust God through all the sorrow she was experiencing. As this story is told, we see Ruth’s story comes to life, and the parallels between her and Chloe’s mother’s faith.
The rest of the two stories unfold as we jump between the stories of Ruth and Boaz, and Chloe and Liam. The performances are filled with passion and joy, drawing the audience into the story with suspense, comedy, and a longing for a happy ending.
The entire cast is spectacular, each member bringing their unique talent to the stage. They move in perfect sync, each voice and gesture complementing the others, creating a seamless performance that feels bigger than any single role. The choreography is stunning, with all the dances timed to the songs and story. The cast are truly multi-talented, showcasing their gifts not only in singing, but in dancing and acting, too.
Ruth the Musical is proudly South African all the way through. The story is full of heart, sprinkled with a touch of South African humour. The actresses who play the three village women stand out for their humorous performances. They playfully follow Ruth and Boaz around, gushing over their relationship and vying for the affection of Jonathan, Boaz’s loyal, trusted servant and friend. Their side dialogue sparks constant laughter from the crowd throughout the show.
There’s something truly special about this musical. It’s not your average musical; it’s Holy Spirit-inspired and God-led. It gives glory to the redeeming love of Jesus Christ, while teaching us how every biblical story and lesson still applies to us in this modern age. Through song, dance, praise and worship, we witness the cast testify how Jesus heals and restores us, no matter what tragedy, pain, or loss we may endure.
The production runs at the Afriforum Teater in Pretoria from 12–21 September 2025. Tickets cost R285–R350 for adults, with reserved seating, and R205 for children and pensioners.
Get your tickets here: https://tickets.tixsa.