An acclaimed musical drama created by two Brantford residents returns for a hometown performance on May 10.

Ruth, a story of immigration and welcoming newcomers into one’s homeland, was written in 1996 with words by librettist Roger Bayley and music by Ronald Beckett, musical director of Arcady. It will be performed at St. Andrew’s United Church in Brantford.

“The drama follows the life of Ruth, an independent, strong, and hopeful woman, as she searches for a better life for herself and her people,” explained Arcady publicist Sophie Korz. “Ruth has been performed by Arcady and other ensembles in Canada and the U.S. over the past 29 years, marking May 10th as the 25th known performance to date.”

The production will include both past and present Arcady Emerging Artists such as Cristina Pisani, Ben Wallace, Anjelique Croteau, and Sophia Korz, supported by Arcady’s professional chorus, orchestra, dancers, and Youth Singer chorus led by composer Ronald Beckett.

“The inspiration for Ruth originates from librettist Roger Bayley’s first experience with Beckett’s 1993 production of Handel’s Esther,” Korz noted. “Only a week after seeing Beckett conduct the work, Bayley presented him with the beginning stages of what would eventually become a full-scale musical collaboration between the two.”

Ruth went on to become the first of a musical trilogy continued with John (1997) and I Am (1998). In 2007, an original cast recording resulted in a SOCAN Foundation grant as one of the top classical CDs that year, distributed worldwide.

A free pre-concert Zoom chat with Ruth scholar Enid Pottinger will take place Tuesday, May 6 from 8 to 9 p.m.

“Weaving together her expertise in arts, music, and theology, the study of Ruth and how it relates to contemporary society has been a focal point of Pottinger’s life for the last 15 years,” said the publicist. “The composer/director and select cast members will also be present during this special session.”

This special production will feature a cast of present and recent Arcady emerging artists headed by Cristina Pisani as Ruth, Ben Wallace as Boaz, Anjelique Croteau as Naomi, and Sophia Korz as Orpah. The outstanding cast will be supported by Arcady’s professional chorus, orchestra, dancers, and youth chorus with the composer himself, Ronald Beckett, leading the company as musical director.

Contact info@arcady.ca for a Zoom attendance link and more information.

Arcady’s presentation of Ruth takes place on Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church in Brantford. Tickets are $40 (general) and $15 (students) at arcady.ca, by calling 519-428-3185, or in person at The Brantford Bookworm, 331 Brant Ave.

From www.brantfordexpositor.ca.