This weekend brings “Ruthless” to Union College

“Ruthless” is about the biblical story of Ruth but is set during the late 1920s. Ramsey Mesnard, a 2022 Union College graduate, wrote the script for the play, which includes costumes and props. Eight people are involved in the production and had to audition for their part.

Mesnard, the director of the production, said, “I am putting on the production of ‘Ruthless’ to give a fresh take on the beautiful love story of Ruth, and I aim to remind others of the scandal, sacrifice, and true love that is present in the plot of Ruth by telling it in a different way.” He hopes that at least one person in the audience sees themselves in the character of Ruth or sees Jesus through Boaz. “I want them to know that there are no outsiders to the love of God.”

“My favorite part of putting this production together is creating a story with the cast,” Mesnard continued. “I also love seeing the actors’ faces when they have an idea to further the plot and enhance the story.”

Heather May plays a central role in the play. “My favorite part about being in the play would have to be the interactions between everyone and getting to know the others in a way that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise.” She feels she is similar to her character in the way that she acts with other members of the cast. “While my character starts off as bitter, she eventually becomes happier, even teasing the other characters sometimes,” she said.

“I have grown in my experience as one of the main characters in the way that acting is something completely new to me,” May said. “I’ve learned how to take hobbies and interests I already had and utilize them in a way that creates something entertaining for others while at the same time spreading God’s Word.”

Haley Beckermeyer, another cast member, said, “In my experience as a supporting role, I’ve learned you have to always expect the unexpected when it comes to acting, and form a team to work together and work independently to make the play come together.”

May said, “No matter how difficult things may seem, it doesn’t mean it’s over, it means that something good is just around the corner.”

By Kaitlyn Porter