Coming 12-21 September 2025 AfriForum Teater Menlopark
From Loss to Legacy
A Journey of
RUTHFULNESS
R205 Pensioners & children R285 or R350 Adults
Discover Ruth the Musical
The Story
Concept Producer Co-Creator
Concept Producer Co-Creator
RUTH the Musical - Synopsis (English)
Chloe, a modern-day student grappling with grief, stumbles upon her late mother’s journal and the story of Ruth - an ancient widow who chose faith over fear. As Chloe reads, Ruth’s journey unfolds… from tragic loss to bold loyalty, following Naomi into an uncertain future. Their worlds collide in a vibrant, gospel-infused musical where past and present meet. Through song, dance, and raw honesty, both women discover healing, love, and redemption.
RUTH the Musical asks: Who would you choose to follow?
Written by: Jean-Minique White, Polyda van Niekerk &
Ferdinand W Gernandt
Concept Producer Co-Creator
Concept Producer Co-Creator
Concept Producer Co-Creator
Polyda van Niekerk is a Pretoria-based musical director, composer and educator, whose lifelong devotion to music has made a significant impact in both the education and worship spheres of South Africa. With a BMus Honours degree from Potchefstroom University, she has spent over two decades nurturing and empowering the next generation of musicians through teaching, coaching and ensemble development.
She is the co-creator and co-author of Ruth the musical, a compelling faith-based production combining modern-day storytelling with the timeless biblical narrative of Ruth. As the musical’s co-writer, lyricist and rights holder, her vision for deeply spiritual, relevant theatre is evident in every note and line.
Polyda has served as musical director and events manager for numerous Christian congregations, where she built sustainable music ministries from the ground up. Her private music studio, Polyda’s Music Studio, continues to prepare students for performances, eisteddfods and international music examinations.
Co-Producer Director Choreographer
Concept Producer Co-Creator
Co-Producer Director Choreographer
FERDINAND W GERNANDT - Bio
Ferdinand W Gernandt has worked in the South African entertainment industry for over 25 years, transitioning from sought-after vocalist and performer to acclaimed producer, director, writer and choreographer. He wrote, directed and choreographed the Naledi-nominated stage hit Reik na die Sterre and premiered his faith-based feature film The Loft House, recently signed for distribution by Christian Art and Amazon Prime. He is an award-winning screenwriter and received international critical acclaim for his faith-based biopic The God Assignment. Ferdinand is currently working with a UK-based production company on the upcoming feature film I Love You My Narcissist. His credits span stage and screen, from VIR.ANDER, Starlight Express, Chicago, We Will Rock You and Saturday Night Fever, to featured roles in Isithembiso, Scandal, Generations, 7de Laan and Binneland.
The Script
Music Director Lientjie Sothmann
Co-Producer Director Choreographer
In 2025, Jean-Minique will graduate from the University of Stellenbosch with an LLB degree. She will begin her career as a Candidate Attorney at Cox Yeats in Durban in 2026, where she will work primarily in the Commercial Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Finance Law departments.
Although Jean-Minique is pursuing a formal legal career, her passion for theatre and music has always been at the heart of her interests. During her high school years, she received classical piano training from Polyda van Niekerk. In 2019, Jean-Minique achieved remarkable success at the South African Championships of Performing Arts, earning gold medals in instrumental, dramatic arts, and vocal categories. She was also named the best instrumentalist for ages 17-24. This success led her to the World Championships of Performing Arts, where she won two bronze medals, one silver, and one gold.
Additionally, Jean-Minique wrote several award-winning plays during her high school career, garnering recognition from prestigious platforms such as the ATKV Tiener Toneel Fees, the Pretoria Eisteddfod, and the Tshwane Kunstefees.
The Songs
Music Director Lientjie Sothmann
Music Director Lientjie Sothmann
The music of "Ruth: The Musical" is a masterful tapestry of melodies, composed by the talented Polyda van Niekerk. With 16 unique songs, each piece offers a distinct emotional and musical journey, ensuring no two songs are alike. From soul-stirring ballads to lively, rhythmic numbers, the score beautifully captures the depth and variety of Ruth's story. This rich musical diversity brings narrative to life, engaging audiences and leaving a lasting impression.
Music Director Lientjie Sothmann
Music Director Lientjie Sothmann
Music Director Lientjie Sothmann
As a finalist of the first ATKV Crescendo Songwriting Competition in 2006, Karin Hougaard recorded a single of Lientjie’s song, Jou Verhaal. Since then Lientjie’s musical journey took a turn as she started writing songs for vocal duets and bands, such as Skarlaken Country Duo, who received a nomination for the best new Country Duo Album in 2017 at the Ghoema Awards.
She became songwriter, vocal and musical director of vocal groups, Gravity 5,
Nonstop and One Voice who produced albums in 2018 and 2019.
Two of the original written songs of these groups ranked first on Whoza Radio Station
in the Netherlands.
Lientjie received vocal training in classical singing as well as other styles and genres,
such as rock, pop, jazz and blues.
She is currently owner of ArtsAlive Studios and offers vocal training for beginners to experienced soloists and groups.
Music Arrangements
Music Arrangements
Music Arrangements
Ettienne Lane is a seasoned music producer and sound engineer with 25 years of industry experience. After school he studied at the Conservatory of Arts and Culture in Pretoria, South Africa. He has collaborated with renowned South African and international artists, including PJ Powers, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Jannie Moolman, Ghapi, André Venter, Adam Barnard from Romanz, and Danie Botha. His credits include mixing and mastering a new version of Queen’s “Who Wants to Live Forever” for Brian May and Kerry Ellis and arranging “We Thank You from Our Hearts” for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration (2022), performed by Lesley Garrett and Rodney Earl Clarke. Ettienne’s versatile expertise spans pop, classical, and gospel genres, and he was a featured vocalist with the gospel group Stemme on Kruiskyk TV.
Set Design
Music Arrangements
Music Arrangements
WILHELM DISBERGEN (designer) is a prolific theatre designer who regularly works in all major theatres in South Africa. He is a multiple winner at the annual Naledi Theatre Awards, and has also received a Fleur du Cap award for lighting design.
For Theatre on the Square this year, he designed the South African premiere of Diary of a Wimpy Kid (dir Vicky Friedman), and Athol Fugard’s Master Harold and the Boys (dir Warona Seane).
In theatre, his collaboration with South African State Theatre artistic director Aubrey Sekhabi started with Silent Voice, followed by Sekhabi’s three seminal freedom plays – Mantolo: The Tenth Step, Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu, and The Rivonia Trial. This was followed by three epoch-making musicals – Hungry (a co-production with the SchauSpielHaus Hamburg), Marikana – The Musical, and Freedom The Musical.
Meet the Cast
Music Arrangements
Meet the Cast
Melissa Lee Kruger as Ruth
Melissa has led worship since 2012 and brings both her voice and heart to every moment. Her journey is a testament to the beauty of dreams revisited.
Melissa is thrilled to step into her debut theatrical role as Ruth in Ruth: The Musical. In 2010, during her matric year, she was awarded the top achiever award in the district for drama practical performance. She went on to train in drama through the Brumilda van Rensburg Academy in 2011. Although life led her down a different path, the stage has always held a special place in her heart. Since 2012, Melissa has been involved in her church’s worship team and has been leading worship alongside her husband since 2021. With powerful vocals and a heart full of faith, Melissa is honored to share this story of strength, redemption, and hope.
Meet the Cast
David Konrad Nilson as Boaz
David Konrad Nilson has a distinguished career as an actor, singer, presenter and entrepreneur for over 20 years. He has portrayed memorable characters in award winning shows such as Isidingo, Binnelanders, Getroud met Rugby, and recently The Estate, and presented various reality shows and live events. His work extends to shows and feature films currently streaming on all major platforms incl Netflix, Showmax and eVOD.
He worked as an acting coach for The Tswane University of Technology whilst building up his film career. Additionally, David is a successful entrepreneur and business owner and has devoted the last couple of years serving as a business coach for entrepreneurs and acting professionals.
Elsje Lourens as Chloe
Elsje Lourens received her Diploma in Musical Theatre and Dance at Oakfield College in 2016. Through her student years she worked in student productions and in her final year had the opportunity to choreograph the end year musical.
Starred in the Naledi Nominated Lead role as the “Fairy Godmother”.
Doringrosie Pantomime as Understudy (Koningin Appeliefie)
Joshua van Niekerk as Liam
Joshua van Niekerk
Best shows: China tour of Evita (2019), Understudy to Lead in The Producers (2020), and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat (2023)
Joshua is a Musical Theatre and Dance Performer who has loved stage since he can remember. Apart from adoring theatre, he loves playing games, spending time with his wife, and praising Jesus whenever he can. His favorite scripture is 1 John 4:17.
Charlotte Benjamin as Naomi
Shows Charlotte starred in:
2016: Feel the Spirit (John Rutter) with Johannesburg Festival Orchestra - Soprano soloist
Afri-Duetfees - Headliner
Songs of Praise (Richard Cock) with Cantare Jubiloso - Soloist
2017: Songs of Praise (Richard Cock) with Cantare Jubiloso - Soloist
Afri-Duetfees - Headliner
2018
Charlotte Benjamin as Naomi
Shows Charlotte starred in:
2016: Feel the Spirit (John Rutter) with Johannesburg Festival Orchestra - Soprano soloist
Afri-Duetfees - Headliner
Songs of Praise (Richard Cock) with Cantare Jubiloso - Soloist
2017: Songs of Praise (Richard Cock) with Cantare Jubiloso - Soloist
Afri-Duetfees - Headliner
2018: Songs of Praise (Richard Cock) with Cantare Jubiloso - Soloist
Strictly Broadway (Noteworthy Events) - Soloist
2019: Strictly Broadway (Noteworthy Events) - Soloist
Arno Meyer as Jonathan
Arno received his Diploma in Musical Theatre and Dance in the year 2018 at Oakfields College Pretoria. In the year 2019 and thereafter, he received numerous production and theatre work opportunities such as Pit Productions, Jack and the beanstalk, Paw Patrol and Dear Evan Hansen. Arno also did some work in the TV
Arno Meyer as Jonathan
Arno received his Diploma in Musical Theatre and Dance in the year 2018 at Oakfields College Pretoria. In the year 2019 and thereafter, he received numerous production and theatre work opportunities such as Pit Productions, Jack and the beanstalk, Paw Patrol and Dear Evan Hansen. Arno also did some work in the TV and Film industry where he got to work with great producers and directors such as Ian Gabriel, Morné Du Toit and Rethabile Ramaphakela for KykNet, Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Shows Arno starred in: Dear Evan Hansen, Paw Patrol, Jack and the beanstalk, Pit Productions, Straat and Hartklop.
Inge graduated as most outstanding student from the Waterfront Theatre School in Cape Town with ISTD Advanced 2 levels in Tap and Modern, ISTD advanced Level 1 Ballet and ITCL Musical Theatre.
Inge played the evil queen in Sneeuwitjie die pantomime as well as Fastrada in Pippin, Ensemble in Peter Pan the Pantomime and she was a productio
Inge graduated as most outstanding student from the Waterfront Theatre School in Cape Town with ISTD Advanced 2 levels in Tap and Modern, ISTD advanced Level 1 Ballet and ITCL Musical Theatre.
Inge played the evil queen in Sneeuwitjie die pantomime as well as Fastrada in Pippin, Ensemble in Peter Pan the Pantomime and she was a production dancer on the cruise ship:Adora Mediterranea.
As well as ensemble in Our House.
Upon graduating from Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) in 2021, Jackie started her professional career performing in productions like ‘Die Gelofte’ (The Narrator – 2022), ‘Die Kaplyn’ (Lyfie - 2023), ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ (Snow White – 2023), ‘MAMMA MIA!’ (Ensemble / Sophie Understudy – 2024), ‘Janice Honeym
Upon graduating from Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) in 2021, Jackie started her professional career performing in productions like ‘Die Gelofte’ (The Narrator – 2022), ‘Die Kaplyn’ (Lyfie - 2023), ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ (Snow White – 2023), ‘MAMMA MIA!’ (Ensemble / Sophie Understudy – 2024), ‘Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast Pantomime’ (Hortensia / Beauty Understudy - 2024)
Keandri graduated as a triple threat performer from LAMTA at the end of 2021. Over the past few years, she has been working successfully on multiple stage productions and festivals as a stage manager including "The Buddy Holly Show" and "Sound of Music" with Pieter Toerien
Productions, Maynardville Open Air Festival with VR Theatrical a
Keandri graduated as a triple threat performer from LAMTA at the end of 2021. Over the past few years, she has been working successfully on multiple stage productions and festivals as a stage manager including "The Buddy Holly Show" and "Sound of Music" with Pieter Toerien
Productions, Maynardville Open Air Festival with VR Theatrical and "Tuis ek's liefie" directed by Janice Honeyman. Ruth the musical is Keandri's professional debut as a triple threat performer
Henro Heyl Performance history: 2010 Ester the Musical, 2015 Once Upon a Song, 2018-2019 Beauty and the Beast, 2019 Alice in Wonderland and Alladin, 2025 Little Mermaid.
He studied at Performing Arts Lifestyle Institute in Pretoria. He completed his ATCL Trinity Musical Theatre and Speech and Drama course with distinction. He is currently
Henro Heyl Performance history: 2010 Ester the Musical, 2015 Once Upon a Song, 2018-2019 Beauty and the Beast, 2019 Alice in Wonderland and Alladin, 2025 Little Mermaid.
He studied at Performing Arts Lifestyle Institute in Pretoria. He completed his ATCL Trinity Musical Theatre and Speech and Drama course with distinction. He is currently busy with his LTCL Trinity Musical Theatre and Speech and Drama course.