34west re-imagines 'Ruth' in new dinner-theater

34west continues to produce modern adaptations of classic stories.

The Vindicator

COLUMBIANA — 34west Productions will present “My Name Is Ruth,” a romance based on the Old Testament book of Ruth but set in the early 1950s.

The dinner-theater play will open Wednesday. “Ruth” is about a young Minnesota widow who moves to the big city for a fresh start.

When Ruth and her aging mother-in-law fall into dire straits, they seek the help of a bashful businessman in order to survive. The unlikely couple forges an alliance, and romance blossoms, but both will have to sacrifice everything they have in order to save the ones they love.

“What’s wonderful about this story is how two opposites find each other and form a unique bond,” said 34west playwright and director Stephen Baldwin. “They appear to be social outcasts. What develops is a charming, quirky friendship.”

34west Theater has continuously produced modern adaptations of classic stories since its inception in August of 2000, often times using actors from all over the country. “Ruth” is no exception, as it features Philadelphia actress Magdalyn Donnelly, who has performed with the Illinois Shakespeare Festival and Cleveland Public Theatre.

Accompanying Donnelly is 34west artistic director and co-founder Jeffrey Querin.

“The actors and musicians in our shows always bring something special to a production,” says Querin, who has performed in numerous works across the U.S. “Magdalyn brings some spunk and humor to the role. She portrays Ruth as a kind of down-to-earth woman who does something extraordinary. We can’t wait for audiences to meet her.”

“My Name is Ruth” will be presented at Das Dutch Village Inn’s banquet room, Wednesday through April 19, and May 6-9.

Das Dutch Village Inn provides a four-course meal, featuring a buffet-style dinner.