Rejected No More

One of the delightful things about being a musician is the surprises one gets. One literally never knows what performance request the next email will bring. I woke up Sunday morning with a blissfully empty spring vacation week stretching before me. I opened my inbox to find an email from Trueheart Productions. It was a request for me to play harp this week and next week in the orchestra for the musical play Rejected No More based on the biblical story of Ruth. The original harpist was unable to do all the dates and the rehearsal was scheduled for the very next day. Wow! I had always wanted to have an "orchestral" experience. I was familiar with the Trueheart Productions. Homeschool graduate Tiffany Barclay had written a play about Esther last year which we had attended. We were planning on attending again this year, but well, to make a long story short I will probably be attending all the performances as harpist!

Ruth and her Father

Tiffany Barclay is a talented young writer. The music is lovely and the songs fresh and original. I also enjoyed the different characterizations she pulled out. It certainly puts a fresh perspective on the story of Ruth.

Orpah, Ruth and Naomi



The reason I do not particularly wish to be a orchestra harpist for life is for the very thing that is happening to me for this play: three hours = one song. However I'm really enjoying the experience and everybody assures me it wouldn't be the same without the harp. Above is the singer I'm playing for and below is what I look like when I play! (Just to save our orchestra's reputation; this was dress rehearsal, but the musicians didn't have to dress formally)

Ruth and Boaz first meet

Becky W. is doing a wonderful job with Ruth. The actor playing Boaz is a professional, so he is really able to help carry the scenes.

Ruth is amazed by the kindness Boaz shows her.

Ruth the Moabitess has found a husband, and Boaz, whom none of the younger women want, has found a wife. Both are rejected no more.

The entire troupe recognizing the musicians!

Yours truly in the orchestra pit.

This has been my first experience taking my pedal harp out of the house! There are quite a few stairs, but thankfully, I can usually find some nice guy to help me. It is actually easier than I anticipated, though still a lot more work than my lever harp.

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Visit the website for show times and ticket information! http://www.trueheartproductions.org/

~ Janna Rae