by Madison Dors, Student Public Relations Writer
Cedarville University’s theatre program wrapped a successful run of “Horizons of Gold” Feb. 5-15 in the DeVries Theatre, drawing enthusiastic audiences and highlighting student artistry through a story of loyalty, loss and redemption.
Musical Inspired by the Book of Ruth Brings Redemption to the Stage
Inspired by the biblical book of Ruth, the Dust Bowl-era musical follows Rose, a young widow in the 1930s, as she grieves and discovers how one stranger’s kindness can reshape even the bleakest circumstances. Playwright Beth Kenniv said the show’s setting may be historical, but its themes remain timely.
“Just as in the period of ‘Horizons,’ we live in a troubled world today,” Kenniv said. “The story is set in the distress of the Great Depression, but the heart of the story is about individuals hurting, hoping, finding faith, healing and learning to love.”
Cedarville Becomes First University to Stage Horizons of Gold
Cedarville’s production marked a milestone for the musical. First produced more than a decade ago at Mars Hill Academy in Mason, Ohio, “Horizons of Gold” has since appeared in community theatres across the Midwest. Cedarville became the first university to stage the production, expanding its reach while offering students an opportunity to lead a full-scale musical anchored in biblical integration.
“This was an ambitious production,” said Stacey Stratton, associate professor of theatre and the production’s director. “With a large student cast and an intricately arranged score, it’s a beautiful blend of historical grit and the biblical story of redemption. Our students poured themselves into the artistry and message of this show.”
The score was composed by James Kenniv, owner of Kenniv Music Studios, and Jeff Smith, whose music has been featured in films, on stages, at major sporting events and in theme parks including Kings Island, Sea World, Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disney. Their music helped drive the show’s emotional arc, pairing period hardship with the hope of new beginnings.
Kenniv said audience response has underscored the musical’s ability to connect across generations. At a previous performance, she met an elderly couple who had lived in Kansas during the Dust Bowl years, a reminder that the story’s historical backdrop still carries personal resonance for some theatergoers.
Cedarville President Praises Biblical Integration
Cedarville President Dr. Thomas White praised the production’s impact after attending a sold-out performance.
“The play was amazing. I cannot imagine the work that went into it,” White said. “This is what I have always dreamed of happening at Cedarville. The play was thoroughly biblical and honored God. It was funny and entertaining. There were so many students who were able to participate, and the singing and music were among the best I have ever heard. You could tell the crowd loved it and the cast was filled with joy. Well done.”
Dr. Mark Caleb Smith, dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, said the production reflected the program’s aim to unite faith and artistic excellence.
“I was happy to see something so thoroughly godly and biblically integrated handled in an artistic, light manner,” said Smith. “This play preached deeply without preaching whatsoever. Very well done.”
With the curtain now down on “Horizons of Gold,” Stratton said the production showcased what is possible when students commit to excellence in storytelling, music and performance — and when biblical themes are presented with craftsmanship, imagination and heart.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
