Sun City group plans ‘Season of Dreams’ concert

By Jeff O'Brien

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008 | midnight

The Sun City Musicmakers Chorale, a group of 45 singers and dancers who all reside in Sun City Summerlin, is presenting its annual holiday concert "Season of Dreams" from Friday to Sunday at the Starbright Theatre in Sun City Summerlin.

Leading the show is director Ryan Duff, who is in his fifth year with the group. Duff, 30, is also in his first year as the chorale director at Mojave High School -- a gig that he described as "the best decision I ever made."

"Every day I go from working with 15-year-old freshman to senior citizens," Duff said. "It's a contrast. But I have 45 grandmas and grandpas who feed me and bring me cookies. I'm very well taken care of."

The group will perform numbers such as "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Isn't It Time for Christmas" and "Hanukkah Torch of Freedom."

The performance will also feature dance routines by the Desert Spurs line dance troupe and Jewish-inspired folk dancing led by local resident Mary Lymberopoulos.

Season of Dreams is one of only two concerts held each year by the Musicmakers, said the group's president, Marilyn Gray. The other performance is typically in the first week of May.

"We started rehearsing on the first Monday after Labor Day," Gray, 70, said. "We rehearse every Monday and Wednesday for more than two hours."

A handful of the members have professional experience, but most of them are simply spending free time to pursue a lifelong passion, Gray said.

"You need to be able to read music well, but mainly it's just a love of singing," she said.

Duff, who will be accompanied by pianist Spencer Baker, has become known for his high-energy routine while directing -- playing to the crowd and making funny faces at the singers.

"I'm a very hyper person as it is, but they have responded well to my youthful energy," Duff said. "It forces them to push through and not need their five o'clock nap. It gives them a reason to get excited and that's very rewarding to me."

Season of Dreams is showing at 7 p.m. on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 14. The Starbright Theatre is at 2215 Thomas Ryan Blvd. next to the Pinnacle Community Center in Sun City Summerlin.

Admission is $8 each. Tickets will be available at the door, but guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance by calling 243-2953, 256-3829 or 255-0972.

Jeff O’Brien can be reached at 990-8957 or [email protected].