A passion for entertainment

A monthly production showcasing the talents of residents from the Sun City MacDonald Ranch community is slated to begin in April.

“This is tipping our hats to the talents of the community,” said John Rothman, the show’s creative director and producer.

The first show, “One Night In Vegas,” is expected to start at 2 p.m. April 7 at the Zion Room at Sun City MacDonald Ranch, 2020 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway.

Each month, Rothman is slated to offer a new production at the center. Admission is $10.

“It is open to all residents,” Rothman said. “I don’t want it confined to the residents of Sun City MacDonald.”

Rothman has been in show business in one form or another most of his life.

“I received severe family opposition,” he said. “I was raised in a small town (in South Africa), and they had a small-minded approach. They thought it was too dicey a profession. They told me I’d never make it.”

When Rothman turned 21, he left his family to pursue his dreams.

He started taking dance lessons and eventually joined a cabaret group.

“Then I decided to go to London to further my studies,” Rothman said.

After five years, he returned to South Africa as a choreographer, developing pieces for theater and television.

For 16 years, he produced his own show at the Kyalami Ranch Hotel.

“They booked us for the weekend to see how we were, and we stayed for 16 years,” he said.

During his time in South Africa, he also expanded his talents and became a songwriter.

One of the highlights of Rothman’s career came as a songwriter when he entered a competition to write a song during South Africa’s centennial in 1986.

“I didn’t think I was ready, but nonetheless I entered,” he said. “And to everyone’s surprise, including my own, I won. It validated me as a songwriter.”

He went on to write songs for television series such as “Pumpkin Patch.”

Rothman said that in 1996, he was asked to write a song for the birthday celebration of former South African President Nelson Mandela.

In 1997, he moved to Henderson.

“And the community has accepted me with arms wide open,” he said. “I am very fortunate to be in this community.”

When he first moved to the area, he started working in the antiques industry.

“I learned a lot about the industry and Las Vegas’ history through it,” he said.

But his passion for entertainment continued as he produced and created original shows such as “Vampires the Musical.”

He has hosted shows from the Anthem Center in Sun City Anthem to local libraries.

“(Local libraries) should be used more often as theater space,” he added. “They are such great venues.”

Through the years, Rothman has met other performers, such as Barbara Eubanks, whom he is using for the upcoming productions.

“He is such a talented person,” she said.

The upcoming show is revamping a production Rothman created for a December performance in Sun City Anthem.

Eubanks will be doing a dance number.

Rothman is in the process of creating a Web presence for the monthly series to promote events.

“I hope to have that launched in the next couple of months,” he said.

Eubanks thinks this is a great opportunity to get the word out about what is going on in the community.

“Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world,” Eubanks said. “We have a lot of retired seniors who were performers and want to keep performing. This gives them the chance.”

Rothman hopes the monthly productions grow, offering all Las Vegas residents another entertainment option.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 702-387-5201.