COEUR d'ALENE - This Christmas season, get cozy in cabaret style.

"A Christmas Cabaret," presented by Ellen Travolta, is coming to The Coeur d'Alene Resort Nov. 29. The show will star accomplished cabaret artist Mark Cotter of New York City with special guest Jack Bannon of Coeur d'Alene. The two will spread holiday cheer through songs, music, stories and comedy.

And they're doing it all in the intimate nightclub setting only a cabaret can offer.

"Cabaret is definitely my favorite medium to work with because it's one-on-one with the audience," Cotter said. "It's nice to be able to look people in the eye and to break the fourth wall, communicate with them and hopefully move them."

A cabaret is different from a play or larger production because it is an intimate setting where the audience is close to the performers. The music is unique, each note depending on the person singing.

"A cabaret singer does a spin on a song. They interpret a song differently than a singer who sings the notes as they're written," Travolta said. "It's a very popular style in New York."

Through song interpretation and storytelling, Cotter and Bannon will connect with audience members and involve them in the festive fun. This particular cabaret will include renditions of many well-loved and classic Christmas songs, such as "O Holy Night," and will provide opportunities for audience members to join in and sing along.

Bannon said he is looking forward to what many people enjoy about the holiday season, making "contact with other people," he said. "Where it's 'us,' and not 'us and them.'"

The show will also include piano accompaniment by Bonni Dichone and bass by Rob Peterson.

"A Christmas Cabaret" opens Nov. 29 and runs until Dec. 21. Shows are: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 with 5 p.m. performances on Sundays (Dec. 1, 8 and 15). Tickets are $25 each or $20 each for groups of eight or more guests. Tickets and info: www.achristmascabaret.com or 765-4000.

"It's a great gift," Travolta said. "If you have an office, instead of having an office party, take your people there, take them out to the theater and have a glass of wine or something. There's nothing as festive and wonderful as The Resort at Christmas."