COEUR d'ALENE — Troy Nickerson directs The Travolta Christmas Show “Best of Christmas" that opens this week.

But it's about more than fine-tuning the performances of a top-notch cast.

"It truly is kind of my Christmas with my family," he said. "In some ways, it's my whole Christmas season."

Nickerson has no doubt that from the time the curtain opens Friday to when it closes the Sunday before Christmas, the five actors will have delivered an unforgettable holiday gift to the community.

"The more time I spend with them, I know we're putting something memorable together," he said.

Ellen Travolta, sister Margaret Travolta, daughter Molly Allen and friends Abbey Crawford and Mark Cotter are bringing the Best of Christmas to The Coeur d’Alene Resort. Jenny Shotwell will be on piano and Eugene Jablonski on bass. The show premieres Friday and runs every Thursday to Sunday through Dec. 18.

"It kicks off the season for a lot of people," Ellen said.

This year’s show, now in its 10th season, will feature stories, songs, bits and letters that reflect Christmas memories and miracles, all packed into about 70 minutes.

Some are based on personal experiences, while others came from the community.

Ellen described it as a "culmination of all the things you love about Christmas."

The Travolta Christmas Show started as a cabaret and has become a treasured North Idaho tradition.

"It's a wonderful, heartfelt family show. And I love all these people," Ellen said, looking at the team around her. "They're all great. They're real pros."

Cotter, from Palm Springs, Calif., said it promises to be an intimate, energetic evening of songs and stories that will reflect "a really happy Christmas."

Which is no surprise.

"I love Christmas," Cotter said. "As a matter of fact, my tree is up in Palm Springs already."

Crawford said being in the Best of Christmas is like being part of a family. That sense of family is such that the audience begins to feel part of the show, too.

"It's personable," she said. "These women are amazingly authentic and delightful."

Allen loves sharing the stage with her mom and aunt, and is proud to be part of a show that many have said ushers in the holidays.

"It's when Christmas starts," she said.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, and 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Tickets: bit.ly/3V8tXhi