Holiday cabaret the Travolta way
<p>“The Christmas Show,” directed by Troy Nickerson, will be performed at The Coeur d’Alene Resort from Nov. 25 to Dec. 18. Pictured, bottom row from left, are cast and crew members Troy Nickerson, Michael McGiveney, Scott Steed and Jack Bannon. Top row, from left: Margaret Travolta, Ellen Travolta and Scott Martinez. For tickets and information, visit cdachristmas.com or call (866) 835-3025.</p>
COEUR d’ALENE — Growing up in a family of six, Margaret Travolta said Christmas in the Travolta household was a little chaotic, but always fun and special.
"I don't know how they did it, but we always got enough gifts. We always counted them, and my mother was always sure it was even-steven," she said. "Our mom was resourceful and she knew how to please everybody with very little money. Even though we got hand-me-downs, we were happy with what we got."
Even baby brother John was resourceful with his Christmas money.
"When he was 8, he had a $5 budget to buy for eight people," Margaret said.
Margaret will share this story, as told through her brother's eyes, and many more when she takes the stage with sister Ellen, brother-in-law Jack Bannon and friends who are as close as family during "The Christmas Show" at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.
"From what people say, they love the sharing of our Travolta Christmas stories when we were kids," said Ellen, who is in her fourth year of producing the holiday cabaret. "It's a simple show, a very warm show, very familiar. It makes you feel good and look forward to the holidays.
"It’s just very joyful, and the fact that my brother, John, is planning on coming is whipped cream on the cake," she added. "I don't know when he's coming, but when he says he’s coming, he does."
"The Christmas Show" will feature storytelling and feel-good holiday music. Actress and singer Katie Strohmaier will sing a few familiar Christmas songs and accompany the group on several others while musician Scott Steed will contribute the sweet sound of his standup bass.
"I always love her voice because she sounds like she's from the '40s," Bannon said of Strohmaier. "And Scott is a stunning standup bass player."
Strohmaier, who grew up in Idaho, said she's looking forward to returning for the holidays and being a part of the production.
"There's so much heartwarming and relatable material in the show that it feels like you're sharing the experience with your own family," she said. "I certainly feel that way as we've shaped the show over the last several months."
Ellen said she is overjoyed the Christmas shows at The Resort have become a part of Coeur d'Alene's holiday tradition.
"It makes me feel so much a part of this community," she said. "All of the years that I have lived here and participated in the arts, now I have something that I've created that is successful and it fills me with joy to know how many people come and appreciate it. I so value those who have made my ideas come to fruition."
"The Christmas Show," directed by Troy Nickerson, opens Nov. 25 and runs through Dec. 18. Shows will be in the Shore Room of The Coeur d'Alene Resort at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and at 5 p.m. Sundays.
Tickets are $27.50 and can be purchased at www.cdachristmas.com or by calling The Resort at 765-4000, ext. 21.