When Danny Eaton, founder of the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, talks about their annual "Home for the Holidays" show, which runs through Dec. 22, he can't help but reminisce.
"I remember as a kid gathering around the television and watching Andy Williams and Perry Como, who each had popular Christmas specials every year. They would sing songs and do silly sketches and I loved them....it was Christmas to me," Eaton said.
Similar in style to those nostalgic holiday specials of year's past, "Home For The Holidays" will be hosted by Ray Guillemette, Jr., who has headlined several previous "Home for the Holidays" shows and countless "A Ray of Elvis" sold-out shows at The Majestic.
"It's a way for me to present myself in a different light as an entertainer....with no character like Elvis to portray other than myself. So, I can delve into and utilize entertainment tactics that don't follow any particular formula," Guillemette said.
"One of the biggest challenges the show offers for me is as a vocalist, not so much the song material, but the opportunity to harmonize instead of always singing lead," he added.
The family-friendly show - featuring Pioneer Valley-based performers, most of whom have performed in previous shows at The Majestic - has become a tradition at the theater for the past nine years.
Joining Guillemette onstage will be veteran Majestic performers Ben Ashley from "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story" and "La Cage aux Folles," Sue Dzuira from "Miss Saigon" and "Next to Normal," Tomm Knightlee from "The Full Monty" and "La Cage aux Folles," Christine Greene from "Blood Brothers" and "La Cage aux Folles," and Kaytlyn Vandelochte from "Million Dollar Quartet" and "Amadeus."
Other performers in the lineup are Amy Porchelli, Steven Sands, Brad Shepard and Michael Morales. Santa Claus will also be on hand to entertain.
The show will be directed by Cate Damon, with music direction by Mitch Chakour. Band members include Chakour, Tim Hosmer and Cliff Schofer.
"A lot of people come back year after year to enjoy the show. It's just plain fun. I think someone coming for the first time will really enjoy the amazing music, which Mitch oversees. There will be some amazing singers on stage who will be singing popular holiday songs and some you might not have heard before," said Damon.
Among the more recognizable tunes will be "White Christmas," "Feliz Navidad," "Little Drummer Boy" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." Others will include "A Place Called Home," "Cradle in Bethlehem" and "A Christmas To Remember."
The show runs through Dec. 22.