The holiday variety show "A Merry Christmas With Friends and Nabors" has become an annual tradition in Honolulu. Since 1997, when Jim Nabors put forward the idea of appearing on stage at the Hawai'i Theatre with members of the Honolulu Symphony and admired local singers Jimmy Borges, Karen Keawehawai'i and Emma Veary, along with other family-friendly performers, the show has brought smiles to the faces of many a keiki and adult while adding luster to the downtown theater.

This year, once again, the Friends and Nabors gave the audience a bright assortment of Hawaiian Christmas melodies, holiday novelties and inspirational tunes.

Nabors' duet with Veary on "Silent Night" at the Friday-night performance provided one moving example of the teamwork this show spotlights. Meshing Western tradition with Island aloha, Nabors sang the carol's traditional English lyrics with clarity, and Veary's soprano rendering of the Hawaiian version brought it to new heights.

Nabors, a veteran entertainer best known as the "gollee" Southerner in "Gomer Pyle" on TV, acts the likable bumpkin, with a twang in his speech and goodness to spare. He has long lived on O'ahu, and pays tribute to many Island talents in this show by featuring Keawehawai'i and Borges, along with the inventive Huber Marionettes.

Also notable: Matt Catingub and the newly reorganized Hawai'i Theatre Orchestra, comprised largely of Honolulu Symphony musicians.

The interplay of young and adult troupers gives the show a warm community feeling. Keawehawai'i goes into tutu mode, playfully interacting with Diamond Head Theatre's Shooting Stars in "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

The cheerful Shooting Stars also partner up with Borges on "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." Nabors' "White Christmas" is enhanced by hula by the 'Opio Dancers and choral support from The Company Singers, an adult chorale.

There is plenty of keiki action, including participation by the Nu'uanu YMCA "Naborhood" Keiki, nonprofessional performers directed by Carolee Nishi. They smiled, sang and danced charmingly, if not always in unison. And it wouldn't be "A Merry Christmas" without Phillip Huber's puppets and marionettes. His tricks with skating doll Arianna Blade were thrilling examples of Huber's prowess.

Nabors introduced the entire 'ohana with "You Meet the Nicest People Everywhere Around Christmas Time," giving director Tom Hansen the cue to include all of the performers in a musical march. The rainbow of faces reflect the diversity that is uniquely Hawai'i. (As the Hawai'i Theatre points out on its Web site, the show provides an opportunity for high-profile onstage experience for more than 100 youthful performers, from 5 to 17, who work with experienced professionals to put on the show.)

The world's troubles did affect some choices in the show: Nabors recognized those in the military in singing "Little Drummer Boy"; Borges sang "Peace on Earth."

The emotional pinnacle came with Nabors' soaring and poignant "O Holy Night," just before the final curtain. It drew cheers and a standing ovation from Friday night's audience.

Nabors has surrounded himself with friends who share his passion to mount a joyful spectacle. At one point in the show, he said: "I learned a long time ago that you can't make it in this business alone."

The same could be said about building a supportive, successful community and, on that level, "A Merry Christmas With Friends and Nabors" is a performance to emulate.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.