SPARKS — It's kind of like a school Christmas pageant on steroids.

That analogy may not be in keeping with the innocent spirit of Karen Burns' "A Classic Christmas," but it tells you what the show is all about.

Singing of carols accompanied by elegant dancing and elaborate costumes is what Burns' production is all about. It takes the holiday performance concept that has had kids amusing parents for generations, only this time the singers and dancers are professionals who have a talented producer telling them what to wear and do.

With three more shows at John Ascuaga's Nugget on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, "A Classic Christmas" provides 90 minutes of wonderful songs — some carols, some with a Christmas theme, some that are just fun and appropriate for the season — accompanied by well-choreographed dancing and million-dollar costumes. Lead vocalists Mig O'Hara and Sheldon Craig perform songs like "Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Frosty the Snowman," "Jingle Bells" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."

Lending to the show is a cast of 16 local children, who dance and sing their way into the audience's hearts with group and solo efforts. A group of literally angelic children sing "Do You Hear What I Hear?" which is one of numerous songs on which the youngsters are major contributors. There is also some impressive ballet dancing by two of the young performers: Morgan Ross and David Huffmire.

"A Classic Christmas" is what I imagine it was like to see a really elaborate stage show from the 1950s, the kind that today can only be seen in black and white with scratchy sound. To transport yourself to a simpler time of traditional Christmases before there were bad Santas or naughty elves, go see "A Classic Christmas."

There are four performances left of "A Classic Christmas": Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 3:30 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3:30 p.m. All performances are in the Celebrity Showroom at the Nugget. Tickets cost $23 for adults, $21 for seniors (55 and older), $19 for students (with valid ID) and $12 kids (12 and under) and are available by calling (800) 648-1177 or 356-3300 or by visiting janugget.com.