`HAPPY HOLIDAY' TAKES THE MUSICAL ROAD LESS TRAVELED : DIRECTOR OPTS FOR FRESH SONGS.

Byline: Christopher Noxon Daily News Staff Writer

Gary Poirot understands how Christmas music can get on a guy's nerves. He cringes at the mere mention of ``Santa Claus is Coming to Town.''

Which is why the Ventura pianist and musical director carefully chose the songs included in the holiday musical review that opens tonight for a three-weekend run at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center.

``I was trying to give that feeling of warmth and family by choosing songs you don't hear when you're shopping in the mall all day,'' he said. ``I avoided music people get inundated with - I tried to pick the most heartfelt songs that people don't get sick of.''

Center directors say they hope the show, a review of nonreligious seasonal music performed by a cast that includes 12 children, helps raise the profile of a city-sponsored center that posted a $18,922 deficit in its first months of operation.

By playing to popular appeal, the center has begun to earn its place in the local community, said General Manager David Ralphe. Audiences that stayed far away in the early days from events such as a sitar concert have flocked to see performances like the recent ``Fabulous '50s'' concert and a staging of the musical ``Mikado.''

``The center is really beginning to come of age,'' Ralphe said. ``More and more audiences are finding it as a wonderful place to seek entertainment. A variety of things are starting to catch on.''

With its large local cast and professional staging, the holiday show is expected to further broaden the appeal.

While the program steers clear of what Poirot calls ``cutesier'' songs, the program includes lesser-known selections, including a Wilson Phillips number and a modern carol called ``Christmas Gifts.''

But with a cast that includes 12 kids, including children as young as 9, Poirot said he couldn't resist getting just a bit sappy.

``The little kids are singing `All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth,' '' he said. ``But that's about as cute as it gets.''

``Happy Holiday'' will be performed at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Avenue today, Sunday, Friday, Dec. 21-23 and 27-31. Tickets costs $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $8 for kids 12 and under. Call 581-2714 for information.