‘Aladdin’ in Laguna Beach

The essentials: Popular in England since the early 1700s, the panto is eccentric entertainment with comical characters, lots of audience participation and, though the show may be aimed at kids, the kind of double entendres that elicit a wicked chuckle from adults. Lythgoe Family Panto’s “Aladdin and His Winter Wish” is loosely based on the “Arabian Nights” tale of Aladdin. The musical features a bevy of talent spearheaded by Jason Graae as the Widow Twankey (also famously played by Ian McKellen in a high-camp turn at the Old Vic in 2004).

Why this? The British panto has taken Southern California by storm, thanks largely to Kris and Becky Lythgoe, whose passion for the form has paved the way to sellouts. Emmy-nominated for his choreography on “So You Think You Can Dance,” Spencer Liff directs and choreographs, joined by Keith Harrison as musical director. Kids delight in the broad-as-a-barn silliness.

Details: Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, noon and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (check for exceptions); ends Dec. 31. Additional performances at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 21; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 23. $45-$80. (949) 497-2787. www.lagunaplayhouse.com

The 99-Seat Beat appears almost every Friday. (We are taking a break for the holidays but will return Jan. 12.) Our team of reviewers — people with more than 75 years of combined experience tracking local theater — shortlist current offerings at 99-seat theaters and other smaller venues. Some (but not all) recommendations are shows we’ve seen; others have caught our attention because of the track record of the company, playwright, director or cast. You can find more comprehensive theater listings every Sunday at latimes.com/arts.