Family fun: Take the kids to ‘Aladdin’

If you have fond memories of Disney’s animated hit “Aladdin,” or better yet if your kids consider it one of their go-to DVDs, then SHN has a little present for you.

The theatrical adaptation of this beloved fable, which runs into early January in San Francisco, is brimming with swirling silks, shimmering sequins and high-flying knife-eaters. Choreographed way past the hilt by Casey Nicholaw (“The Book of Mormon”), who also directs, this is a lavish spectacle worthy of the glitter and adornment of the holiday season.

Bob Crowley’s richly adorned set design will delight little ones. Indeed at times the set upstages the performers, including affable Bay Area native Adam Jacobs in the title role. The cave of wonders is a jeweled scene stealer that had many children squealing with glee. One mother I know couldn’t stop humming “It’s a Whole New World.”

Adding to the sparkle are the constant visual stimuli, from streamers that come shooting off the stage and into the audience to the fanciful costumes. Yes, it’s at times more eye candy than memorable theater, but it is is definitely a family-friendly affair.

Certainly if you find yourself with a house full of squirmy kids in need of an outing, “Aladdin” may be the most thoughtful present of all.

Details: Through Jan. 7; Orpheum Theatre, San Francisco; $45-$241 (subject to change); 888-746-1799, www.shnsf.com