Magic and Mirth : A new version of ‘Happytime Xmas’ packs same riotous fun as 1989 original, about antics of abnormal family.

Once again, Justin Tanner puts the “fun” in dysfunction with his riotous new rendition of “Happytime Xmas,” an acid-etched holiday portrait of a family so cheerfully repugnant, it poses a profound argument for celibacy. The host for her parasitic clan is the hard-working, long-suffering Hazie (Ellen Ratner), a waitress who dreams of winning “Wheel of Fortune” and buying a new life.

First produced in 1989, this production at the Cast Theatre features many veterans from the original cast and subsequent productions. Under Tanner’s breezy direction, the wonderful cast reaches new pinnacles of petulance. Here, once again, is Andy Daley (designer of the wittily downscale set) as Hazie’s beer-swilling stepson, who shamelessly mooches off Hazie with his pregnant wife (Lisa Beezley). Laurel Green reprises her hilarious turn as Hazie’s daughter Dottie, a born-again bulimic whose showy religiosity doesn’t mitigate her fantastic brattiness. As Hazie’s hyper-critical mother Lillian, Sandra Kinder is a diva of martyrdom and meddling. Then there’s Hazie’s boozy ex (Fred Willard), who hopes to reestablish himself in Hazie’s menage.

A newcomer to the cast, Laurie Metcalf (of “Roseanne”) plays Rhonda, Hazie’s best friend and sole supporter among this self-serving lot. The straight woman of the piece, Metcalf observes the antics of Tanner’s grasping clan with the active distaste of someone who has found a roach in her serving of Christmas trifle.

* “Happytime Xmas,” Cast Theatre, 804 N. El Centro Ave., Hollywood. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m. Ends Dec. 21. $20. (213) 462-0265. Running time; 1 hour, 40 minutes.