FRIDAY, November 30

Wordplay is the show that’s part This American Life (the funny part) and part stand-up comedy (ditto). A bunch of notebook-toting writers and comics share true stories while a jockey spins discs to create a more fully realized spoken-word experience. (Did I really just type that? Mommy needs a vacation.) An extraspecial guest this time is Mr. Taylor Negron, whom you will be seeing more of in the coming paragraphs. I call him Mr. Wonderful. He’s so funny, and cute, and a teensy bit mean. Also spilling their low-body-fat guts: Andrea Abbate, Matt Price, Corey Podell, Alan Olifson, Meredith Hoffa. The Fake Gallery, 4319 Melrose Ave., Hlywd.; Fri., Nov. 30, 8 p.m.; $10. (323) 644-4946 or reservations@wordplayshow.com.

SATURDAY, December 1

It’s beginning to look a lot like Bob’s Holiday Office Party. Rob Elk and Joe Keyes’ popular and boozy show is now in its 12th season of satirizing corporate greed, small-town values and alcohol abuse. The L.A. Weekly, which you trust on such matters, called it “a drunken alternative to Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life.” This cast features some top local comedy names, including Craig Anton, Maria Bamford and Frank Coniff (but no Taylor Negron). The Lounge Theater, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., Hlywd.; Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.; Nov. 30-Dec. 22; $25. (323) 960-7714.

SUNDAY, December 2

If you’ve always wondered what it’s like inside the historic Castle Green apartments in Pasadena, this is your big chance to see nearly 20 units, along with the grand salon, Palm ballroom, seventh-floor penthouse .?.?. really, if this sounds like fun to you, then you probably already have your tickets to the Holiday Tour at Castle Green. The event benefits the Friends of the Castle Green. Taylor Negron connection: Taylor went to high school in Pasadena! 99 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena; Sun., Dec. 2, 1-5 p.m.; $20. (626) 577-6765.

MONDAY, December 3

Taylor Negron’s one-man show that’s not really a one-man show is called Satellites, and it also features violinist Lili Haydn, who, when she isn’t sitting on a stool looking adorable, plays hauntingly beautiful violin accompaniment to Negron’s monologues about topics like growing up, Lucille Ball and New Orleans drag queens. Negron’s warm and engaging way of telling a story paired with Haydn’s stirring music makes for a new and exciting comedy experience — rather Zen-like. M Bar, 1253 N. Vine St., Hlwyd.; Mon., Dec. 3, 8 p.m.; $10. (323) 856-0036.

TUESDAY, December 4

As the holiday season heats up, so does stress. You know what might be nice? A midweek escape into a matinee. Nobody has to know — just do what I do and tell your boss you have a dentist’s appointment. LACMA screens Roughshod, a 1949 Western starring Robert Sterling and Gloria Grahame, about a murderer aboard a stagecoach and the rancher who tries to save everybody. LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A.; Tues., Dec. 4, 1 p.m.; $2, $1 seniors. (323) 857-6000.

WEDNESDAY, December 5

They are women, hear them coo. And purr. And “dance.” And move their lips like they’re singing. Guess those solo careers never panned out. Yes, it’s the return of the Spice Girls, which apparently many of you requested, proving that a world without gloss and bubblegum is a world some people can’t live without. Bring back the Archies! P.S. Taylor Negron needs tickets! Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., dwntwn.; Wed. & Fri., Dec. 5 & 7, 8 p.m.; $69.50-$119.50. (213) 480-3232.

THURSDAY,?December 6

Christine Schoenwald promises her popular monthly comedy show, Pinata, where writers and comics read their stories, is “fast, full of variety and always ends with a bunch of candy!” That’s right, they all throw candy at the audience. This month it’s Shawn Schepps, Keri Morton, Kirsten Milliken, Sarah Stanley, Paula Killen and — what’s this? — Taylor Negron! “Taylor is doing a brand-new piece,” reveals Schoenwald. Bang, 457 N. Fairfax Ave., Hlywd.; Thurs., Dec. 6, 8 p.m.; $10. (323) 653-6886.

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