Thursday, Nov. 16

It’s the circle—the circle of life—that’s bringing Disney’s Tony-winning musical, The Lion King, back to L.A. for an eight-week engagement beginning tonight at the Pantages Theatre. Get your tickets now! 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hlywd. For tickets, go to www.ticketmaster.com.

Keep smiling, keep shining ... It’s been 20 years since Dionne Warwick and Friends first recorded “That’s What Friends Are For,” which became the first song to donate its proceeds to the American Foundation for AIDS Research. Join the Black AIDS Institute tonight as they honor the groundbreaking group of singers including Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder at the 6th annual “Heroes in the Struggle” Gala. $100-250. 7 p.m. Director’s Guild of America, 7920 Sunset Blvd., L.A. For tickets, go to www.blackaids.org.

If ever there was a day to retreat from the daily grind with a trip to Euphoria, today is the day. Because when you lie down in your oh-so comfy robe to be caressed and de-stressed, Euphoria will donate 35 percent of the proceeds to Aid for AIDS, an organization preventing homelessness and hunger among L.A. County’s HIV-positive population. 8253 Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hlywd. For more information, go to www.euphoriafaceandbody.com.

The Arena is ground zero for the 18-and-over pulsating pop party Tiger Heat with DJ Ray Rhodes. $8 cover. Every Thursday, 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Don’t miss this week’s CD release party for Hurt by Christina Aguilera. Hollywood Arena, 6655 Santa Monica Blvd., Hlywd. For more information, visit www.clubtigerheat.com.

Thursday nights rock at Ultra Suede as the trendy dancery presents Rock ‘n’ Roll Fag Bar. For just two bones, you can throw down rock-star drink specials and rock out to some kick-ass mixes of electronica, modern rock and alternative by DJ Kathy Valenti. $2. 9 p.m. 661 N. Robertson Blvd., W. Hlywd. For more information, see www.factorynightclub.com.

Gulp, don’t sip the cocktails served up tall, cold and free for just five minutes each hour at Smack, the world’s fastest open bar. Every Thursday. 9 p.m. O-Bar, 8279 Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hlywd. For more information, call (323) 822-330 or see www.obarrestaurant.com.

Ladies—does the brisk fall weather have you looking for some Heat? Check out here lounge’s Thursday night party featuring loads of luscious lesbians and DJ Josh Peace dropping the illest mixes of your favorite hip-hop, Latin dance and reggaeton songs. 696 Robertson Blvd., W. Hlywd. Need more information? Go to www.herelounge.com.

Friday, Nov. 17

Forget Atkins! Did you know if you laughed 15 minutes every day for one year you could shed a total of four pounds? Get started tonight at ACME Comedy Theater, which will have you rolling with its uproarious double feature of Dark Gables and Scandal playing this and next Friday night at 10 p.m. $12. 135 N. La Brea, L.A. For tickets, go to www.acmecomedy.com.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a hairspray-shellacked bouffant or a sassy bob, just grab a wig and get over to Wig Out! this Friday night. $8 with a wig, $10 otherwise. Doors open at 10:30 p.m. M Bar, 1253 Vine St., Hlywd. For more information, call (323) 856-0036.

Weekly Bible study, it is not—join Tom Whitman for Drunk and Horny, West Hollywood’s hot Friday night party. i candy lounge, 7929 Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hlywd. For more information, check out www.icandylounge.com.

You won’t find any 18-wheelers, blue-plate specials or squawking CB radios at this Truck Stop—just a bunch of hotties dancing on the bar to the tunes of DJ Josh Peace. Every Friday. here, 696 N. Robertson Blvd., W. Hlywd. For more information, see www.herelounge.com.

If you think Friday night at Oasis Nightclub is a meat market, you’re wrong. It’s a Meat Locker. Join the Upland hangout for its Friday night lineup, bringing together some of the hottest dancers Southern California has to offer. 1386 E. Foothill Blvd., Upland. For more information, go to www.oasis-nightclub.com.

Looking for something cheap and tawdry? Be a Whore! every Friday night with go-go boys and $1 shots. $5 cover. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Club Fuel, 11608 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. For more information, visit www.tattletalepromotions.com.

Saturday, Nov. 18

Even if you don’t receive an award at the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center’s 35th Anniversary Gala and Auction, you could still walk away a winner. The kudofest, hosted by drag diva Coco Peru and honoring Wilson Cruz and Bravo, features a treasure trove of over 400 unique high-end auction items including travel and restaurant packages as well as personal luxury items. $300. 6 p.m. Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, 2025 Avenue of the Stars, L.A. For more information, go to www.anniversarygala.org.

Think you have what it takes to become America’s next top underwear model? Find out as Janice Dickinson, the world’s ...um... first supermodel, holds auditions today for Aussie Bum models at the Abbey from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. And if you look like the rest of us mere mortals, might we suggest a spot nearby that affords a scrumptious view of all the hotties? 692 N. Robertson Ave., W. Hlywd. For more information, call (310) 255-4822.

They say the human body is a work of art. Figure it Out proves it. The fascinating art exhibit, taking place at jFERRARI Gallery, brings together the work of over 20 inspired artists working in a variety of movements and media to represent the human figure. 7-10 p.m. 3015 Glendale Blvd., Atwater Village. For more information, go to www.jferrarigallery.com.

Is it the dazzling Rita McKenzie performing Ethel Merman’s Broadway drawing you to Kol Ami tonight? The buffet dinner catered by Mark’s Restaurant? Or the opportunity to make your ma happy by finally meeting a nice Jewish boy? Whatever the reason, don’t miss tonight’s soiree presented by the Men of Kol Ami. $75-95. 7 p.m. 1200 N. La Brea, W. Hlywd. To RSVP, call (323) 606-0996.

Lookin’ for love in all the wrong places? Well, look no further—check out Being Alive’s Direct Connect, a single’s mingle for HIV-positive men looking for Mr. Right. 7-9 p.m. Plummer Park Community Center, Rm. 5, W. Hlywd. To RSVP, call (310) 289-2551.

Are you a Francophile? Well, get down to the Hollywood Palladium tonight as it welcomes the 23rd Beaujolais and Beyond festival celebrating all things French—or is it still freedom?—including a silent auction, live entertainment and an array of food and wine selections. $60. 6:30-11:30 p.m. 6215 Sunset Blvd., Hlywd. For tickets, e-mail info@frenchchamberla.org.

All revved up with no place to go? Check out Machine at the Faultline, where DJ Paul V. will rock the well-oiled club night full of dirty electro beats, media manipulation and sex-club stimulation. Vroom! $5. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 4216 Melrose Ave., Silver Lake. Check out www.spitclub.com for more information.

Sunday, Nov. 19

Leave black and white to old movies. We want our entertainment with all the rich, vibrant colors of the rainbow. So does the Multicultural Motion Picture Assocation. Join the MMPA for its star-studded 14th annual Diversity Awards honoring Heroes, My Name is Earl and Bones as well as a constellation of stars for their contributions to diversity in the media. $300. 8:15 p.m. Century Plaza Hotel, 2025 Avenue of the Stars, L.A. For more information, check out www.thediversityawards.org.

Whoever said size doesn’t matter hasn’t been to here lounge on Sunday nights for the big DJs, big drinks and bigger fun at Size. Get there early for half-price cocktails from 4-7 p.m. 696 N. Robertson Blvd., W. Hlywd. For more information, go to www.herelounge.com.

Monday, Nov. 20

Shut the f*ck up, if you can’t take a joke. If we’ve learned anything at all from Barbra Streisand’s national tour, it’s that you don’t interrupt Babs or her special guest stars Il Divo after they take the stage tonight at Staples Center. 7:30 p.m. $100-350. 1111 S. Figueroa St., L.A. For tickets, go to www.ticketmaster.com.

Holding out for a hero? Find him tonight at It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman, the Musical Theatre Guild’s one-night production of the 1966 musical at Glendale’s Alex Theatre. $37. 7:30 p.m. 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. For tickets, go to www.musicaltheatreguild.com.

Mondays are a complete drag, especially at here! as it presents Here’s Jackie!, its Monday night show featuring that sharp-tongued chanteuse Jackie Beat, who will have you rolling with her sassy shenanigans. 696 N. Robertson Blvd., W. Hlywd. For more information, go to www.herelounge.com.

Tuesday, Nov. 21

No, Tea Bag is not an unfortunately named Starbucks competitor chock full of scones, finger sandwiches and techie types tapping away on their laptops. It’s actually a new balls-out dance party with thumping music provided by DJ Howie Pyro. Club 7969, 7969 Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hlywd. For more information, call (323) 654-0280.

Looking to get your party on in the 818? Check out Club Fuel with its Twisted Tuesdays, Re-Fuel Thursdays and Beer Bust Sundays. 11608 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. For more information, call (818) 506-0404.

Rimjob—the name says it all, huh? Get there early to avoid the line. $6. MJ’s, 2810 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake. For information, see www.mjsbar.com.

Wednesday, Nov. 22

Instead of riding the sofa all night long, why not head over to the Faultine for some serious TV watching? At TVOD, you can enjoy twisted comedy clips and music videos while imbibing an endless supply of brew during the beer bust. Every Wednesday. 4216 Melrose Ave., L.A. For more information, call (323) 660-0889.

‘Tis the night before Thanksgiving and all through the house, not one thing is stirring ... so why the hell are you staying in? Do what the pilgrims and Indians did—head out to The Factory for its massive dance party spanning three decades. Whether you dig ‘70s, ‘80s or ‘90s music—or just the $3 margaritas—there’s a little something for every taste. $10. 661 N. Robertson Blvd., W. Hlywd. For more information, go to www.factorynightclub.com.

Before you go eating your weight in turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce, pre-emptively burn some calories working it out on the dancefloor to the beats of DJ Kio Kio at Meet Me at The Lobby, a one-time event brought to you by David Cooley and Jeffrey Sanker. 9077 Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hlywd. For more information, check out www.jeffreysanker.com.

Chances are you don’t have to work tomorrow. Live it up tonight as Rohan Bisset presents its Thanksgiving Eve extravaganza featuring the sounds of Victor Calderone and Chus & Ceballos who will keep you moving until the sun comes up. $40. 10 p.m.-7 a.m. Henry Fonda Theater, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hlywd. Get your advanced tickets at www.wantickets.com. If you can’t make it tonight, check out Rohan Bisset’s Thanksgiving Weekend party featuring Paulo and Alexander on Saturday, Nov. 25.

Whether you’re looking fierce or fiercely looking, Club Girl Talk at Encounters in Pasadena offers transgenders, cross dressers and their admirers a night to mingle while DJ Tony spins top 40 and dance hits into the night. $5. 203 Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena. For more information, go to www.encountersnightclub.com.

Have a wicked good time at Club Metro’s Wicked Wednesdays, featuring live hip-hop, reggaeton and R&B performances with some of L.A.’s sexiest go-go dancers. Free with guest list before 10 p.m. $5 otherwise. Ultra Suede, 661 N. Robertson Blvd., W. Hlywd. For guest list and information, call (323) 769-6333.

What better way to get over the mid-week hump than guzzling two-for-one drinks at Fiesta Cantina and captivating your friends with your own renditions of old karaoke standards? Karaoke with Kenny, 10:30 p.m.-1:45 a.m. 8851 Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hlywd. For more information, see www.karaokewithkenny.com.

All week, you get to work by 8 a.m. sharp, you eat your three squares and make sure to be in bed at a reasonable hour. Cut loose this Saturday night at Raw, Jeffrey Sanker’s brand new monthly club night featuring 50 go-go dancers, sexy voyeuristic vignettes and music by New York’s DJ Susan Morabito. $40-45. 9 p.m.-8 a.m. 1120 Las Palmas Ave., Hlywd. For tickets, go to Perfect Beat, 8941 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. or the L.A. Sporting Club, 8592 Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hlywd.

Half-price specials on some of the best tasting cocktails in West Hollywood? We’re there. Don’t miss Wednesday nights at East/West with its Premium blend of two-for-one drink specials running from 9 to 10 p.m. and again from midnight to 1 a.m. 8851 Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hlywd. Visit www.eastwestlounge.com for more information.

Thursday, Nov. 23

Let’s get dirty with DJ Tony Powell spinning every week at Dirty Dirty House. $4. Akbar, 4356 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake. For more information, see www.akbarsilverlake.com.

Nothing to do this Thursday night? Rubbish! Head over to Club Trash at The Derby, where the party is jumping with DJs spinning rock, indie, electronic and new wave. 4500 Los Feliz Blvd., L.A. For more information, see www.clubtrashsilverlake.com.

Get an eyeful at Thursday night’s Wet-and-Wild Shorts Contest. Winner takes home $100—and most likely a few phone numbers. Eagle L.A., 4219 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. For more information, call (323) 669-9472 or visit www.eaglela.com.

Friday, Nov. 24

Cats are back! No, thankfully not an off-Broadway version of grown men prancing about dressed as felines. It’s the hit Russian show, World’s Only Moscow Cats Theatre, a colorful acrobatic show featuring 30 cats, two dogs and six clowns—all of which perform death-defying aerial acts. Five performances only. Nov. 24-Dec. 3. $49.90-57.90. Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 W. 8th St., L.A. Go to www.ticketmaster.com for tickets.

Get your jazz on tonight at The Ten20 Café, where you can Bop ‘Til You Drop with the CJS Quintet, who will be performing another of their eight scheduled shows at the Bel Age Hotel eatery. Two drink minimum. 8 p.m.-midnight. 1020 San Vicente Blvd., W. Hlywd. For reservations, call (310) 854-1111.

Saturday, Nov. 25

Embrace your inner master or dominatrix at Eagle L.A.’s Screw—and then quickly force it back into submission. The Purveyors of Perversion return to once again transform Eagle L.A. into a den of debauchery with nasty go-go sluts, S&M shows and DJ Tom Walker spinning cock rock, electronic and funk. $6. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Fourth Saturday each month. 4219 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. For more information, call (323) 669-9472 or visit www.eaglela.com.

Anybody who’s anybody will be at Popular on Saturdays dancing to the pop music and ogling the cute go-go boys and girls. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Every Saturday. here, 696 N. Robertson Blvd., W. Hlywd. Visit www.tomwhitmanpresents.com for more information.

Head over to Club 7969 for Jumbo Hot Dog, which is plumper, juicier and meatier than ever—and you won’t even have to worry about all those nasty nitrates. Every Saturday. 9 p.m. 7969 Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hlywd. For more information, call (323) 654-0280.

So the night is starting to wind down, but you aren’t ready to turn in yet—what do you do? Head over to Ultra Suede as Reflex keeps the party going into the wee hours of the morning. $15-25. 2:30-8 a.m. 661 N. Robertson Blvd., W. Hlywd. For tickets, go to www.groovetickets.com.

Sunday, Nov. 26

Nothing says Sunday like kicking back and drinking your weight in tequila at Margarita Sundays with DJ Nicholas. $2 margaritas and domestic beer from 3-7 p.m. MJ’s, 2810 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake. For more information, call (323) 660-1503 or see www.mjsbar.com.

Grab a stiff bevy, sidle up to the stage and prepare for the sequins and double-sided tape to fly as your favorite drag divas battle it out for the 16th season of Drag Idol. 10 p.m. Oasis, 1386 E. Foothill Blvd., Upland. For more information, go to www.oasis-nightclub.com.

Monday, Nov. 27

And I am telling you, you’re not going ... to want to miss this week’s Reel Talk with Stephen Farber. Tonight’s selection, from the film historian and critic’s 12-week film series and discussion, is Dreamgirls starring Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Beyoncé Knowles and Jennifer Hudson. $20. Each Monday through Dec. 11. 7 p.m. Wadsworth Theatre, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. For more information, call (310) 479-3003.

Republicans—had a rough week? Break bread tonight with fellow Log Cabin Republicans at Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant as they welcome special guest Marc Cherry, the creator and executive producer of Desperate Housewives. $35-40. 7-9 p.m. 189 The Grove Dr., L.A. For more information, go to www.losangeles.logcabin.org.