TODAY’S BEST BETS

Theater

Sure, Christmas is still three months away, but what better time to mount a comic version of Charles Dickens’ famed tale of holiday ghosts?

* “A Christmas Carol,” the Bad Puppets at St. Ambrose Church, 1281 N. Fairfax Ave., (323) 930-1199. 7:30 p.m. Regular schedule: Fridays, 7:30 p.m. Ends Oct. 15.

Pop Music

L.A. soul singer Macy Gray is part of a hip-hop bill that includes Everlast, Eminem, the Roots and Black-Eyed Peas.

* Universal Amphitheatre, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, (818) 622-4440. 8:15 p.m.

Dance

Ballet Folklorico Tepecutli-Pilli surveys traditional music and dance from Mexico.

* San Gabriel Civic Auditorium, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel, (626) 308-2865. 7:30 p.m.

Jazz

The name’s the same, but they’re only related by the music: Tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton plays vintage standards and ballads with support from drummer Jeff Hamilton & Co.

* Scott Hamilton and the Jeff Hamilton Trio, Bonaventure Brewing Co. & Restaurant, 404 S. Figueroa St., (213) 236-0802. 7 p.m.