Imitation Christmas

Is it really Christmas? Or just an amazing simulation? If you’re not sure, maybe you need to check out “Christmas With Karen Carpenter!” this weekend at the Raven Playhouse in North Hollywood. This zany comedy features celebrity impersonators assuming the roles of Carpenter, brother Richard, David Cassidy of the Partridge Family, Davy Jones of the Monkees and Ol’ Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. Jennifer Jones stars as Karen Carpenter, with Howard Pattow, Brad Kahn and Dan Lopez in supporting roles.

* “Christmas With Karen Carpenter!”; Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Raven Playhouse, 5233 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. $10. (818) 509-9519.

Nutcrackers

The West Valley Ballet is offering “The Nutcracker” at Cal State Northridge this weekend, and the best seats in the house are only $15.

* “The Nutcracker,” West Valley Ballet Company; Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m.; Cal State Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St. $10-$15. (818) 677-2488.

Holiday Theater

Glendale Center Theatre’s 36th annual holiday production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” runs through Saturday night. Meanwhile around the corner, Glendale’s classical theater company, A Noise Within, will present its final night of “A Christmas Carol” on Saturday too. In Newhall, the Canyon Theatre Guild’s production of a musical adaptation of the Dickens classic, called “Scrooge, the Stingiest Man in Town,” also ends Saturday.

* “A Christmas Carol”; today-Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 3 and 8 p.m.; Glendale Center Theatre, 324 N. Orange St. $12.50-$21. (818) 244-8481.

* “A Christmas Carol,” A Noise Within; 234 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Call for complete performance schedule. Ends Sat. $22 to $40. (323) 953-7795.

* “Scrooge, the Stingiest Man in Town”; Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.; Canyon Theatre Guild, 24242 San Fernando Road, Newhall. $8-$15. (661) 298-0058.

Accordion Performance

Legendary accordionist Dick Contino makes a rare local appearance Saturday at Monteleone’s West in Tarzana.

* Dick and Deidre Contino; Saturday, 8:30 p.m.; Monteleone’s West, 19337 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. No cover. (818) 996-0662.