Going South

* 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. Show times: Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m. The theater is at 5233 Lankershim Blvd. $10. (818) 509-9519.

* Nutcrackers--The West Valley Ballet is offering “The Nutcracker” at Cal State Northridge. And the best seats in the house are only $15. Show times: Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. The campus is at 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. Around the corner, A Noise Within, Glendale’s classical theater company, also ends its production of “A Christmas Carol” Saturday evening. And in Newhall, the Canyon Theatre Guild’s production of a musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic called “Scrooge, the Stingiest Man in Town” closes Saturday too.

* “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” at A Noise Within, 234 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Call for complete performance schedule. Ends Saturday. $22-$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 Music--Legendary accordionist Dick Contino makes a rare local appearance Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at Monteleone’s West, 19337 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. No cover. (818) 996-0662.