This week in theatre rounds up the most noteworthy live theatre playing right now in Toronto. It includes just-opened shows as well as productions that are about to close.

The Story / Evergreen Brick Works / 7:00pm / $12.50-$30
Martha Ross' The Story was solidified as an instant holiday classic when it premiered to critical acclaim last season. And earlier on this year is was nominated for six Dora Awards, with Jennifer Brewin taking home the prize for Outstanding Direction. The show is an outdoor walking tour of the Evergreen Brick Works where, at stops along the way, segments of the nativity story unfold. Ross' cozy and memorable holiday experience plays at the Evergreen Brick Works until December 30.

This is What Happens Next / Necessary Angel - Factory Theatre / 8:00pm/2:00pm / $15-$25
Necessary Angel presents Toronto's last opportunity to catch acclaimed playwright and performer Daniel MacIvor in This is What Happens Next at Factory Theatre. The playwright once again teams up with director Daniel Brooks on what is said to be his last solo show. Drawn from the very human struggles we face (addiction, divorce, self-consciousness), MacIvor mined his own experiences for this work. The result is as autobiographical a piece as you're going to see from our treasured wordsmith.

A Christmas Carol / Soulpepper - Young Centre / 7:30pm / $22-$68
The Dickensian class A Christmas Carol appears on stage in time for the holidays at Soulpepper. A large cast of company regulars bring the story of Scrooge and Tiny Tim to life, with visits along the way from the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and future. The production is directed by Michael Shamata and features Joseph Ziegler as the holiday curmudgeon.

Giselle / National Ballet - Four Seasons / 7:30pm/2:00pm / $25-$100+
Following on the success of the lavish Alice's Adventures in Wonderful and directly before their annual presentation of The Nutcracker, the National Ballet sneaks in a short run of the 1841 classic Giselle, a romantic and hauntingly beautiful dance about love and passion. Principal Dancer Greta Hodgkinson, who has danced Giselle numerous times, will perform the challenging title role.

The 501: Toronto in Transit / Theatre Passe Muraille / 7:30pm/2:00pm $25-$30
In what could be considered a sister piece to Theatre Passe Muraille's recent Fare Game: Life in Toronto's Taxis, the newest show on the TPM stage examines Toronto's iconic public transit system, the TTC. The content of The 501: Toronto in Transit was inspired by conversations and interactions on the 501 streetcar, one of the longest streetcar lines in the world. The show was created and will be performed by Justin Many Fingers, Bob Nasmith, and Donna-Michelle St. Bernard.