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 War of 1812 / Young Centre / 7:30pm/2:00pm / $20-$50
It's so incredibly important (and overdue) that Michael Hollingsworth's epic 21-part play-cycle, The History of the Village of the Small Huts, is being invited to performance outside of the back room of the Cameron House, first at the Stratford Festival and now at the Young Centre. It's been two hundred years since the town of York was torched and VideoCabaret details the events in their signature style in The War of 1812.

Race / Bluma Appel Theatre / 8:00pm/2:00pm / $29-$99
While there's no doubt it will be fun to see Jason Priestley back treading the boards, the reason I'm most looking forward to Race is the mingling of David Mamet's sharp language with the direction of Daniel Brooks. Add a high-stakes, politically-charged rape case along with courtroom action and it promises to be quite an intellectual evening at the theatre. The play features, Matthew Edison, Priestley, Cara Ricketts, and Nigel Shawn Williams.

A Brimful of Asha / Tarragon Theatre Extra Space / 8:00pm/2:30pm / $27-$53
There's a reason this show is returning to the stages of Tarragon Theatre — it's really good. In A Brimful of Asha, actor and celebrated theatre creator Ravi Jain performs alongside his mother in a story about generational culture clash based on their own relationship. When Ravi takes a vacation to India, his parents decide to showcase potential brides. Asha Jain had never appeared on stage until the play premiered last year, but audiences can't seem to get enough of her charm.

Big in Germany / Buddies in Bad Times / 8:00/2:30pm / $15-$25
Indie playwright Rob Salerno considers what life is like at home for rock-n-roll'ers The Omnipotents who, as the play's title would suggest, have broken through to a German audience but can't exactly connect with one here in Canada. After working in the porn industry just to pay the bills (rock bottom?), the twosome mounts their final attempt at obtaining rock notoriety with a hometown crowd.

The Meme-ing of Life / Second City / 8:00pm or 7:30pm S/S / $15-$29
Critics have been lauding the current Second City show as one of the best in recent memory, with its mix of strong performances and polished sketches. The Meme-ing of Life culls through the streams of data criss-crossing between our devices to find those little pleasures in life. But, to be certain, the troupe will balance these little gems by lampooning the behaviour of our friends and neighbours. Throw in a dash of improv and you can bank on it being better than a youtube party.