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.

Red / Canadian Stage - Bluma Appel / 8:00pm/1:30pm / $24-$69
Following on the heels of the AGO's Abstract Expressionist New York, Red, by John Logan, is a portrait of abstract expressionist artist Mark Rothko at the moment he has been asked to create a series of murals, the largest commission in the history of modern art. As Rothko works feverishly to deliver the masterpiece, under the watchful eye of his young assistant Ken, the pressure of producing sends him to the breaking point. Winner of the 2010 Tony Award for Best Play, Director and Canadian Stage Associate Artist Kim Collier brings this stark and passionate play to life.

Imprints / Factory Studio Theatre / 8:00pm / $17-$27
Theatre Gargantua is known for a highly physical style when exploring the themes and questions that interest them. Their latest, Imprints, written by Dora Mavor Moore Award-nominated Michael Spence, is inspired by current discussions on genetic memory. It explores the intersection of our ancestry and inheritance, and how "going through the rabbit hole" can connect us to our genealogical past.

Hallaj / Buddies in Bad Times Theatre / 8:00pm/2:30pm / $35
After two extremely successful projects in The Maids and The Normal Heart, Buddies offers a queer-related play that speaks from the position of Other. Mansur e-Hallaj is the title character in question, the legendary 10th century Sufi mystic who angered religious institutions with his poetry and teachings. Hallaj is a picture of compassion that stands in stark contrast to the current political upheaval in the Middle East.

Macbeth / Hart House Theatre / 8:00pm/2:00pm / $10-$25
Hart House Theatre presents the classic tale of Macbeth under the stage lights at the University of Toronto. The play about the Scottish soldier who rises to power with the help of his scheming wife and three witches has had a few treatments on stages recently (Machomer and Matchbox) but this one looks fairly traditional. If you're a Shakespeare purist (rather than an Anonymous fan), this is probably the one for you.

Seussical / Young People's Theatre / Weekend shows at 2:00pm / $15-$20
It's important that Young People's Theatre receive its due not only as an incredible theatre for youth, but as an incredible theatre period. With shows that are as delightful for children as they are for adults, YPT is a Toronto fixture. Seussical has garnered rave reviews since it opened. There are no evening shows (in addition to their two matinees a day), but the Seuss-world, complete with an incredible cast, can be seen on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm.