This week in theatre rounds up the most noteworthy live theatre playing right now in Toronto. There are a number of holiday-themed shows on offer this season.

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 Soulpepper 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.

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.

It's A Wonderful Toronto: The Rob Ford Holiday Spectacular! / Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace / 7:30pm / 2:00pm / $25-$30
Every time a bell rings, the Don Bosco Eagles get a touchdown. The National Theatre of the World presents the city's own It's a Wonderful Life. Replace George Bailey with Rob Ford and you've got our own Toronto tale of failure and financial ruin set before the backdrop of the Christmas season. The city's foremost comedy troupe presents a music sketch comedy revue that's certainly timely, and definitely funny.

The Nutcracker / National Ballet - Four Seasons / 7:00pm / 2:00pm / $52-$100
The National Ballet's annual presentation of The Nutcracker runs throughout the holiday season. This version of the classic tale, set in Imperial Russia, has been delighting audiences since 1995. This year's rotation of cannonball dolls (an ongoing tradition featuring the cameo of notable Torontonians) includes Toronto Argonauts Mike Bradwell and Jason Pottinger, Jim Flaherty, Andrea Horwath, Karen Stintz, and Matt Galloway.

Snow White: The Deliciously Dopey Family Musical / Elgin Theatre / 7:00pm / $27-$85
This year's fractured fairy tale, Snow White: The Deliciously Dopey Family Musical, features the rock n' raucous elements you've come to expect from the panto, plus a number of clever additions. Rick Miller, Carolyn Bennett and Malcolm Clarke are the writers behind the musical. Their story is solidly structured, if not a tad long, that's buoyed throughout by strong performances. While it's nevertheless weighed down by some of the usual Ross Petty proclivities, this year's version is a cracking Christmas treat.

The Second City's Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue / Second City / 8:00pm / $15-$22
For some reflection on the weird and wacky traditions this time of year (over-shopping and over-eating come to mind), the Second City presents its annual roasty-toasty holiday special. Featuring sketches, songs, and improvisations inspired by the sights and sounds of the season, the troupe offers a bit of laughter to accompany your rum and eggnog.

Photo of The Story by Jacqui Jensen-Roy