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

Snow White / 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 features a solid structure, if not a tad long, that is buoyed throughout by strong performances. While it nevertheless is weighed down by some of the usual Ross Petty proclivities, this year's version is a cracking Christmas treat.

Without You / Off-Mirvish - Panasonic Theatre / 8:00pm/2:00pm / $45-$69
Die-hard Rent fans will no doubt be interested to hear about the show direct from Anthony Rapp, who originated the role of the scarf-clad Mark Cohen in the mega hit musical. In his one-man show Without You, Rapp discusses how Rent came to be, as a means of helping him articulate his own story about love and loss. Premiering as part of the Off-Mirvish series, Rapp will be taking the performance to New York next year.

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), 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.

An Especially Maude-Lynn Christmas / Videofag / 8:00pm / $15
The team that brought The Other Three Sisters and Redheaded Stepchild to Fringe stages, Morgan Norwich and Johnnie Walker, come together again for An Especially Maude-Lynn Christmas. Norwich gives us a peek into the holiday happenings of Maude-Lynn, a Victorian gothic literature enthusiast and expert on all things interweb. In addition to verbose 140 character tweets, you can expect carols, presents, and an interactive pantomime.

Photo from Without You