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.

Rare / Young Centre for the Performing Arts / 8:00pm / 2:00pm / $15-$30
Judith Thompson's Rare was one of the stand out productions from last year's Toronto Fringe Festival. Nine actors with Down Syndrome have weaved together stories from their life experience that reveal moments of humour and frustration, and aspirations. Audiences have been offered a second chance to enjoy this moving performance at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, where it plays for two weeks.

Every Letter Counts / Factory Theatre / 8:00pm / 2:00pm / $22-$42
In 2013, Factory Theatre looks to put the controversial past year to rest under the Interim Artistic Team of Nina Lee Aquino and Nigel Shawn Williams. The two are collaborating on the theatre's first play of the year, Every Letter Counts. Aquino has penned a very personal account that re-imagines her uncle, Filipino political icon Benigno Aquino. Williams directs Aquino, Jon de Leon, Anthony Malarky, and Earl Pastko in the play.

Cowboy Mouth / Cameron House / 8:00pm / $20-$25
This February, the AGO will feature the visual art of Patti Smith (photography, objects, and film) in a show called Patti Smith: Camera Solo. The artist will also be in Toronto for two performances, which will coincide with the exhibit--what better time for a remount of Cowboy Mouth, a wild and raucous play written by Smith and Sam Shepard in 1971. Starring are singer/songwriter Jason Collett (Arts & Crafts, Broken Social Scene) and Jessica Huras (Trout Stanley, Being Erica).

Two Rooms / Berkeley Street Theatre / 8:00pm / 2:30pm / $28-$57
A collaboration between Théâtre de la Vielle 17 of Ottawa and Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario of Sudbury, Mansel Robinson's Two Rooms explores a charged encounter between a husband and wife who have a lot to confess during an interrogation. Robinson was shortlisted for the Siminovitch Prize in 2011, and it's great to see his work being performed in Toronto. The play is presented in French with English surtitles.

The Marvelous Wonderettes / Lower Ossington Theatre / 7:30pm / 2:00pm / $49
One of those musicals that slaps a thinly composed plot onto a collection of classic and recognizable songs, The Marvelous Wonderettes takes a 1950s prom as the setting for its trip down memory lane. Written by Richard Bean, the show centres around four high school songleaders that are asked to sub in as the prom entertainment. Hit songs include "Lollipop," "Mr. Sandman," "Rescue Me," and "Son of a Preacher Man."

CONTEST

A Woman of No Importance was penned by Oscar Wilde, which should give you a hint or two about the dark wit and social commentary on the brazen behavior of the upper class that it contains. Alumnae Theatre is mounting a new production of the play, which will be on-stage beginning January 25th. This new production takes the 1890's original and transposes it into the 1980's, complete with glitzy fashions.

THE PRIZE

3 lucky readers will receive a pair of tickets each to see "A Woman of No Importance" on January 31, 2013 at 8 p.m. at the Main Stage at Alumnae Theatre.

HOW TO WIN

To win, just answer the following question: Who directed the 1921 film version of the play?

The first 3 correct commenters win the tickets. Please make sure to include a valid email address in the comment form "Email Address" field so that we can contact you if you're a winner.

FINE PRINT

You must be a Toronto-area resident to win. Only one comment and answer per person. If you include multiple answers or post multiple comments you will be disqualified, and the winner must pick up their own tickets.

UPDATE

This contest is now closed. Winners will be contacted shortly.

Photo of RARE by John Gundy