La Bayadère

Thru June 18 | Houston Ballet

Stanton Welch’s iteration of this classic brings the Houston Ballet season to a fittingly colorful end. Watch as our internationally acclaimed corps de ballet takes on one of the most famous works in the repertory, and that’s only part of the fun. The sets, by the legendary Peter Farmer (who died earlier this year), broker a marriage between 19th-century tutus and Bollywood that’s more than happy. —Spencer Vogel

From $25. 501 Texas Ave. 713-523-6300. houstonballet.org.

Circus 1903: The Golden Age of Circus

Thru June 11 | Society for the Performing Arts

Step right up! Acrobats, contortionists, strong men, death-defying high-wire types and more descend on Jones Hall, brazenly filling the Ringling Brothers void. Kids will thrill to the mélange of performers and puppetry—expect beautifully crafted elephants from the folks who brought you War Horse—even as their parents feel pangs of nostalgia for three-ringed days gone by. —Kara Fields

From $33. 615 Louisiana St. 713-227-4772. circus1903.com.

The Elephant Man

Thru July 2 | Stageworks Theatre

Embarrassment, humiliation, and public disregard are just some of the things Joseph Merrick—better known as the Elephant Man—suffered at the hands of a severely disfiguring genetic disorder. If past productions are any indication, however, Stageworks’ mounting of Bernard Pomerance’s 40-year-old drama will likely challenge audiences to look beyond surfaces, restoring humanity to the man. —Arman Badrei

From $17. 10760 Grant Rd. 281-587-6100. stageworkshouston.org

Matilda: Film with Live Orchestra

June 9 | Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Roald Dahl’s charming story of a neglected, magical little genius became something of a cult classic in 1996 with the release of the Danny DeVito-directed film version. Expect cultists and newbies alike at this special screening in The Woodlands, special because David Newman’s score will be performed live by the Houston Symphony, and extra-special because DeVito himself will be there to provide live narration. —Arman Badrei

Tickets $20 (mezzanine and lawn are free). 2005 Lake Robbins Dr. 281-363-3300. woodlandscenter.org.

Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest and Worry Will Vanish

Sunday thru September 17 | Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Summer is for big multimedia exhibitions at the MFAH, and this year proves no exception, with the debut of two newly-acquired works by the acclaimed Swiss artist. Both represent collaborative efforts between Rist and other artists and designers, both are immense, dazzling amalgamations of LED lighting, music, video and digital projections, and both take audiences on mesmerizing, dream-like journeys. —Spencer Vogel

$18. 1001 Bissonnet St. 713-639-7300. mfah.org