5 theater shows you can’t miss this spring

Dancing from Havana

Malpaso Dance takes pride in being one of the few Cuban dance troupes that gets to do its thing without the government stepping all over its pointe shoes. The driving rhythms of Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble will ensure things get much spicier than usual at the Shubert. Be sure to hydrate adequately. Malpaso Dance Company with Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin JazzEnsemble, presented by Celebrity Series. Citi Shubert Theatre, 5/14 and 5/15. Tickets: (617) 482-6661, celebrityseries.org.

Love (and sex) story

I think it’s time we had a talk about “The Birds and the Bees.” This trio of plays by rising local playwrights is billed as a female view on life and love that hits a note somewhere between Samuel Beckett and Tina Fey. Those are two people I definitely want at my party. This is an evening on the witty fringe of smart, satirical local theater. “The Birds and the Bees,” presented by Sleeping Weazel at BCA Plaza Black Box, June 2-11. Tickets: (617) 933-8600, sleepingweazel.com.

Sing along

Whether you best remember “Matilda” from the Roald Dahl novel or the 1996 film—or if you’re brand new to this story of a very precocious girl and her triumphs over cruel parents and disapproving teachers—this smash Broadway hit does her great justice. “Matilda The Musical,” presented by Broadway in Boston. Boston Opera House, June 14-26. Tickets: (866) 523-7469, boston.broadway.com.

Slurring words

If you’ve ever found yourself sucked into a wormhole of “Drunk History” episodes, this may be just the thing for you. “Shitfaced Shakespeare” features a high-octane, hour-long version of a classic play, with the twist that one cast member is, indeed, ‘faced. Do not try this at home. Actually, maybe go ahead. Shitfaced Shakespeare. Davis Square Theatre and Laugh Boston. Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets: shit-facedshakespeare.com.

Dance for Miles

Get your dance on with “Mirrors,” a doozy of a quadruple-header including two world premieres that will show off the many talents of Boston Ballet. Look for Karole Armitage’s “Bitches Brew,” set to the moodily thrilling music of Miles Davis. “Mirrors” by Boston Ballet, Boston Opera House, Through May 28. Tickets: (617) 695-6955, bostonballet.org.