Encore

So in Love: Cole Porter's swooningly sophisticated love songs are spotlighted in this cabaret-style show, 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, and Saturday, Aug. 7, 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8; $15-$25. New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness (at Market), 861-8972.

Speed the Plow: David Mamet's darkly comic examination of sexual politics, deal-making and manipulation in Hollywood, 8 p.m. Fridays-Sundays, through Aug. 15, $15-$17. Off-Market Theater, 965 Mission (at Fifth St.), 896-6477.

Water Tales: Inge Wessels and her crew of wisecracking puppets offer insights into San Francisco's maritime history; 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Aug. 15, free. Hyde Street Pier, Hyde (at Jefferson), 556-3002.