OPENING Orange Flower Water @ ACT. Last December, New Century Theatre launched with a bang, with a lauded, controversial production of The Adding Machine. Their second show, opening this weekend, promises to go in radical new directions. A four-person bedroom drama, Orange Flower Water is every bit as intimate as The Adding Machine was epic. It's also dirty--18 and over, please. (700 Union St. Fri. & Sat. 8, Sun. 7. Tix $25.) more ›

OPENING the break/s @ ACT. Marc Bamuthi Joseph is a poet, theatre artist, and educator who's produced a hip hop influenced solo performance piece that's generating buzz all over town. (700 Union St. Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m., matinees Sat. & Sun. 2 p.m. Tix $40-$55.) more ›

There's one reason you can't miss Seattle Shakespeare's generally fine production of The Tempest, and her name is Hana Lass. Following a turn as one of the three cast members of the Intiman's lauded production of Crime and Punishment, Lass takes a fine turn as the "airy spirit" Ariel in Shakespeare's final masterpiece. Lass switches up Ariel from a dour male character to a sexy sprite in a black veil. The character doesn't have a lot of line, but Lass still owns the stage when she's speaking, and employed as a plot device to carry along an episodic work, she's just stunning. more ›

RECOMMENDED NW New Works Fest @ On the Boards. Week two of OtB's annual revue of the best experimental theatre, performance, and dance from around the Northwest. Last weekend was a blast, and this weekend there's eight completely different performers hitting two stages. The Studio Showcase plays tonight at 8 and Sat. and Sun. at 5, and the Mainstage performances are Sat. and Sun. at 8. (100 W. Roy St. Tix $14.) more ›

WATCH THE TOUR DE FRANCE: The Cascade Bicycle Club presents its annual Cyclefest. There's something for everyone--races for those who like to watch, a bike decorating station for those who like to do, and a lot of people in spandex for those who like to drool. After the sun goes down, watch the 17th stage of the Tour de France (that's the part where they race up the Alps. The Alps!) on a big screen. Wheel-less and feeling lucky? Enter the raffle for a bike worth $4,000. more ›