Theater events: Lifeline re-imagines Shakespeare's lost year in 'Her Majesty's Will'

Excellent adventure

A plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I unites young Will Shakespeare, who's running from the law, and Christopher Marlowe, one of the queen's spies, in "Her Majesty's Will" a rousing, comic re-imagining of Shakespeare's lost years by Chicago writer/actor David Blixt. Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Chris Hainsworth, of Glendale Heights, directs the world premiere. Previews begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 26, at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. The show opens June 4. $20-$40. (773) 761-4477 or lifelinetheatre.com.

'Ragtime' returns

Griffin Theatre revives "Ragtime" in a chamber-style production with new orchestrations by Matt Deitchman that reduce composer Stephen Flaherty's score to two pianos and a wind instrument. Lynn Ahrens penned the lyrics and Terrence McNally wrote the book for the musical, based on E.L. Doctorow's novel chronicling the lives of three families in early 20th-century America. Batavia native Denzel Tsopnang and Laura McClain, of Grayslake, star in director Scott Weinstein's production. Previews begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 27, at The Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. The show opens June 4. $30-$39. (866) 811-4111 or griffintheatre.com.

A peach of a show

Drury Lane Theatre's young audience series continues with "James and the Giant Peach," a musical by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Adapted from Roald Dahl's 1961 children's novel, it's about an orphaned boy who finds himself inside an enormous peach where he meets a group of quirky insects and embarks on a series of adventures. Performances continue at 10 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday through June 16 at 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. $17-$33. (630) 530-0111 or drurylanetheatre.com.