Remembering the Legacy of Dinner Theater Icons

Tribute to William “Bill” Pullinsi

William “Bill” Pullinsi, the esteemed director and producer known as the “godfather of dinner theater,” passed away at the age of 86 on May 17. He died at his home in Dyer surrounded by family. The theater community will honor him on June 29 with a tribute program at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place in Chicago.

“The bright pink neon glow of the towering marquee for Drury Lane Martinique Dinner Theatre in Evergreen Park, Illinois, lit for its final evening on December 31, 2003.” —Philip Potempa

John R. Lazzara: A South Side Stage Icon

In 2026, the theater world lost another influential figure: John R. Lazzara. Known affectionately as “Johnny” or “Johnny Lightning,” he died at his home in Palm Beach, Florida, on February 19 at age 76. He was connected to dinner theater and created memorable experiences for audiences in Northwest Indiana, Chicagoland, and beyond.

Lazzara, alongside his brother Ray, successfully rejuvenated Drury Lane Martinique Dinner Theatre in the 1990s. Born on December 26, 1949, Lazzara was proud of his Italian heritage and graduated from Richards High School before obtaining a degree in marketing from Indiana University.

Early Business Ventures

Johnny and Ray’s initial venture was a pizza restaurant inside Arena Lanes in Oak Lawn. Then, in 1975, they acquired a bankrupt Shakey’s Pizza franchise and transformed it into a themed restaurant called “Annie Tiques.” The restaurant featured an eccentric decor, notably displaying a salad bar in the bed of a 1925 Model T truck.

Drury Lane Martinique

In 1988, the brothers acquired Drury Lane Martinique in Evergreen Park. Johnny took on the roles of CEO and executive producer, managing marketing and entertainment bookings. The theater, originally opened in 1949, showcased musicals, concerts, and revues. Inspired by London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, it expanded under Tony DeSantis in 1958.

The Drury Lane name carries a rich history. Tony DeSantis, born in Gary, opened several venues including Drury Lane East in McCormick Place and Drury Lane Water Tower Place. Though many locations closed or transformed over the years, the Drury Lane Theatre in Oak Brook Terrace remains operational.

Johnny’s Passion for Glitter and Glamour

Johnny Lazzara’s admiration for Las Vegas-style opulence was evident in the Drury Lane brand’s design. He introduced a variety of legendary performers, such as Debbie Reynolds and Bobby Vinton, to the theater.

In 2004, recognizing market changes, the Lazzara brothers sold the Drury Lane-Martinique complex for a Walmart development.

A Personal Connection

Johnny hosted a special anniversary dinner party for columnist Philip Potempa’s parents in September 2003. The final event at Drury Lane Martinique was the “New Year’s Eve at Noon” party in 2003, featuring accordion player Dick Contino.

Contino, best known for his performances on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” made history during the last performance at Drury Lane Martinique.

Legacy and Memories

Johnny Lazzara is survived by his relatives and was honored privately earlier this year. His legacy, filled with memories of extravagant dinners and vibrant performances, lives on.

Philip Potempa recalls decadent recipes from Drury Lane Martinique, like béarnaise sauce, shrimp cocktail, and baked Alaska. One summer favorite was the “Peach Frost” dessert.

Drury Lane Martinique Peach Frost Dessert Recipe

• Ingredients:
  • 6 peaches, peeled, sliced
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 cup pink lemonade, thawed, undiluted
  • 1 can evaporated milk
  • 3 tablespoons grenadine
  • Whipped cream for garnish
• Directions:
  1. Mix peaches with sugar and let stand for 30 minutes.
  2. Blend peaches with lemonade and milk for 1 minute.
  3. Stir in grenadine and pour into a 9-inch pan, cover, and freeze.
  4. Once firm, beat until mushy and freeze again.
  5. Remove to the refrigerator 20 minutes before serving, garnish with whipped cream.

Contact Philip Potempa: [email protected] or PO Box 68, San Pierre, IN 46374.