TheDrury Lane Theatres were a group of five theatres in the Chicago metropolitan area founded byTony DeSantis. The playhouses were named after the historicTheatre Royal Drury Lane, built inLondon in the 17th century. The five locations all provided affordabledinner theatre that was appropriate for families.[1] Two have since closed, two others were later sold and operate under new names, and one as of 2007[update] still operated as a Drury Lane Theatre.
DeSantis opened theMartinique Restaurant inEvergreen Park and began producing plays in 1949 in a tent adjacent to the restaurant to attract customers.[2] The enterprise was successful, prompting him to build his first theatre.
