Tribute to William Pullinsi and John R. Lazzara

Last month, a column honored William “Bill” Pullinsi, a revered director and producer known as the “godfather of dinner theater,” who passed away peacefully at age 86 on May 17 at his home in Dyer, surrounded by family. The theater community will gather at 6 p.m., Monday, June 29, at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place in Chicago for a tribute program followed by a reception for Pullinsi.

The bright pink neon sign for the Drury Lane Martinique Dinner Theatre in Evergreen Park, Illinois, shone for one last time on December 31, 2003, before its closure. The theater was demolished in 2004.

Philip Potempa/provided

In 2026, another legendary figure in the dinner theater scene departed. John R. Lazzara, known as “Johnny” or “Johnny Lightning,” died at age 76 on February 19, at his home in Palm Beach, Florida. He was cherished by many for his contributions to dinner theater in Northwest Indiana and Chicago.

Johnny Lazzara joined forces with his brother Ray, bringing new life to the Drury Lane Martinique Dinner Theatre in Evergreen Park during the 1990s. Born December 26, 1949, Johnny grew up in Chicago’s Southwest Side and Oak Lawn, proud of his Italian heritage. He graduated from Richards High School and earned a marketing degree from Indiana University.

Johnny’s career in hospitality began with a pizza restaurant inside Arena Lanes in Oak Lawn, which he operated with Ray in 1973. Later, they transformed a bankrupt Shakey’s Pizza franchise into “Annie Tiques,” a themed restaurant with eccentric collectibles and a salad bar displayed in a vintage Model T truck.

Their acquisition of Drury Lane Martinique Dinner Theatre in 1988 marked a significant chapter. Johnny served as CEO and executive producer, handling marketing and entertainment, while Ray focused on business operations. The theater, known for musicals and concerts, first opened in 1949 as a dining spot by Tony DeSantis, later expanding with a stage.

Drury Lane theaters have a rich history, with locations in McCormick Place, Water Tower Place, Oak Brook Terrace, and Lincolnshire. DeSantis, who passed away at 93 in 2007, left a lasting legacy, especially the Oak Brook Terrace theater.

Johnny Lazzara embraced the glamour of Drury Lane, known for lavish decor, including red carpets, chandeliers, and gold mirrors. He introduced numerous performers like Debbie Reynolds and Bobby Vinton to audiences, leaving a mark on Chicago’s South Side stage.

In 2004, recognizing market changes, Johnny and Ray decided to sell the Drury Lane-Martinique for a Walmart opening in 2005. Johnny hosted memorable events, including a New Year’s Eve celebration in 2003 and performances by accordion player Dick Contino, famous for “Lady of Spain.”

Contino, who passed away at age 87 in 2017, was renowned for his appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” His career faced challenges when drafted for the Korean War, leading to a brief sentence for evasion in 1951.

Johnny is survived by his brothers, Ray and Jim, sister Diane, nieces Lauren and Julie, and their families. A private ceremony was held in his honor in Palm Beach, Florida.

Drury Lane Martinique served delightful recipes, such as skirt steak with béarnaise sauce and the refreshing Peach Frost dessert.

Philip Potempa has published four cookbooks and hosts a radio show on WJOB 1230 AM. Contact him at [email protected] or by mail at PO Box 68, San Pierre, IN 46374.

Drury Lane Martinique Peach Frost Dessert

Makes 8 servings

• 6 peaches, peeled, sliced
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup pink lemonade, thawed, undiluted
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 3 tablespoons grenadine
• Whipped cream garnish

Directions

1. Mix peaches with sugar and let them sit for 30 minutes.
2. Blend lemonade and milk with peaches for about 1 minute.
3. Stir in grenadine and pour into a 9-inch square pan. Cover and freeze.
4. Once edges are firm, beat the mixture until mushy.
5. Refreeze until firm. Soften in the refrigerator before serving.
6. Top with whipped cream when serving.