Tribute to William Pullinsi and John R. Lazzara
Last month, a column I wrote honored William “Bill” Pullinsi, a renowned director and producer known as the “godfather of dinner theater.” He passed away at age 86 on Sunday, May 17, surrounded by family at his home in Dyer. To pay tribute, the theater community will gather at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 29, at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place in Chicago. A reception will follow the tribute program.
The Drury Lane Martinique Dinner Theatre in Evergreen Park, Illinois, lit its marquee for a final time on December 31, 2003, before closing. It was demolished in 2004. The theater community lost another great figure in 2026. John R. Lazzara, a Chicago South Side stage icon, died at age 76 on February 19, 2026, in Palm Beach, Florida. Known as “Johnny” or “Johnny Lightning,” he played a key role in revitalizing the Drury Lane Martinique Dinner Theatre in the 1990s alongside his brother Ray.
Born on December 26, 1949, Johnny Lazzara was raised in Chicago’s Southwest Side and Oak Lawn. Proud of his Italian roots, he graduated from Richards High School, then pursued a marketing degree at Indiana University. In the hospitality sector, Johnny began by opening a pizza restaurant with his brother Ray in the 1970s. They later transformed a Shakey’s Pizza franchise into “Annie Tiques,” a themed restaurant with unique decor and serving concepts.
Drury Lane Martinique’s Legacy
In 1988, the brothers purchased the Drury Lane Martinique Dinner Theatre. Johnny took charge as CEO, focusing on marketing and booking events in the 800-seat space, while Ray managed business operations. Drury Lane Martinique, known for its musicals and concerts, began as a dining spot in 1949, expanding into a theater in 1958.
Tony DeSantis, originally from Gary, founded the Drury Lane theaters in the Chicago area. His contributions include Drury Lane East at McCormick Place and Drury Lane Water Tower Place, which opened in the 1970s. In 2010, Broadway in Chicago acquired and renamed it Broadway Playhouse of Water Tower Place. The Drury Lane Theatre in Oak Brook Terrace remains open, as does the Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire Resort, originally “Drury Lane Theatre North.”
Johnny Lazzara admired the opulence characteristic of Drury Lane theaters. He introduced audiences to famed performers, including Debbie Reynolds, Lou Rawls, and Phyllis Diller.
Final Curtain and Legacy
The Lazzara brothers sold the Drury Lane-Martinique complex in 2004, shifting focus due to market changes. Johnny hosted a final event for New Year’s Eve 2003. Accordion player Dick Contino was the last performer, known for his hit “Lady of Spain” on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
Johnny is survived by his siblings Ray, Jim, and Diane Lazzara; nieces Lauren King and Julie Schneider, and his beloved great-nephew and nieces. A private ceremony took place in Johnny’s honor with a visitation at Boynton Memorial Chapel in Florida. He rests at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery.
The Drury Lane Martinique’s memorable dining options included rich sauces, shrimp cocktail, and baked Alaska. A popular dessert was “Peach Frost.”
Drury Lane Martinique Peach Frost Dessert
Makes 8 servings
- 6 peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 cup pink lemonade, thawed
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 3 tablespoons grenadine
- Whipped cream for garnish
Directions:
- Mix peaches with sugar, let stand for 30 minutes.
- Blend with lemonade and milk for 1 minute.
- Stir in grenadine, pour into a pan, cover, and freeze until firm.
- Beat until mushy in a mixer, return to pan, freeze again until firm.
- Move to refrigerator 20 minutes before serving. Garnish with whipped cream.