If you’ve lived in the Chicagoland area for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard of 10 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace. It’s one of those addresses that just sounds formal. It carries weight. But honestly? Most people just call it "Drury Lane."
It’s a massive, sprawling complex. It’s a theater. It’s a ballroom. It’s a place where you’ve likely attended a wedding, a corporate seminar, or a production of The Sound of Music. It sits right there in the shadows of the Oakbrook Center mall, a landmark that has survived decades of shifting tastes and a literal changing of the guard in the theater world.
There's a specific kind of magic at 10 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace. It’s not the gritty, experimental magic you find in a storefront theater in Wicker Park. It’s the "velvet curtains and crystal chandeliers" kind of magic. And somehow, in 2026, it’s still working.
The Legacy of Tony DeSantis
You can't talk about this place without talking about Tony DeSantis. He was a legend. A mogul. The guy started with a small tent theater in the 1940s and eventually built an empire of dinner theaters across the Chicago suburbs.
By the time he opened the Oakbrook Terrace location in 1984, he knew exactly what he was doing. He wanted luxury. He wanted a place where people felt like they were getting a "night out" without having to fight for parking in downtown Chicago.
Desantis was old school. He’d often be seen roaming the halls, checking the carpets, making sure everything was perfect. When he passed away in 2007, people wondered if the spark would go out. It didn’t. His family took the reins—specifically his grandson, Kyle DeSantis—and they managed to do something almost impossible: they modernized the brand without stripping away the nostalgia.
They kept the chandeliers. They kept the white-glove service feel. But they started bringing in Broadway-caliber talent and directors who weren't afraid to take risks with classic scripts.
What Actually Happens at 10 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace?
It's basically a three-headed beast.
First, you have the Drury Lane Theatre. This is a 971-seat proscenium stage. It’s large enough to feel grand but small enough that you can actually see the actors' expressions from the back row. They do five big shows a year. We're talking heavy hitters—Jersey Boys, Grease, The Color Purple. They hire Equity actors, many of whom have Broadway credits or are headed there soon.
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Then there’s the Events and Conference Center. If you're a business person in DuPage County, you've been here. The ballrooms are massive. They can host a 2,000-person gala or a small intimate board meeting. It's a staple for the local Chamber of Commerce.
Finally, there’s the dining. Lucille Restaurant is the onsite spot. It’s famous for its Sunday brunch. Seriously, the brunch is a whole thing. People travel from two counties over just for the carving station and the dessert table. It’s where grandmothers take their granddaughters for tea after a matinee. It’s a tradition.
The Technical Edge
What people often miss is the technical sophistication. The acoustics at 10 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace were designed with precision. It doesn't have those weird "dead spots" you find in older city houses.
The fly system is state-of-the-art. This allows them to do complex set changes that you usually only see at the Cadillac Palace or the Oriental (now the Nederlander). They aren't "community theater." They are a professional powerhouse with a massive backstage crew.
Why It Thrives in the Era of Streaming
You’d think a massive dinner theater complex would be a relic of the 80s. But it isn't. Why?
Convenience.
Going to a show downtown is an ordeal. You pay $50 for parking. You walk through the rain. You pay $18 for a mediocre drink. At 10 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, the parking is free. It’s a massive lot. You walk 100 feet and you’re inside.
There is a growing segment of the population—not just seniors, but millennials with kids—who want "curated convenience." They want the steak dinner, the musical, and the easy drive home all in one package. Drury Lane mastered this decades before "lifestyle centers" became a buzzword in real estate.
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The Architecture and Atmosphere
Walking into the lobby feels like stepping into a different era. There is a lot of gold. There is a lot of marble. It’s unapologetic about its opulence.
Some might call it dated; others call it "classic." But it’s meticulously maintained. You won't find a frayed carpet or a flickering bulb. That attention to detail is what keeps the corporate clients coming back. When a company like McDonald’s or Ace Hardware holds an event here, they know the logistics will be flawless.
The building itself acts as a buffer. Once you pass through those glass doors, the noise of the nearby I-88 tollway and the bustle of the mall disappear. It’s a self-contained world.
Navigating the Misconceptions
People think Drury Lane is "just for old people."
That's a mistake.
While the matinee crowd certainly skews older, the evening performances and the specific show choices are targeting a much younger demographic. When they staged Kinky Boots, the audience was as diverse as any you’d see in the city.
Another misconception? That the food is "wedding food."
While they do serve a lot of people at once, the culinary team at Lucille has worked hard to elevate the menu. They’ve moved toward locally sourced ingredients and more modern plating. Is it Michelin-star dining? No. But it’s significantly better than your standard banquet hall fare.
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Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
If you’re planning to head to 10 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, there’s a strategy to it.
- Don't skip the brunch. If you’re seeing a Sunday matinee, book the brunch two weeks in advance. It fills up.
- Check the seat map. Because of the way the theater is sloped, there truly isn't a bad seat, but the "sweet spot" is center orchestra, rows F through M.
- Dress up a little. You don’t have to wear a tuxedo, but you’ll feel out of place in a hoodie. Business casual is the move.
- Explore the lobby. There are often small displays about the history of the theater or the current production that are worth five minutes of your time.
The Business of 10 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace
From a real estate perspective, this 10-acre site is gold. Being at the intersection of major highways in one of the wealthiest corridors in the Midwest makes it a prime target for redevelopment.
Yet, the DeSantis family has held firm. They recognize that the value isn't just in the land—it’s in the brand. 10 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace is a destination. You can't just build a new "Drury Lane" somewhere else and expect the same loyalty.
The venue also provides a massive boost to the local economy. It keeps the nearby hotels—like the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills or the Marriott—full of theater-goers and wedding guests. It’s an anchor for Oakbrook Terrace.
The Future of the Stage
Looking forward, the challenge for the theater is the rising cost of production. Moving sets, high-end lighting rigs, and talent aren't getting cheaper.
However, because they own the building and the land, they have a massive advantage over city theaters that have to pay astronomical rent. They can afford to invest more in the actual production. This is why you’ll often see sets at Drury Lane that look more "expensive" than what you see on a touring Broadway show.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Parking: Use the North lot for the quickest access to the theater entrance. It’s free, but it fills up fast on Friday nights.
- Dining Reservations: If you aren't doing the buffet, check out the lounge menu. It’s a bit more relaxed and great for a quick bite before the curtain rises.
- Group Rates: If you’re bringing more than 15 people, call the box office directly. Their group sales department is actually very flexible and can often bundle in meal deals that aren't available to the general public.
- Sign up for the newsletter: Honestly, they send out "flash sale" codes for mid-week performances that can save you 30-40%.
Whether you're there for a high-stakes business seminar or a tear-jerking musical, 10 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace remains a singular experience in the Chicago suburbs. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the "old way" of doing things—focusing on service, luxury, and a sense of occasion—is exactly what people are looking for.
Stop by on a Sunday. Grab a plate at the carving station. Watch a show. It’s a piece of Illinois history that is very much alive.
To maximize your experience, always check the official Drury Lane website for current performance schedules and seasonal menu changes at Lucille. Booking tickets directly through their box office avoids the heavy fees associated with third-party resellers. If you are attending a corporate event, arrive 20 minutes early to navigate the lobby crowds, as multiple events often run simultaneously. For the best acoustics, prioritize seating in the center sections of the theater. Enjoy the unique blend of suburban convenience and metropolitan-level production.