You’re driving down Roosevelt Road, past the endless sprawl of shopping centers and office parks, and suddenly there it is—that massive, slightly old-school marquee. If you’ve spent any time in the western suburbs of Chicago, Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace IL 60181 is basically a landmark. It’s one of those rare places that manages to feel incredibly fancy and totally accessible at the same time. Most people think of it as just a theater, but honestly, it’s a weirdly efficient machine that handles everything from high-stakes Broadway musicals to your cousin’s wedding and a surprisingly intense Sunday brunch.
It's been around forever. Well, since 1984 in this specific location, though the "Drury Lane" name goes back much further in Chicago lore to the days of Tony DeSantis. DeSantis was a legend in the dinner theater world. He started with a small tent in the 1940s and built an empire. While his other locations eventually faded away, the Oakbrook Terrace spot didn't just survive; it thrived. It’s stayed in the family, too, which is probably why it hasn't turned into a generic corporate venue.
The Theater Experience is Actually Legit
Don't let the suburban location fool you. The productions at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace IL 60181 are high-caliber. We're talking Equity actors, many of whom commute from the city because the stage here is a big deal. The theater itself is a proscenium-style setup with about 970 seats. That sounds like a lot, but it feels surprisingly tight—in a good way. You aren't miles away from the stage.
The acoustics are sharp. I’ve sat in the back row for a production of Les Misérables and could still hear the subtle rasp in the lead’s voice. They don't just do the "safe" classics either. Sure, you'll get your Guys and Dolls or The Music Man, but they also lean into newer hits like Kinky Boots or Waitress. They know their audience. They know that people in the 60181 zip code and beyond want downtown quality without the $50 parking fee and the stress of the Loop.
One thing that’s kinda cool is the rotating stage. It’s a technical beast. Watching the crew flip a scene from a gritty street corner to a lavish ballroom in six seconds flat is half the fun. They’ve won more Joseph Jefferson Awards—Chicago’s version of the Tonys—than most people can count.
That Massive Crystal Chandelier and the Food
You can't talk about this place without mentioning the lobby. It is peak 80s-luxury-meets-modern-refinement. There are mirrors everywhere. And the chandeliers? Huge. It feels like you stepped into a movie set from 1985, but everything is polished to a high shine.
The dining situation is where things get interesting. Most people go for the dinner-and-a-show package. It’s a classic move. You eat at Lucille Restaurant, which is right there on the property. It’s named after Lucille DeSantis. The food is... surprisingly good? Usually, "theater food" is a code word for dry chicken and sad green beans. Not here. They do a solid prime rib. The sea bass is actually flaky.
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And then there's the Sunday Brunch. It’s legendary. Or maybe "notorious" is a better word because of the sheer volume of food. They have stations for everything. Omelets, carving stations, seafood, a dessert table that looks like it belongs in a Willy Wonka fever dream. People show up in their Sunday best, and by 1:00 PM, everyone is in a collective food coma. It’s a local tradition for Mother’s Day or graduations. If you haven't been, just know you need a reservation weeks in advance.
Why the 60181 Location Matters
Location is everything. Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace IL 60181 sits right near the intersection of I-88 and I-294. This is the sweet spot. You can get there from Naperville, Schaumburg, or even the city in about 30 minutes (traffic permitting, obviously).
It’s right next to Oakbrook Center, the massive outdoor mall. This creates a weirdly perfect Saturday. You shop for three hours, grab a coffee, and then head over to Drury Lane for a 3:00 PM matinee. It’s a bubble of convenience.
But it’s not just a theater. The complex also houses a huge conference center. We’re talking 50,000 square feet of ballroom space. I’ve been there for trade shows where people are selling industrial HVAC parts in one room, while a wedding with 400 people is happening in the next, and a matinee of The Sound of Music is starting down the hall. It’s a logistical miracle that these groups never really collide. The staff there are like ninjas.
The Events Side of Things
If you're planning a wedding, Drury Lane is usually on the shortlist. It’s for the couple that wants that "Grand Entrance" vibe. The marble floors and those aforementioned chandeliers make for some pretty dramatic photos.
- The Ballrooms: They can be partitioned off. You can have a small gala or a massive 1,000-person event.
- The Food: They have their own catering team. It’s consistent. You know exactly what you’re getting.
- The Vibe: It’s formal. If you want a "rustic barn" wedding, this ain't it. This is black-tie territory.
Dealing with the Crowds and Logistics
Let’s be real: parking can be a bit of a scramble during a sold-out show. They have a massive lot, and it's free, which is a blessing. But if you roll in five minutes before curtain, you’re going to be walking a fair distance. There is valet, though. Honestly, just use the valet if you're wearing heels or it’s snowing.
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Inside, the bathrooms during intermission are a gauntlet. It’s the same story at every theater in the world. Pro tip? If you’re at Lucille for dinner, use the restroom there right before you head into the auditorium. You'll thank me later.
The box office is generally helpful, but they get slammed on show days. If you’re picking up Will Call tickets, get there at least 45 minutes early. Plus, it gives you time to grab a drink at the bar. The martinis are stiff. They don't mess around.
What People Get Wrong About Drury Lane
Some people think it's just for the older crowd. "Oh, that's where my grandma goes to see musicals."
That’s a mistake.
While the matinee crowd definitely skews older, the evening shows and the specific productions they’ve been picking lately are pulling in a much younger demographic. When they ran Rock of Ages or Roald Dahl’s Matilda, the energy was completely different. They are working hard to bridge that gap.
Another misconception is that it’s overpriced. If you compare a ticket at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace IL 60181 to a touring Broadway show at the Cadillac Palace Theatre downtown, Drury Lane is a steal. You're getting the same level of talent, a better view of the stage, and you aren't paying $40 for a cocktail. It’s high-value entertainment.
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Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you're actually going to head out there, don't just wing it.
First, check the "Dining & Show" packages. It’s almost always cheaper to bundle them than to buy them separately. Even if you don't want a full three-course meal, the lounge has decent appetizers.
Second, dress up a little. You don't have to wear a tuxedo, but you'll feel out of place in a hoodie and flip-flops. Business casual is the safe bet. Most people treat it as a "night out."
Third, look at the seating chart before you buy. Because of the way the theater is banked, there really isn't a "bad" seat, but the side sections are at a slight angle. If you're a stickler for perspective, stick to the center sections, rows F through M. That's the "Golden Circle" area where the sound and sightlines are perfect.
Lastly, if you're coming for the brunch, skip breakfast. Seriously. And maybe skip dinner too. The amount of food is actually a little overwhelming.
Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace IL 60181 isn't just a building; it's a survivor of an era of entertainment that has largely disappeared. In a world of streaming and tiny screens, there's something genuinely cool about sitting in a room with a thousand other people and watching a live orchestra strike up the first few bars of a show. It’s a slice of old-school Chicago glamour tucked away in the suburbs, and it’s well worth the trip.
To get the most out of your visit, always check their official website for the current "Stagebill." They often have talk-backs with the actors after certain performances, which is a great way to see how the production actually comes together. If you're staying nearby, the Hilton Suites and the Drury Lane are practically connected, making it an easy weekend staycation without ever having to move your car. Be sure to book your theater tickets at least a month in advance for popular weekend dates, as the 60181 local crowd tends to snap up the best center-aisle seats early. Once you have your confirmation, call Lucille Restaurant separately to snag a table time that gives you at least two hours before the curtain rises—you don't want to be rushing through dessert when the chimes start ringing.