| Anthony DeSantis | |
|---|---|
| Born | 5 January 1914 Gary, Indiana |
| Died | 6 June 2007 Oak Brook, Illinois |
| Occupation | Theater Producer |
| Spouse | Lucille Cuzeli DeSantis |
| Children | Diane DeSantis Van Lente and Deborah De Santis |
Anthony DeSantis, KStJ[1] (January 5, 1914 – 6 June 2007) was an American entrepreneur and theater owner in Chicago, Illinois and its suburbs. He is most well known for the foundation of the area's Drury Lane theaters. During DeSantis' lifetime, his empire included 6 separate theaters.[2]
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DeSantis was born in Gary, Indiana and began his career in show business as a trumpet player in Chicago. In 1935, he was nearly killed in an explosion at the Glidden paint factory where he was working. In 1940, he purchased a club on Michigan Avenue before moving out of Chicago to nearby Evergreen Park, where he opened the Martinique Restaurant, which was highly acclaimed.[3] He began producing plays in 1949 in a tent adjacent to the restauant to attract customers.[4] The enterprise was successful, prompting him to build his first theatre.
The DeSantis theatres were named after the historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane, built in London in the 17th century. His five suburban Chicago locations all provided affordable dinner theatre that was appropriate for families. DeSantis claimed that alcohol sales were profitable; if you broke even when operating a theatre, you were successful.[4]
Despite the occasional setback, his Drury Lane Theater empire grew steadily and DeSantis became a wealthy man. He was opposed to mafia involvement in Chicago show business and in 1958 was involved in an FBI sting against the Chicago mob. This led to a retaliatory explosion in his Martinique nightclub in 1962.[2] In reflecting on his life in 2005, DeSantis said:
"I suppose I could sit on a bench and drink martinis with a starlet on each arm. Nah. I work hard because I am just trying to keep alive."[2]
In spite of his opposition to organized crime, DeSantis was involved in at least one political scandal. In 2005, he was linked to former-Governor George Ryan, to whom he had written several large personal checks. This was brought to light at Ryan's corruption trial.[2]
In 1971, DeSantis was made an associate Officer of the Venerable Order of Saint John.[6] This was followed in 1980 by a promotion to the rank of associate knight in the same Order.[1] DeSantis was a very generous supporter of Roman Catholic charities in Chicago. Tony DeSantis died on 6 June 2007 at age 93 and his funeral mass was said at Holy Name Cathedral on 18 June 2007.[2]
As of 2007, the theatres at Oak Brook Terrace and Water Tower Place were still owned by the DeSantis family.[3] Kyle DeSantis, Tony's grandson, was executive producer of both venues in July, 2008.[7]