500 nuns watch “The Sound of Music” at Drury Lane

Several hundred nuns converge on an Oakbrook Terrace theater.

While that may sound like a setup for a joke, the statement actually describes an event hosted by the DeSantis family at their Drury Lane Theatre to recognize nuns from the Chicago and Joliet archdioceses for their tireless service to their communities.

The annual dinner-theater outing took place Thursday at Drury Lane, which for the last few months has been filled with "The Sound of Music." Last night, that acclaimed production was preceded by the murmur of 560 nuns conversing during a preshow dinner in the spacious ballroom. It was followed by a performance of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical many of them hold close to their hearts.

"It's a classic. 'The Sound of Music' is a part of our life," said Sister Darlene of Chicago's St. Mary of Providence, whose members work with developmentally disabled people.

That the musical was inspired by real people makes it much more special, said Sister Jenny Vandenbergh, who attended the dinner with fellow nuns from Notre Dame, some of whom met Maria Van Trapp.

"What could be more perfect than a house full of nuns at a production of "Sound of Music"? exclaimed Drury Lane artistic director William Osetek, who described this particular crowd as "the warmest, most loving audience you could ever have."

Before his death in 2007, dinner-theater impresario and family patriarch Tony DeSantis hosted the annual dinner-theater event to honor Chicago area nuns for their service and devotion. Since his death, his family, including grandson and Drury Lane executive producer Kyle DeSantis have continued the tradition which began more than 50 years ago. Each year it brings together hundreds of nuns grateful to Tony DeSantis for establishing the event and his family for maintaining it.

"We really appreciate the DeSantis family. They have been very faithful and very kind in continuing the tradition," said Sister Grace Ann, of Chicago's Sisters of St. Casimir.

"Their generosity is phenomenal," echoed Sister Loretta Ciesielski.

"It's been a wonderful way to begin or end the Christmas season," said Sister Constance Kuzcwara, of Des Plaines, and Ciesielski's cousin.

Both say the annual dinner gives them the chance to reconnect with friends they don't often see.

Monsignor Kenneth Velo, a longtime DeSantis family friend, agreed, saying "it's a time for all of them to come together and see each other."

The attendees represent ministries ranging from parishes and schools to hospitals and social services, said Velo, who welcomed them to dinner saying, "all of you have left a trail of good that continues on."

This marked the first time Sister Dorota and Sister Barbara of the Missionary Sisters of Christ the King for Polonia, have attended the event.

"I'm very excited. I love the film," said Sister Barbara, whose order works with Polish immigrants.

"It's our first time, but not our last," added Sister Dorota.