Vernon Hills Zanies closing

Audience members attending Zanies special $1 show Saturday night in Vernon Hills got something beyond a bargain: a farewell performance.

House emcee Mike Preston announced at the start of the evening that Saturday’s show would be the last at the Vernon Hills location.

“After 20 years, Zanies in Vernon Hills is closing,” publicist Rick Gieser said. “We’ve enjoyed the relationship with the audience and encourage people to visit the clubs in St. Charles and Chicago.”

Gieser said the club had lost its lease and owners had hoped to avoid closing.

Dobie Maxwell, the first comedian to perform at the Vernon Hills club, Saturday became the last. He spoke about Zanies as a family and recalled their generosity when he was in a car accident years earlier.

Also on the bill Saturday was Sally Edwards, who was the second comedian on opening night 20 years earlier.

Preston said Zanies plans to open two other clubs in the next year — one in Rosemont and another in Evanston.