It’s in the lighting

If you go to a lot of plays, you’ve probably seen Ron Dumonchelle’s lighting designs, and possibly one of his sets, as well. Through his company Monkey Glue Theatrical Lighting (which he started seven years ago in his garage), Dumonchelle has designed nine shows for the B Street Theatre; Raisin for California Musical Theatre; several shows for Celebration Arts; and work for the Delta King Theatre, California State University, Sacramento (Dumonchelle’s alma mater), and others.

But theater is only part of the business. “Monkey Glue is growing, dude!” he proclaimed with enthusiasm. “This recall is the best thing that’s happened for business. I’m with Arnold this week.”

Other political jobs include lighting an invitation-only event featuring Al Gore. “That was last year, in October. I learned something new about the man: He’s funny! If he’d spoken [as a candidate] the way he spoke that day, he’d be president right now.”

That appreciation of humor figures in Dumonchelle’s new venture. Together with Brian Crall, he’s organizing a comedy club. “It will be called The Sacramento Comedy Spot, it will be at 1901 Del Paso Boulevard, and it will open at the end of October. We’re about three months behind because of all the permits. That and money.

“I have an interest in comedy,” Dumonchelle added. “I’m retarded. I’ve always played the clown.”

“The club will be like going to a circus or rock concert or a combination of both,” Crall said. Dumonchelle has done design work for carnival events at the California State Fair and for concert appearances by such bands as Dokken and Tony! Toni! Toné!

With the opening of the club and an increasing number of concert clients, Dumonchelle said he’d probably do fewer lighting jobs for local theaters. But you’ll still see his work at the B Street Theatre and on a few other stages around town.