Who is Tony the Light Guy?

Tony Thompson has been involved with lighting and stage production for nearly twenty years. At an early age Tony took an interest in holiday decorations and carnival/festival lighting. Things really took off in high school when he was asked to help with stage production. He was hooked! Starting as a hand grip, Tony eventually found himself in charge of lighting design. He went on to Elgin Community College and Northern Illinois University where he became key grip. It was here that Tony really learned about the brains and arteries of stage production and how effects bring out the dramatic emotions of the show.

Tony's professional career started with lighting design work for Crystal Arena and a position as Head Lighting Designer for Shady Lane Theater. He traveled with Bloomsness Allstar Amusement Company for two years.

Tony's history with rock music is long and impressive. He has toured with such bands as The Buckinghams, Ides Of March and Enuff 'Z Nuff. In 1993 Tony began to build his own light show. In 1995 he was approached by Buddy Wiegelmann (Dr. Woods) to do the lighting for the Poppin Mollies, the forerunner of Alex & The Allstars. Today, Tony is the lighting designer for Alex & The Allstars, Goin South and Hans & The Hormones. Tony is also the head Lighting Designer Consultant at Donnley's Wild West Town. The communities of Crystal Lake, Huntley and West Dundee also retain Tony as their lighting designer.