Branson's Brightest, Magical, Musical Star
 

3-04-06 In my opinion, Darren Romeo should receive the awards for “Best Performer” and “Best Show.” Darren is a complete package so it is difficult to choose just one reason why he deserves these awards, so I will give you many reasons why he would be the perfect choice.

Darren puts on an outstanding, high-quality show that is always a crowd pleaser. It has it all: comedy, music, magic, and everything in between.

Theater fans will love the music in the show as it is almost all Broadway tunes, and Darren’s strong, rich voice delivers them beautifully. Those who prefer magic will also enjoy the show because the illusions are incredible and are guaranteed to leave audiences scratching their heads in wonder.

Showgoers will immediately and unquestionably be aware of why Siegfried and Roy chose Darren as their protégé.

This well-rounded performer not only entertains with magic and music, but his ability to portray the character of each song he performs speaks highly of his dramatic finesse. When Darren is onstage, there is never a dull moment. He is always busy doing something, whether he is singing, performing magic (usually doing both at once), or simply having a conversation with the audience.

What makes Darren Romeo extraordinary is that he is able to make a personal connection with his audience. He is captivating, entrancing, and charming. His warmth and sincerity shine through providing a most enjoyable show for everyone. Darren’s outstanding showmanship and charisma keep audiences on their toes for the entire two hours.

Besides the entertainment value, those who attend Darren’s show can take away many positive influences. Children who visit the show often leave saying that they want to become a magician someday because Darren inspired them. This is just one example of the positive impact Darren’s performance has on showgoers’ lives.

People travel not only from different parts of our country, but from Germany, Canada, and Switzerland as well. They come to see his show not only for the outstanding quality of it, but for the impact he has had on their lives.

Unlike most entertainers, Darren keeps his fans close. He is kind, generous, warm, down to earth and so open and giving to his fans. Darren takes time after his show to talk with his audience members and sign autographs, even though he is exhausted from the show.

He always takes as much time with each person as is necessary, and he never turns anyone away. He cares about them and they truly have a very special meaning to him. He seems to hold them in a special place in his heart. His unselfish attitude in giving his time to his fan base is exemplary.

When I attended Darren’s show at Hofstra University, I had brought Darren’s response to a letter I had sent him in Branson to show him. Darren saw it in the audience and remembered immediately. This is a true example of how much his fans mean to him. Darren regularly posts personal messages for his fans on the fan club site as well.

Not only is Darren a wonderful entertainer, but he is also a great humanitarian. Darren donated all the proceeds from one of his performances after Hurricane Katrina and the Tsunami to relief efforts instead of keeping it for himself. This was a very selfless act that showed great kindness and extraordinary generosity.

In today’s world, it is very difficult to find good, wholesome role models for young people, especially in the entertainment field, which is often filled with inappropriate things nowadays. Darren is one of the few entertainers out there who possesses this quality.

Instead of bragging about himself and his success, he reaches out to others and encourages them to achieve their dreams. He is genuinely thankful for all he has achieved, and he doesn’t think that the world owes him something, but rather that he owes something to the world: spreading his talent and gifts.

Darren did not achieve success through a star-making reality show, by using a family members’ fame, or by being an opportunist. Instead, he used hard work, dedication, and commitment to achieve his dreams. Success stories like his are very rare.

Despite his incredible success and achievements, Darren has remained very genuine and has kept his family close at hand. He has not forgotten where he came from. When Darren played at Hofstra (his alma mater) many family and friends were in the audience. He treated them all like he normally would, not like he was famous, but like an everyday guy. He didn’t brush them off or act like they should treat him any differently. This behavior really impressed me and was very refreshing to observe.

I strongly believe that for 2006 Darren should win “Best Show and “Best Performer.” In my eyes, no other performer is as deserving of these awards as he. I am very proud and honored to know him, and I send him my best wishes for this competition.

-Julia T. Baltimore, MD