Darren Romeo returned to Branson’s Welk Resort Theatre after visiting the set of the much-anticipated Disney Channel movie, “High School Musical 2: Sing It All or Nothing!” Romeo was invited to do a cameo in the movie during his April 8-15 weeklong hiatus from Branson. In the movie he plays a parody of himself, “The Great Roman Dario,” whose magic gets out of control.

“High School Musical 2” is scheduled for broadcast on August 17, 2007 as part of Disney’s So Hot Summer. It is the sequel to “High School Musical,” which broke more records than any other movie in 2006 and was seen by more the 100 million people. The movie has won numerous awards including Emmy awards for Outstanding Children’s Program and Outstanding Choreography.

“It was so great to be a part of this iconic Disney movie. I was supposed to observe rather than be a part of it,” said Romeo. Kenny Ortega, Romeo’s long-time friend, directed both High School Musical 1 and 2 and invited Romeo to appear in HSM2. “I watched the screening of the first movie with Kenny, Siegfried and the stars of the movie…before they were stars! Now, these talented kids are superstars. They work hard and they deserve it,” said Romeo.

On the set, Darren would often gather the cast and perform his own mind-blowing close-up magic just for fun when the cameras weren’t rolling.

“It was an honor to have Siegfried & Roy’s protégé’ do a cameo in my movie,” said Ortega. “Darren Romeo is one of the most talented men in show business. We had great fun!” Mr. Ortega was originally brought in to consult and direct Darren at the Mirage in Las Vegas and also came to Branson to launch the show.

Darren is donating his salary to the local chapter of the Make A Wish Foundation.

“Siegfried & Roy present, Darren Romeo” performs nightly at the Welk Resort in Branson, MO at 8 p.m. through September 3.

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Legendary magician David Copperfield paid a surprise visit to Branson, MO last Friday, May 12, 2006, and attended the hit show, Siegfried & Roy present Darren Romeo, the Voice of Magic. Copperfield, a friend and colleague of Darren Romeo (better known to his fans as simply “Romeo”) enthusiastically offered a standing ovation. Copperfield was in Springfield, MO this weekend for the performance of his live show, David Copperfield’s An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion, to a sold-out theater.

Romeo, sole protégé of another set of legendary illusionists, Siegfried & Roy, was thrilled to have such an esteemed guest among his audience. This is Copperfield’s second viewing of Romeo’s show and was ever more supportive of the work that Romeo is producing in the world of magic.

“I was truly honored to have Mr. David Copperfield in the audience today,” said Romeo after the show. “It is not often that one gets such a pat on the back from someone who has changed the face of magic during our lifetime. In my life, David Copperfield and Siegfried & Roy are the biggest names in magic and to have their support is unbelievable.”

Romeo is no stranger to endorsements from celebrated individuals. In February of 2006, Romeo, being a big fan of cars and racing, entered into a partnership with NASCAR and Jeff Gordon whereby the famous #24 car appears nightly in front of a live audience on Siegfried & Roy Present Darren Romeo, the Voice of Magic at the Welk Resort Theater. This partnership is a first between NASCAR and an illusionist of any sort on a nightly live show.

Romeo will also be appearing in “Branson Landing” on June 16, 2006, where he will be the official spokesperson for the launch of this $450 million mega-complex complete with residences, retail shops, dining, recreation, entertainment and relaxation that come together by the waterside.

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Beginning March 10, Jeff Gordon’s familiar “fire and flames” No.24 DuPont Chevrolet will vanish. Darren Romeo, a master illusionist, will incorporate Gordon’s car into each of his 2006 performances at the Welk Resort Theatre located in Branson, MO. The talented magician will make the car disappear during his shows held at the theater beginning in March in an illusion titled “Two Men Living Their Dream.”

“I admire Jeff mostly because he is a man who always believed that nothing is impossible, and that is how I have lived my life, ” said Romeo, Siegfried and Roy’s only protégée. “Jeff always wanted to be a race car driver, and I always wanted to be a magician. My parents made huge sacrifices for me to live out my dream, just as Jeff’s parents did for him.

“And now, every audience that sees my show will experience a great impossibility and a wonderful life lesson, too.”

Gordon, who began racing quarter-midgets at the age of five and is now a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, believes the audience will experience a journey during each show.

“Magicians and illusionists have always amazed me, and Darren is no exception,” said Gordon. “I’m not surprised that NASCAR’s popularity has led to this opportunity. “The audience should expect a wild ride during Darren’s performances this year.” Adding a NASCAR element to each show seemed to be the next logical step “We have realized for a long time that a large percentage of Branson visitors are NASCAR fans,” said Joe Sullivan, executive producer of Welk-Sullivan Productions. “We are delighted to have an opportunity to include an element in The Darren Romeo Show that will be fun and exciting for people who enjoy NASCAR and particularly Jeff Gordon and his No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet.

“We are looking forward to working with DuPont, Pepsi-Cola and the other sponsors to maximize their exposure in the Branson market and to create an entertaining experience for NASCAR fans at the Welk Resort Theatre.”

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