Master of Illusion Darren Romeo
February 7, 2012
Master of Illusion Darren Romeo
by Alysia Stern
Darren Romeo is a multi talented, magical man with a sanguine outlook on life. He is a professional musician, an off-Broadway actor, a mystical magician/illusionist as well as the protégé of Siegfried and Roy. He is known as “The Voice of Magic” because he intertwines the captivating art of illusion with his lyrical performances to create a formal exhibition like none other. Darren lives a Bi- Coastal life betweenLos Angeles and New York City and between Branson, Missouri and Las Vegas. Traveling all over the country, reenacting his live performance, is what brings Darren just as much happiness as the show has brought exhilaration to thousands of families.
In spite of the fact that his parents had no idea how productively versatile and musically talented their son would become, Darren Robert Romeo was named after the great musical legend Bobby Darin. By the time Darren turned the ripe age of nine, he was practicing magic and entertaining his family and friends. He idolized the late Harry Blackstone Jr. and when Darren was eleven years old he had the honor of meeting Mr. Blackstone at Westbury Music Fair. Darren was invited to go backstage for an autograph and while “shaking in his boots” he handed Mr. Blackstone a business card. The next evening, while Darren was having a sleep over with his friend, Mrs. Blackstone called to say that Mr. Blackstone had a trained dove he wanted Darren to have for future magic acts. This was a turning point in Darren’s life. Although only eleven years old, he was now inspired to reach for the stars. He brought his act from birthday party magic to a more mature cabaret style performance. From that moment on, Mr. Blackstone always remembered Darren but was never able to see him perform.
Music has always moved and inspired Darren. The East Meadow High School director Jay “Hersh” Hershkowitz relished in Darren’s talent and asked him to join the school’s theatrical program. Darren performed in many musicals including Bye Bye Birdie, Grease and Pippin. Having two passions and two ambitions, Darren decided to combine two creative art forms together and entertain audiences using his mystical illusions and his superior voice. This is how he became known as “The Voice of Magic”. Darren briefly went to Hofstra University, but left to perform in the Off Broadway musical “The Fantasticks” which is considered the longest running musical in the world. This was the one and only time that he can say that he “left magic” because he did not use illusion to perform in this production. http://www.thefantasticks.com/
Soon after his role as “The Boy” in The Fantasticks , Darren was presented with an opportunity and ventured off to Las Vegas to bring his multi talented act alive again. He has always had one assistant by his side to aid in his shows. Darren has not forgotten about chivalry, he refers to Kristy Michelsen as his “Leading Lady” not his assistant. He has too much respect for her. “She is far more important than an assistant.” Kristy and Darren have been performing together since back yard parties in East Meadow and she still travels the world by his side. Darren has directed his own acts and has had a combination of favorable circumstances to perform at numerous venues including Caesars, The Magic Castle in Hollywood and he has even had a one man act at the Flamingo.
In 1999 He was noticed by Siegfried and Roy. His hard work and astonishing talent earned him his own nightly show at The Mirage. On opening night, Mrs. Blackstone came to see him perform and gave them a gift while on stage. “The present was the business card I gave him (Mr. Blackstone) when I was eleven. This is the essence of who I am and who I try to be. You can’t explain it any other way but as fate.”
Darren has a pleasingly positive and marvelous outlook on life. He believes in fate and destiny. He is moved by music as much as he loves magic. He explained that “music is a universal language, as is magic. Magic can transcend culture and language barriers, but music gives us the opportunity to really connect with words. We can all relate to falling on love, or getting our hearts broken or just being sad or happy…it is a gateway to emotion.” Darren is inspired by a multitude of things. He said “there is always change going on in life, no matter where you are in life. Sometimes friends, hardships or heartbreaks can inspire us… it’s a matter of whatever you are going through. But inspiration is about channeling the energy and the essence of it and attempting to turn that into art.”
Since Darren enhanced his magical talents and fulfilled his dreams at such a young age, he had a message for the young people of today. “Life can be scary and can involve taking risks. But you only live once and you only have one shot to do what’s in your heart and soul. Sometimes that can be against all odds or sometimes when the wind is at your back supporting you. Never give up. Follow your heart. Find something that you love and make it happen.”
Today, Darren is touring with the Masters of Illusion Show through out the country. He is meeting and working with several talented people and is enjoying this once in a lifetime experience. He has been honored to work with Kenny Ortega, the same director from High School Musical, who has shown Darren a few new tricks of the trade. The show will be at NYCB Theatre at Westbury February 12, 2012. http://www.mastersofillusionlive.com/ His musical CD can be bought at ITunes.
As Darren is cultivating his own interests in other areas of art, he will soon be unveiling an artist named Alan St. George. You can follow this exciting news on his website. Later this year; Darren is hoping to bring his sole act back to New York, even if only for a short run. But the future dreams for Darren will one day be seen in producing a mega – magical musical entitled Dreamscape. After hearing Darren’s optimistic outlook on life, and how dreams can come true, I am positive that this will one day happen. http://www.darrenromeo.com/voice/index.htm
Hopefully Darren Romeo will be back in the NY area later in 2012. I know I will be buying my ticket!
http://www.darrenromeofanclub.com/Kristy.html
