Darren Romeo is known for his combination of live singing with the art of magic and illusion for a one-of-a-kind magical performance. He previously performed in his own show as “Siegfried & Roy present, Darren Romeo” at the Mirage Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and all over the world.  He has also performed at Caesar’s Palace and the Flamingo Hilton in Las Vegas; at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, Calif.; and other venues such as the Eldorado Resort Casino in Reno, Nev.; Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Miss.; and Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino, (N.J.).

One of the most awarded magicians in the history of magic, Romeo has garnered an extensive list of accolades including:  “Magician of the Year” from the Magic Castle, The Academy of Magical Arts, Inc., “Show of the Year” (two years in a row) from the Branson Critic Association and the Milbourne Christopher Award for Notable Contributions to the “Art of Magic” from The Society of American Magicians (SAM). Romeo performs close-up magic and sleight of hand tricks in the show as well.  Two large video screens complement the show as well as music, dancers, elaborate sets, magnificent costumes and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. We were lucky enough to interview this amazing artist.

(Bionic Buzz) Darren Romeo, here at Bionic Buzz we are all about people’s passions. Tell us where your passion for magic & singing came from? Was it a certain artist or performance that inspire it? Or was it something that was natural for you as a kid?

(Darren Romeo) As far as magic goes, I’ve loved it since almost infancy. A turning point was when my Uncle came by my childhood home and in the doorway, before he said hello, held a hanky…sneezed…and it vanished instantly. LOL.  True story.  But, after I got serious with my love for magic, a unique magic camp for kids changed my life.  (Magic Camp Documentary on Amazon).

Now, music was different.  I grew up in a house of playing music all the time.  I was a magician first, but in high school, my drama teacher urged me to do a musical.  I was terrified but once again, it changed my life. That experience taught me that magic was ONLY one aspect.  I learned that entertaining was all encompassing- I wanted to be an entertainer!  Magic and Music felt right!  Music and emotion made the magic more emotional and I think effective.  Then in my teen years, because of that magic camp, I performed my first singing/magic routing– it was then the camp director (to this day one of my closest friends) said:  “you are THE VOICE OF MAGIC”.  That told me the path to take…

Tell us your journey after you found your passion for performing that lead to your career today. 

I believe in fate and destiny.  Also, hard work and persistence MEETS fate and destiny.  Staying the course with magic and music and careful choices, one “gig” led to another.  So long story short,  my Broadway experience led me to a Vegas opportunity.  That Vegas “gig” led me to the World famous magic castle in Hollywood.  The Magic Castle led me to Siegfried & Roy and back to Vegas for my first one man show.  And then “Siegfried & Roy present s Darren Romeo” for many years.  That chapter opened the doors to many many wonderful opportunities.  My years with Siegfried and Roy were unbelievable.  They are still family to me to this day.

You just wrapped your latest production in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The local Commissioner Warren Hurst, went on a homophobic rant during a meeting held in Tennessee.Very sad in 2019 that some people still think that way. His rant inspired you to come out as a proud gay man. Walk us through your emotion when you found out about the rant and the decision to come out? 

Well, first of all, for the better part of the last decade, I never really viewed myself as “in the closet” or “out of the closet”.  I was just private about my personal life to close friends and family.  When the show closed, I had an epiphany.  I was very angry about the commissioner’s comments when it happened but was conflicted to speak because  I always thought with respect to my producing partners and keeping my mouth shut.  When the show was over in the land Dolly Parton, who promotes love and equality, I said to myself “no more being quiet!” Your question is the reason for the easy decision; it is 2019 and this behavior for someone in office (or anyone) is disgusting and should not be tolerated.  I worked in a great town for 5 years which showed me a lot of love.  So…simply put…hypocrisy doesn’t work for me.  So this time around my emotion was more about the show closing.  As far as Commissioner’s thought process (or anyone who shares it) they can “go with god…BUT GO”.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, music or shows that are you allowed to talk about?

Thanks for asking that.  After 1200 shows, a brief retreat is welcomed.  But I’m most alive onstage and considering many things.  My show changes based on location.  These past 5 years, the show (Bway style) was 2 1/2 hours.  After prepping before and autographs after, there is not much time OR ENERGY for much else.  I wrote a musical called DREAMSCAPE many years ago and it’s very special to me- musically, magically and emotionally.  So:  #callingallinvestors  LOL

Where can we follow your journey going forward on social media?

I’m trying to get better at social media for sure. I’m catching up on everything else.  LMAO.

Official website: https://www.darrenromeo.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarrenRomeo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrenromeo/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/darrenromeo