Jeff Gordon’s #24 DuPont car made a surprise appearance this morning in Branson with entertainer Darren Romeo. Gordon, one of the best known NASCAR drivers and his famous #24 DuPont car will be virtually appearing and disappearing at the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson next year. A new alliance between Gordon, Darren Romeo and Welk-Sullivan Productions will introduce Branson and Siegfried & Roy present Darren Romeo, the Voice of Magic to a vast, loyal NASCAR fan base (see separate Jeff Gordon info).
The announcement made today is the first in a series of activities meant to attract significant numbers of new, first-time visitors to Branson and generate travel industry and media interest at local, regional, national and international levels. A nationwide announcement is set for the week after Thanksgiving and additional activities in January will lead up to the unveiling of the new illusion on Friday, March 10 when Romeo opens his 2006 season in Branson. The alliance will involve cross-promotion with many Jeff Gordon/Hendrick Motors sponsors including Pepsi and GMAC.
“A key element of Darren Romeo’s show to date has been his inspiring testimonial about fate, destiny and following your dreams,” said Joe Sullivan, executive producer of Welk-Sullivan Productions. “This exciting new illusion will bring together Darren Romeo and Jeff Gordon – two young men who are living their dreams. We think this will be entertaining and inspiring to the young and the young-at-heart who visit Branson and appealing to the NASCAR fans who have not yet discovered Branson.”
The announcement comes on the heels of national exposure for Darren Romeo and Branson last week on “Entertainment Tonight,” “Access Hollywood,” “EXTRA” and by The Associated Press (AP). The AP and entertainment news programs reported to their national audiences on Darren Romeo’s mentors, Siegfried & Roy, visiting Branson for the first time ever on Nov. 4 and attending Romeo’s performance at the Welk Resort Theatre on Nov. 5.
The Magicians of the Century also celebrated their protégé’s show being named “Best Show 2005” by the Branson Critic Awards. The award will be presented on Wednesday, November 23 during Romeo’s 2:00 p.m. matinee performance.
Siegfried & Roy present Darren Romeo, the Voice of Magic, also received Branson Critic Award’s “Best Show” designation in 2004. Earlier this year, Romeo was named “"Magician of the Year" at the Magic Castle Awards in Hollywood by the International Magicians Society.
Romeo’s one-of-a-kind musical, magical production features classic and contemporary music, from Andrew Lloyd Webber to Bobby Darin, Billy Joel and original compositions by Romeo. The show is punctuated by dramatic illusions, including Romeo’s original magic/music combination tribute to his namesake, Bobby Darin, and Blackstone’s famous Floating Light Bulb illusion.
Romeo’s 2005 schedule continues through December 11 at the Welk Resort Theatre. His 2006 schedule runs from March 10 through Labor Day.