The Fan's Site
Branson, Missouri

BEST SELF-NAMED SHOW & ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR 2008

December 13, 2008

And the winner is……….Tony Roi!! 

Music City Centre was rocking on the afternoon of November 20, 2008 as Branson Critic representatives converged on the Tony Roi & the Elvis Experience Show to present awards to the only show to receive two awards in 2008 – one for Best Self-Named Show and one for the prestigious Entertainer of the Year!

Another outstanding season of being entertained “Tony style” rallied both Elvis and Tony fans to vote Tony and his fantastic cast and crew to the top of Branson Critic's 2008 Awards recipient list.

An amazing first half included both Elvis and Tony song favorites, and had the fans applauding, screaming and repeatedly standing in ovation for Tony, his lovely Angel Singers, and his TR Powerhouse Band.

As halftime neared, Tony talked a little about his career and how he came to be in Branson.  He told about his strong desire to grow as an artist which eventually led him to having his own show and putting together his “backbone” – his band – as he asked everyone to applaud his magnificent musicians and singers and thanked them for all their hard work.  Tony also thanked everyone for coming to see his shows, saying that it is the best form of advertising when the people like a show, and then tell others about it.  He said he takes the many awards he and the band have received very seriously, and regards them as a highest form of compliment for his/their work. 

At this point, Patrick Haygood surprised everyone by coming onstage and introducing Branson Critic representative, Chad Ray, to present the awards.  Chad informed the audience what Branson Critic Online Magazine is all about and then read the following comments sent in by Tony’s fans:

“A young female fan wrote:

Tony Roi, have you seen him?  If not, what are you a waiting for?  He's hot, he's talented, he's good looking - and he's waiting for you in Branson at the beautiful Music City Center!

Tony's shows are such high energy shows that they always are sure to have you sitting on the edge of your seat!  His show is the very best in Branson.  Once you go the first time he's like a Lay's potato chip.......no one can see just one show!  You will have to come back for more and more and more .... check Tony out if you haven't........he's the best in Branson.  Taylor Mitcham”

Continuing with the “food” topic, Chad included the following review:

“There are two main food groups, fried and chocolate.  My over indulgence of my favorite food groups is avidly attested to by the past ponderous protuberance over my belt.  But I’ve discovered that there is something I’d rather do than sit down to a plate of fried anything or chocolate anything, and it doesn’t have fat, sugar, carbs, or calories, or cholesterol….that’s to have a heaping helping of Tony Roi doing “The Elvis Experience.”

Tony is a gourmet meal at a restaurant I can’t afford - with a bottle of Napoleon Brandy to top things off!  I can’t afford the meal, but I can afford Tony and it’s the best buy for my money I can find anywhere!

And those side dishes like the Angel Singers (and I do mean dishes), the Powerhouse Band (Dino ain’t no dish, but he can play those drums) really make for pleasure that’s a lot better than anything fried or chocolate!  Tony Roi is a diet I can stick with!  John Dirks”

Everyone seemed to enjoy the creativeness in these two reviews, including Tony, who earlier made reference to the many buffets in Branson, and had joked about letting the show out in time for those who wanted to get in line before the food got cold!

Check out
Tony Roi's Photo Page

Want more information about
Tony Roi's Elvis Experience

Ready to book your tickets

Return to
Sandi McKim, Editor

Then on a more serious note, Chad read:

“Tony Roi gives his all.  He brings The Elvis Experience to anyone who is curious to see the show for the first time - or for fans who have seen the show many times before.  Whatever the reason for being there, the mystery is the same for everyone.  His performances are intriguing - a combination of sounds of music and/or expressions of passion that come from his heart and soul.  His performances touch my soul and to hear Tony sing is truly an experience.    Arlene (from Wisconsin)”

“The first time I laid eyes on Tony Roi was nearly 4 years ago – I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me – then I thought my ears were playing tricks on me.  I soon learned that there were no tricks involved, only God-given talent to be seen and heard through an amazing tribute artist named Tony Roi.

The TR Powerhouse Band is unbeatable – you will see that each of them is phenomenally talented.  And the beautiful Angel Singers are absolutely outstanding singing backup for Tony. 

Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience lives up to its name – it is a tribute to Elvis Presley, yes, but Tony Roi has made this show his own. 

Tony’s loyal fans all agree that when you first go to see his show, you GO because of Elvis, but you GO BACK because of Tony!  Shirley Hendricks”

Chad then presented the first award for Best Self-Named Show 2008 to Tony Roi & the Elvis Experience Show!

Tony accepted the award as the audience clapped and cheered.  Subsequently, Chad told everyone, “but wait, there’s more!” as he continued with the second presentation by reading the following quotes:

“At the turn of the new millennium, TV Guide named Elvis Presley as the Entertainer of the Century.  Tony is the best, he is backed by the best, and just as Elvis deserved to be honored as the Entertainer of the Century, Tony Roi, with his outstanding, unforgettable tribute to the King, deserves the award for Entertainer of the Year in Branson.  Shirley Hendricks”

“When it comes to Entertainer of the Year, I can only vote for one, and that's Tony Roi.  Tony has a very special gift, and an amazing talent.  Each show is just as remarkable and sensational as the ones before.  In fact, they just keep getting better. 

"The Elvis Experience" is not just another Elvis impersonator; it's the most magical two hours………magic that touches the heart and soul.  Magic that fills the theater, even before Tony steps onto the stage.  There are always fans that line the first few rows with the excitement of little kids, waiting for Christmas morning.  From the moment Tony appears, the excitement and screams can be heard and felt by everyone.

There is a special unique connection that Tony creates with his audience…..there’s an overwhelming feeling of love that comes from the stage.  It is so easy to see that Tony really loves what he does and loves sharing it with others.  His joy is to see joy in those he performs for…..and he makes everyone feel special.  Linda, Ut”

Without further adieu, the award for “Entertainer of the Year 2008” was presented to Tony as everyone in the theater stood in approval.  Tony's lovely wife, Melanie, joined him onstage and after much applause, Tony said the following: “On behalf of my band, family, and management, thank you all!  I really do appreciate everything that I’ve been blessed with and I thank our Lord Jesus for that, and I thank everyone for their love and support.  We’re very much looking forward to next year in our new theater with the Haygoods, Red, Hot, and Blue, and Cassandre, and we hope to see everyone there – it’s going to be spectacular!”

After picture taking time, the stage was lit with beautiful Christmas lights as Tony and the band treated everyone to a very special second half filled with wonderful Christmas music.  Angel Singer, Stephanie McKinney, also graced the stage performing several classic Christmas solos.

It seemed the two hours flew by in only an instant as the music of Elvis Presley and that of Tony Roi brought smiles to everyone’s faces and joy to everyone’s hearts.  As usual, many comments were heard as we were leaving the show...“That was reeaally good!” or, “Wow, he was great – what a performer!”  One newcomer to the show from Colorado commented how glad he was to have chosen the show before returning home, too.  And yet another young fan was heard asking, “When can we come again, Mom?” 

On behalf of everyone at Branson Critic Online Magazine, congratulations to everyone at the Tony Roi & the Elvis Experience Show and to Branson Critic’s ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR 2008 – TONY ROI!   

I know everyone will be waiting anxiously for the start of the 2009 season, and we wish the entire lineup of shows continued success in their new location!

Sandi McKim, Editor