Feelin' Special in Tony's House!

Yes, Branson Critic - you said it! "Elvis might have passed away years ago, but he is alive and well in Branson, MO!" I, too, was at the award show November 25th in the front row! – OK, OK! I’m the sister of the crazed 63 year old – I’m the one with the hat!

As you no doubt observed, the audience comes alive when Tony steps on stage! Especially his fans! We’re always excited to be at a Tony show but it was extra, extra exciting and very, very special being present to see Tony get the recognition he so richly deserves for all of his talent and hard work! And it was just Fantastic to see the adoration he received from his FANS!! I know there were many more of his loyal fans across the country who really wanted to be in attendance but for one reason or another were unable, but they were most certainly cheering for Tony from afar! Many had written reviews or comments or at the very least voted for Tony online. Thank you Branson Critic for honoring TONY in such a special way!!

I guess I am really past presenting any first impressions of Tony after having seen him 11 times this year! As you could see, he is such a natural. I still marvel every time I see him perform at how easy it is for him to turn on the Elvis/Tony charm, do the Elvis/Tony moves, laugh at himself and along with the audience, and most importantly achieve that Elvis sound with the added Tony touch!!

And oh, that very special touch!! Tony will touch your heart with a smile or a laugh, a song or a dance, a handshake, a hug or a kiss!! Of course, “every red-blooded female” can’t help but love those kisses from such a gorgeous guy like Tony Roi!!

At picture time, Tony also will take the time to give added attention to those who are unable to come on stage to have their picture taken with him by making his way to them. And you can tell how much he loves the little kids who want their picture taken with him also – he’s almost like a kid himself!

Just like Elvis, Tony makes every person feel special in “his house.” He has the same gift that Elvis had to make you feel like he’s singing only to you! I can’t help but melt when he is singing those love ballads like “Are You Lonesome Tonight” or “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me.” This is exactly what Elvis brought to his fans everywhere and this is exactly what you feel when you are present at Tony Roi and the Elvis Experience! And yes, I confess, I’ve been known to get overly excited and let out a few screams – especially during those jamming’ songs like “Burning Love,” “Proud Mary,” and “Polk Salad Annie!”

But Tony gave us all another very special treat at the award show when he performed one of his original songs, “Back on the Road Again” from his album “Hand in Hand.” His fans have been asking him to sing some of those songs for a while now. It was the first time he had done that and everyone absolutely loved it. In the seventies, it has been reported that Elvis had a difficult time finding songs he really liked, and I like to think that Elvis would have loved to record several songs from Tony’s album but most especially “All of My Life.” Tony puts his heart and soul into that song (as he does with every song)! But this song is just very special to many of us fans and when I hear it, I can just hear and picture Elvis singing and loving it as well! I personally think every Elvis fan should and would love to have a copy of Tony’s CD in their library!

Tony Roi’s Powerhouse Band and backup singers are amazing at following his lead to complete the "Elvis Experience." Their professionalism comes shining through and it’s no wonder they were nominated as Best Band!

The entire staff at Music City Theater is very courteous and you can't help but feel good while you are at Tony's show. It’s just a great place to just sit back and forget all of your cares and woes even if it is for only a couple of hours. And yes, Richard did save the day by finding our already exposed film!

If you come to see Tony on Saturday afternoon or Monday night, you may get an added treat. A young Elvis Tribute Artist named Cody Slaughter (who is about 15 years old) performs as the very young Elvis and you won’t be disappointed with his talent either. He sings the King’s early hits like “Paralyzed,” “Baby, I Wanna Play House,” “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Treat Me Nice.” It’s amazing to see the young kids, especially these days, adore the King and want to be like him and perform his music. I believe Elvis really would be proud of them all! And if Cody follows in Tony’s footsteps, look out!! I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t have his own 2-hour show someday! School comes first though, Cody!!

Well as you can tell, Tony has had quite an impact on this big-time Elvis fan and now big-time Tony fan! And my Tony crazed sister, her 2 daughters and I will continue to see him as many times as possible in the future. We already have tickets for 3 more shows this year and for opening night next season!!! He is the BEST PERFORMER in Branson! And yes, we miss the autograph line after the show tremendously – but we understand and we want Tony and his family to stay in top health so we can continue to enjoy his powerful voice and energy on stage. I’m beginning to get a little worried though how we will make it through January and February without a Tony fix!! We love TONY ROI!!!

In closing, I want to challenge every Tony Roi fan to get on their computers NOW or at least as soon after they’ve been to see Tony’s show and send in their heartfelt reviews, comments and pictures to www.Bransoncritic.org! Show Tony how much we love him and let’s make sure he keeps that award for BEST PERFORMER in Branson in 2006!!

-Sandi McKim