Reprinted from the Branson Daily Independent
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Ronnie Page – Entertainment Editor

In a town that pays tribute to veterans on a daily basis, there’s a show which does it all up in as good a fashion as this writer has ever seen. We were so impressed with the way all vets are honored by the Hamner Barber Variety Show last Friday night. That segment which closes the show is done with class and true appreciation of the sacrifices made by our service men and women around the world. A great song performed here by Jim and Dave, “Thank You Is Not Enough,” Well done, gentlemen.

I guess I’m starting at the end and working backward toward the front in this review. A little different for me I guess, but this show is different from other Branson shows. Oh, there’s music and dancing alright but there’s so much more, like the most amusing bit when Jim Barber’s head is on the ventriloquist’s character and the character’s head is on Jim’s body. How does he do that? And the almost perfect voicing of Jim’s “friends” even when they’re in a duffel bag of sorts. Barber is so good at what he does and I never realized what a nice singing voice he possesses. That was evident as he sang “Bring Him Home” from Les Miz. Oh, and a hats off to whomever is responsible for the sound in the theater, it’s very clear and audible. One can understand each word.

The Hamners, Dave and Denise, excel at what they do as well. They’re world class illusionists who, while entertaining, also manages to get across their point in living the joys of Christianity.

One of their most mystifying feats is “mysteries of the lost ark,” an illusion which encompasses the fate of the Ark of the Covenant. Dave is a minister of the gospel and pastors a congregation who meets regularly at 10 a.m. each Sunday in the theater.

Right here I have to mention the birds. The parrots and others which Dave and Denise use in their part of the show. Their birds are gorgeous and their flights over the heads of the audience always elicits a chorus of oohs and aahs from the patrons.

It was good to see A.J. Heard on stage dancing as well as she ever has. A.J. is an expert choreographer and has graced the Branson scene for some time now. She’s also the keeper for one Mr. Bucky Heard who, as we all know, needs a lot of keeping.

Linda accompanied me on this review saying she wanted to see the show that so many people have mentioned to her over at the Oak Ridge Boys Theater. She was not disappointed. Nor was I. Nor will you be.

The theater is located at 3090 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and you can call 417-334-4363 for more information.

About the author Ronnie Page:

Ronnie Page is the Entertainment Editor for the Branson Daily Independent and celebrates over 50 years in the gospel music profession having started his career in 1956 with the Oak Ridge Quartet (later the Oak Ridge Boys). Along the way he spent some 20 years with the world famous Chuck Wagon Gang. Ronnie sang with the original group during the 60’s and 70’s and he recently retired from today’s Chuck Wagon Gang.

Page hosted his own TV show in Nashville for some 18 years while still performing with some of the nation’s top gospel groups. In addition to singing with the Oak Ridge Boys and the Chuck Wagon Gang, he also sang with and managed the Swanee River Boys and the Rangers Trio.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Nashville along with the present day Oak Ridge Boys. He’s also a recipient of the coveted 2006 “Pioneer Award” presented by Nashville, Tennessee’s Music City Showcase in recognition of a half century of gospel music leadership.