Denise Hamner is a real “cut-up” when it comes to performing onstage. In fact, the magical wife of illusionist Dave Hamner is a “glorified stunt-woman” according to her husband of 22 years.
Not only does Denise “lose her head” and find herself divided into 12 parts as part of their amazing “Stargate” illusion (pictured below), she also demonstrates the fearless ability to be suspended 15 feet above a table of deadly steel spikes, transform from a tropical parrot into herself, be impaled with a dozen light sabers and three metal tubes, and if that weren’t enough, to float effortlessly in mid-air with no strings attached!
How can this be possible? Is it real? Is it an illusion? You’ve got to see it to believe it!
Denise Hamner is Divided into 12 parts during the Stargate Illusion in the Hamner Barber Variety Show
A Magical Life As A Professional “Box Jumper”
Before they were married, Denise was active in many athletic sports activities such as soccer and baseball. Her background and training in sports has served her well. Little did she know that after teaming up with her illusionist husband, she would be involved in some of the most physically demanding activities of her entire life.
One of Dave’s nicknames for Denise is his “little box jumper,” which is an industry term for a magic assistant who is able to perform a variety of difficult physical moves in order to create the effect for the audience.
During every performance of the Hamner Barber Variety Show, Denise goes through an exhausting array of magical stunts, dangerous falls and technical maneuvers to make the seemingly impossible… possible.
Although Denise provides the bulk of the stunts in the show, Dave also performs several physically demanding feats that allow him to vanish from one area of the stage and instantly appear far away in another.
It’s unbelievable to experience this magical team effort that developed over many years to perfect.
In one of their most spectacular effects called “Vertigo”, Dave hypnotizes Denise who is then placed on top of a Plexiglas trap door and raised fifteen feet above a bed of solid steel spikes.
There is genuine physical danger involved in this performance, and the surprise ending will take your breath away leaving you wondering how it was possible for the magical husband and wife team to pull off such a stunt. No wonder their comedy partner Jim Barber calls Vertigo, their “most dangerous illusion”.
It’s important to also give credit to the Hamner Barber dance troupe, stage assistants, stage manager, and lighting and technical crew who also help create the magical effects performed nightly at the Hamner Barber Theater in Branson, Missouri. It’s truly a team effort to create something that appears effortless!
See It For Yourself!
Come experience the amazing magical stunts of The Hamners and the creative comedy of ventriloquist Jim Barber at the Hamner Barber Variety Show. It’s Branson’s most popular magic and comedy show, and has something that appeals to every member of the family.
Click here for tickets or more information on the Hamner Barber Variety Show.
Other Branson Show News Articles:
Joplin Benefit Concert & Telethon This Sunday
Hamner Barber News Available For Mobile Devices
Spring Break In Branson Equals Great Family Fun!
Hot Winter Fun Warms Up Branson Show Audiences
wished i could see uou all again and your show too.judy chandler.. i am living in santee , ca. close to robert