Charles Biggs, Publisher of the Tulsa Beacon recently attended a performance of the Hamner Barber Variety Show and had such a good time, that he wrote and published a very nice review of the popular Branson show in his publication, widely referred to as “Tulsa’s Family Newspaper.” An online version of the full review can be read here, or a copy of the print version of the article is also available for download.
In addition to his newspaper, Mr. Biggs also hosts a radio program called “Tulsa Beacon Weekend” on KCFO AM 970 that can be heard across areas of South East Kansas down through the Tulsa area into south East Oklahoma. Listen to his recent live telephone interview with Jim Barber and Dave Hamner.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW
Download MP3 File of the Full Interview
A synopsis of Mr. Bigg’s published article is reprinted below…
The Hamner Barber Variety Show is “for the birds” and is “full of dummies.” But those are good things.
Dave Hamner is an accomplished magician and his performance evokes “how did he do that” comments over and over.
A spectacular portion of his act involves the magical unveiling of a host of macaws and cockatoos – one by one – that seem to come from nowhere. And Hamner produces the birds so quickly, you have to wonder how in the world he does it so fast.
The birds don’t seem to mind. They emerge and take a short circular flight over the stunned audience.
It’s a lot of fun. - Charles Biggs, Tulsa Beacon Editor
The article goes on to describe Jim Barber’s opening portion of the show…
Jim Barber is a man of many talents. He opens with the most unique ventriloquist act I have ever seen. His head is on the body of the dummy while while a dummy’s head appears to be on top of his body. How does he do that? It is very funny and captivating. After that sequence, he comes back on stage and offers a free referral to his chiropractor.
It’s a lot of fun. - Charles Biggs, Tulsa Beacon Editor
Next, the article describes some of the physically impossible illusions and accolades that have been bestowed on both the Hamners and Jim Barber…
As with most shows in Branson, Hamner and Barber love what they do and it shows. When Barber brings a couple of unwitting volunteers on stage, it’s hard not to smile when you see how much fun all three are having.
Hamner is joined by his lovely wife, who must be as athletically gifted as Barber to handle some of the magic. The Stargate presentation was mystifying as her head seems separated from her legs by three large holes in a large frame.
It’s a lot of fun.
The Hamners have been featured on NBC’s World’s Greatest Magic. His card tricks and magic coins are amazing. The Hamners have won two Merlin Awards from the International Magicians Society and were named Entertainers of the Year.
Barber has performed on every major TV network and was a guest on Late Show With David Letterman. Barber won the International “Ventriloquist of the Year” Merlin Award – an award based on talent plus wholesomeness.
Barber does a takeoff of Mike Myers as Austin Powers that is a hoot (and surprisingly close to the original).
“It’s groovy, baby.” - Charles Biggs, Tulsa Beacon Editor
The rest of the article discusses the Hamner Barber show’s magical multimedia tribute to Veterans that he describes as “particularly meaningful,” and “accompanied by a video that will stir any patriotic heart (and a surprise ending).” Also mentioned is the “Mysteries of the Lost Ark of the Covenant” illusion which Mr. Biggs called “a spectacular and meaningful moment.” Finally the article promoted the November and December version of the show entitled The Wings of Christmas which combines the best of the regular season Hamner Barber show, and a second half featuring original music, magic and a special Christmas message.” The online version of the full review can be read here, or a copy of the print version of the article is also available for download.
About the Tulsa Beacon
The Tulsa Beacon is weekly family newspaper founded by Charles and Susan Biggs and originally published in April, 2001. The Tulsa Beacon features news from Tulsa, Oklahoma and the surrounding area. It includes local columnists, a recipe page, church news, columns by Dr. Billy Graham and Dr. James Dobson, local editorials and letters to the editor, syndicated columnists (Robert Novak, David Limbaugh, Mona Charen and Walter Williams), local sports, television listings, movie reviews, classified ads and legal notices. The newspaper is available by subscription in it’s printed form, or online at TulsaBeacon.com.
Other Branson Show News Articles:
Branson Entertainers Thankful & Ready For Visitors
Stars Of Magic dis-Appearing Next Week in Branson!
A Christmas Greeting From Hamner & Barber
Attention Minnesotans! Win A Trip To Branson!
