The Starlite Theatre in Branson announed today that Diane Barber has been cast to portray the part of Kathleen alongside award-winning actor Muse Watson in the Tracy J Trost theatrical stage production of A Christmas Snow, November 1st – December 8th.
Friends of the Hamner Barber Theater will recognize Diane as the wife of comedian ventriloquist Jim Barber, and from her many years of performances in the Hamner Barber holiday production The Wings Of Christmas in which she is a featured vocalist along with their 11-year-old daughter, Jessica. Diane will still sing in The Wings Of Christmas during it’s final week of production in December and possibly on other select weekend dates.
“It isn’t often that you have the opportunity to perform a role that demonstrates such a spirit filled message of learning true forgiveness. Tracy Trost has taken a relatable story line and has artfully woven this path of forgiveness, based on Biblical principles.
I am honored to join this Christmas production starring Muse Watson. I know each audience member will experience the ebb and flow of emotions in this theatrical journey and leave the theater with a joyous sense of Christmas magic.” - Diane Barber
Since moving to Branson in 1999, Diane has found herself in the midst of several careers, all at the same time. Besides acting and singing, she is a professional interior decorator, music educator, Church leader, and most importantly… a mother and a wife.
Diane earned a Music Education degree from the University of Kansas, and went on to receive her Masters Degree in Dance Education from Temple University. She also studied Interior Design at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia and continues to make Branson area homes and businesses beautiful through her own thriving business, Interiors by Decorating Den.
Diane’s theatrical training was primarily in New York City, with several years of intensive study at The Lee Strasberg Theater Institute, The T. Schreiber Studio and The Actors Workshop. During this time she also trained as a vocalist with Patricia Carey, Robert Marks, and others.
Diane has a long history of leading roles in musicals and plays at theaters and playhouses around the country, as well as film, television, voice over and singing credits. Her musical theater roles include, Maria in The Sound of Music, Mabel in Pirates of Penzance and Bonnie Boylan in Annie, and she has appeared in stage productions with Richard Wright, Susan Powell and Larry Gatlin. If you look closely, you’ll also see her dancing across the screen a few times in the Grand Central Station scene in the 1991 comedy film The Fisher King, starring Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams.
Locally, Diane portrayed the title role in last year’s TLC musical production of Hello, Dolly also at the Starlite Theatre. Playing Kathleen in A Christmas Show adds even more variety to her success as an actress.
Muse Watson, the male lead in A Christmas Show, is best known for his role as Mike Franks in the long-running CBS drama, NCIS, but has worked in virtually every genre. He also appeared in the award-winning, inspirational film, A Christmas Snow, which led to this live theatrical adaptation for the Starlite Theatre stage in Branson. For more information on the film visit www.AChristmasSnow.com.
About the Starlite Theatre: The 880-seat Starlite Theatre is conveniently located on Highway 76 near the Titanic and features Branson’s only five-story glass atrium with 19,560 feet of glass. Inside, Starlite’s state-of-the-art stage is the perfect venue for some of Branson’s most popular and interactive shows. For ticket information call the Starlite Theater at 866-991-1982 or visit www.StarliteTheatre.com.
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Congratulations Diane……………… It’s always a delight to read good news. We’ll look forward to going to the show when we come to Branson. What a talented family.
Ted and Barb
Diane was awesome playing the part of Kathleen. My friend and I went to see it on Thursday. I along with my friend ended up crying at the end. It was a very heartwarming production.
Christmas Snow is a wonderful show, it’s becoming a Christmas tradition I’ve been to see it both years. Muse Watson is always great…. I especially enjoyed Diane Barber in the female lead role…. It’s a great show, be sure and see it if you can possibly can before
This is a must-see show. Brilliantly cast, expertly performed, and a meaningful, wonderful holiday experience. Don’t miss it!