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.

Showtimes: 8:00pm – Tuesday through Saturday | 3:00pm – Sunday

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The Hamner Barber Variety Show is the best Branson show to choose if you are looking for one show that will appeal to all ages. This high energy magic show features the award winning illusions of The Hamners as well as the hilarious vocal comedy of  ventriloquist Jim Barber and a talented troupe of dancers. It’s an unforgettable two-hours of magical fun that audiences from across the country are raving about! The show’s magical finale is considered by many to be the best Veteran’s tribute in Branson.

As seen on NBC’s “World’s Greatest Magic,” The Hamners produce several beautiful exotic birds. Their majestic Macaws and Cockatoos appear amid flying cards, flaming swords, falling coins and dazzling jewels to finally perform an amazing flight over and around the audience before gracefully returning to the stage. The Hamners have twice received the prestigious Merlin Award from the “International Magicians Society” as International “Entertainers of the Year.”

Jim Barber has been featured on every major television network, including CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman. His incredible vocal abilities as a ventriloquist and singer leave everyone talking. Jim was awarded the International “Ventriloquist of the Year” Merlin Award for his unique combination of magic techniques and ventriloquism. His one-of-a-kind characters and original, wholesome comedy have made him an audience favorite.

Special thanks to Bucky Heard for producing and singing vocals on “Let Me Entertain You.”

Watch More Hamner Barber Videos By Clicking Here!

Branson, Missouri is without a doubt the most family friendly travel destination in the entire country, and for good reason.  The live entertainment and production shows, theme parks, water attractions, go-carts, miniature golf, regulation golf, boating, fishing and lots of unique museums all add up to a great family vacation experience.  It’s no wonder that Branson has become one of the hottest spots in the nation for family reunions and vacations. Where else can a small or large family gathering all participate in a shared experience that each and every member of the group will enjoy and remember for years to come?  Kids, teens, parents and grandparents alike will all have the opportunity to play together in the Live Music Show Capital of the World. Many Branson shows such as the Hamner Barber Variety Show pay extra special attention to family reunion groups and give them a big shout out greeting during the performance welcoming them to the show.  It’s not uncommon for some of the family members to even be included in one of the show’s fun audience participation segments creating yet another memorable experience for the family to enjoy.  After the show, the stars of the show will even take pictures with your family and spend time chatting and signing autographs.

Branson is Affordable Family Fun!

Branson is a great destination choice for families looking to maximize their fun while saving money at the same time.  Hotel, attraction and show prices in Branson are generally much lower than other major tourist destinations and family reunion groups especially can save because they qualify for low group rates for nearly all of the services Branson has to offer. For more information on money saving ticket purchase opportunities at the Hamner Barber Theater for your family or reunion group, please call our Group Sales Department toll-free at 1-888-335-2080.

Before the screaming jet engines and the plumes of dense smoke, there was a modestly quaint and colorful performance happening nightly over the heads of astonished Branson theater goers.  The act was called the “Pirate Parrot Act” and was developed over many years of intense training, love and dedication by professional illusionists Dave and Denise Hamner who came to the Ozarks from their ranch home in Southern California where they raised their birds by hand and tended to them kindly as if they were their own children.    In their one-of-a-kind act, a beautiful bevy of exotic, tropical parrots appear from nowhere, flying low enough over the audience as to rustle the hair of anyone in their path.  There are macaws, cockatoos and even white doves creating a seemingly endless array of feathered fun to the delight of those looking up from below.  The giddy laughs of amazement and vocal cheers from the crowd is testament to the sheer magnificence of their original routine.  Branson audiences had never seen anything like this before.

The Hamners were receiving high recognition for their magical effects, long before bringing them to Branson.  In addition to appearances across the country, they’ve performed at major attractions such as Disneyland and Hollywood’s Magic Castle.  After a performance in Las Vegas, entertainment Superstars Siegfried and Roy presented the Hamners with their prestigious Bronze Lion Award for excellence and shortly thereafter, they were asked to perform with their beautiful birds on NBC’s “World’s Greatest Magic” TV special which has been aired around the world numerous times.  Host John Ritter introduced the Hamners as “the most amazing bird act in all of magic.”

When the Hamners were hired to perform at a theater in the Mutton Hollow Theme Park in Branson, Missouri (most recently known as Celebration City), they were so taken by the beauty of the Ozarks, that  they sought out other opportunities to stay in the area.  After an invitation from Jimmy Osmond to join him and his talented brothers at the Osmond Family Theater, The Hamners began to earn a reputation around Branson as one of the most amazing support acts in town.  When their contract at the Osmond Theater expired, Dave and Denise were offered a featured role in a new production show called “Branson City Lights” which then led to an opportunity to finally headline their own “Magic of the Night” spectacular at the Remington Theatre.  A couple years later, they once again teamed up with Jimmy Osmond to perform in the “American Jukebox Show” where they shared a dressing room with comedian, ventriloquist Jim Barber who had also been cast in the new show.  Although the Hamners and Jim Barber had been friends for many years prior, this opportunity to appear in the same show brought them much closer together.

After a successful two-season run, the plug was pulled on the American Jukebox Show creating an opportunity for the performers to move on to new ventures.  Jimmy Osmond traveled to England to produce and star in various projects, and in the Spring  of 2004, Jim Barber and The Hamners were offered an opportunity to co-star in their very own “Hamner Barber Variety Show” at another venue that they now own together, the Hamner Barber Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.  In 2010, the award-winning variety show will celebrate it’s seventh-season as Branson’s most unique family show featuring magic, comedy, music and dance.

In addition to their magical feathered friends, the Hamners have also invented and developed many never-before-seen stage illusions that can only be experienced at their Branson show.  In the world of illusion, The Hamners are true originals in every sense of the word.  As long as they continue to step out onto the stage of the Hamner Barber Theater, there will be magic in the air above Branson!

The 9.5 minute tribute is the finale to the Hamner Barber Variety Show and features an original song, orchestrated by music writer and composer Bobby Hamilton especially for this production. Sung by Dave Hamner and Jim Barber with vocal backups from the show cast, the song becomes the background to a multimedia history lesson presented on three screens across the front of the stage area. Featured on the video are three surviving heroes of the World War II Battle for Iwo Jima: Ray Victor Snapp, Richard F. Green, and Col. John Keith Wells. These three gentlemen appeared in person at the first annual Hand-In-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients in April 2009 at the Hamner Barber Theater. Read more about that event.

The surprise finale of the tribute will only be reveled to those who see the show in person, but it can truthfully be reported that it has consistently produced emotional cheers, tears and standing ovations.

Below are some recent quotes from the press in regards to the Hamner Barber Veterans tribute:

“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.”

Ronnie Page – Entertainment Editor, Branson Daily Independent (read full article)

“The show’s tribute to America’s veterans, living and dead, active duty personnel and their families is a show highlight that is both innovative and beautifully, humbly, and respectfully presented from the heart. In the world of illusions, performers have made people, airplanes, animals, trucks, and even mountains disappear or appear, but none has topped the emotional and patriotic size of this finale tribute illusion. It is a special blessing.”

Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull, BransonCourier.com (read full article)

“New for the 2009 season is a finale that will bring tears to your eyes and pride in your heart. Keeping this story spoiler free is important, but the finale must be experienced to be believed.”

Josh Clark, The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette (read full article)

“One of the most moving events of the whole weekend…
There was not a dry eye in the house.”

Military Order of the Purple Heart – PurpleHeart.org

“Much more than simple acknowledgement, magician Dave Hamner and comedian Jim Barber dedicate the entire final segmet of their show to a breathtaking, poignant display capped by a momentous theatrical climax in honor of American veterans. Fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, uncles, aunts, friends, church members, community leaders: has the price invested for our FREEDOM touched you? Celebrate that gift! Commemorate that sacrifice with Hamner Barber in Branson this year!

A spectacular magic show and ventriloquism act showcases the talent of these award-winning performers. It all sets you up for the sensational final act – an inspired tribute to the courageous men and women of America who have given their talents – and their lives – so that FREEDOM lives in America.

“It hit me like I was there with them and it made me proud… it was overwhelming. I was actually crying.” – Robin Herman-Randall, Army veteran

Inspiring, rare, a memorable duet by Dave Hamner and Jim Barber ushers in a magnificent, touching audio/visual display impacting emotions and memories. With breathtaking special effects and a full-cast musical extravaganza, you will experience the astonishing surprise finale as only Hamner Barber can give.

Be magically and majestically buoyed in spirit – your heart inspired and uplifted with gratitude and praise for the veterans of the U.S.A.”

Dana Griffin – Branson Church Getaway Planner

“Its variety is straight forward magic, ventriloquism and comedy, but the way they are presented, by two masters of their craft, Illusionist David Hamner and comedian-ventriloquist Jim Barber, separates this variety show from any other in Branson, perhaps in the world.” - Gary Groman aka The Old Seagull

Families with children, retired adults, motor coach groups, military reunions and student travel groups all agree that the Hamner Barber Variety Show was a highlight of their trip to Branson. Mr. Groman explained why the show is the perfect entertainment choice for every type of audience.

“There are relatively few shows in Branson that will hold the interest of children for the majority of the show. There are still fewer that can hold the interest of children while genuinely doing the same thing for adults. The Hamner Barber Variety Show is one of these shows. The constant rotation of the magic with the comedy and ventriloquism flows smoothly from one segment to the next keeping the audience waiting in anticipation for what is coming next and it makes no difference whether the age of the audience member is 10 or 70.” – Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

The article also discusses highlights of the production show including the entire cast of performers, dancers and magic assistants.

“It is not just the variety of the magic; it is the manner in which Hamner, his wife, Denise, and their supporting cast, present that magic. Dancers A.J. Heard, Ken Brown, and Kelly Nolte, who also double as magic assistants along with Lex Pearson and Michael Maeder, have been choreographed and worked into the presentation of the vast majority of illusions. The result is some of the most beautiful, entertaining and exciting magic available on any stage anywhere.” - Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

Mr. Groman continued the article with comments about Jim Barber’s unique ventriloquism routines throughout the show.

“The comedy and operatic duet with Seville is amazing, but when it turns into trio that’s “magic.”… Audience members might wonder why Barber opened the bag and kept the “baby,” but they will not be able to stop laughing because he did. Not to be outdone by the Hamner’s and their exotic birds, Barber works with a Chihuahua type character called “Chico Pete” and takes the audience to new levels of laughter all the while demonstrating why he is one of the nation’s top ventriloquists.” - Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

Finally, Mr. Groman added his coments regarding the Hamner Barber magical multimedia tribute to veterans called “Thank You’s Not Enough” that has generated a huge amount of positive comments from both audience members, national military organizations and press alike.

“The show’s tribute to America’s veterans, living and dead, active duty personnel and their families is a show highlight that is both innovative and beautifully, humbly, and respectfully presented from the heart. In the world of illusions, performers have made people, airplanes, animals, trucks, and even mountains disappear or appear, but none has topped the emotional and patriotic size of this finale tribute illusion. It is a special blessing.” - Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

Special thanks to Gary Groman for writing this terrific review of the Hamner Barber show. Please visit the Branson Courier website to read the full article and more wonderful Branson news articles by this talented and prolific author affectionately known as The Ole Seagull.

Jim Barber’s recent performance during the Late Show’s “Ventriloquist Week” was not only enjoyed by the enthusiastic studio audience in the historic Ed Sullivan Theater, and the hard working staff of the show itself, but also by the estimated 4.1 million viewers who tune into the show on an average night.

“Being selected to appear on David Letterman’s show was not only an extreme honor, but a surprisingly fun experience. The staff, stars and crew of the show are the best in the business and they helped make this brief performance one of the highlights of my 35 year career as a professional entertainer. Congratulations to my fellow ventriloquists that have also appeared on Late Show as part of this special “tongue-in-cheek salute” to our rare and wacky art form. Big thanks to David Letterman and everyone at Late Show. ” – Jim Barber

Over a week later, the Hamner Barber Theater’s e-mail box continues to receive many letters of support and congratulations from friends around the globe, both old and new who saw Jim’s act. Some were from inspired young ventriloquists, while others were from well-seasoned professional entertainers who offered a pat on the back. Most however, were from average Letterman viewers who just wanted to say hello and thank Jim for the fun.

“I’m humbled by the hundreds of letters I received in the days that followed my appearance,” said Barber. “I didn’t expect that and am truly thankful for the kind words and appreciation of my act.”

Jim’s performance also caught the eye of some television “Insiders,” including Michele Greppi of Television Week, the communty newspaper of the entire television industry.

Her article featured a multi-photo spread of Jim and Seville with a very positive “mash note” to “Late Show With David Letterman” for booking ventriloquists on the show.

Greppi wrote, “If it hadn’t been for rib-tickling “Ventriloquist Week 2,” The Insider would have gone all post-nuclear on everyone…”

Referring to Jim Barber’s act she added, “In addition to making himself appear to be the dummy of his two operatic dummies, Mr. Seville does an inspired bit with a hand in a glass of water.”

online version: TVWeek.com | The Insider – Feb 19, 2007
Thanks to Michele Greppi & Master Ventriloquist Dale Brown for sending the Article!

“Special thanks to Late Show staffers Mike, Annette and Ryan.
In the photos above, Dave told me you each get two weeks off with pay!!!?” – Jim