The Plummer Family Country Music Show returns to the Hamner Barber Theater for their 7th Annual Reunion Concert.

Saturday, May 4th 2013 – 2:00pm

Call 417-334-4363 today for best seats!

If you love traditional, down-home country and gospel music, this is your chance to see the Plummer Family perform live in Branson once again!

The Plummer Family Show was one of the first and most popular Branson music shows having opened their own theater in May 1973. Darrell and Rosie along with their son, Randy, and daughter, Melody performed for 18 years until retirement. Rosie and Darrell have been acknowledged in many ways for their exceptional talent as country music performers. Rosie was presented the first prestigious “Show Biz Award” in 1984 at the Ozark Music Awards. Both Darrell and Rosie have been inducted in to the “Ozark Hall of Fame.”

Reserve Your Best Seat Today!

Call the Hamner Barber Theater Box Office at 417-334-4363 for best seats available or purchase tickets online now.
 

The Plummer Family Reunion Show features the musical artistry of Darrel and Rosie Plummer along with their talented family, Randy Plummer, Melody Driskill, Dale Driskill, Josh Driskill, Lynne Rose-Taylor, and Tony Hampton as “Nearly Famous.”

The Hamner Barber Theater is proud to welcome the Plummer Family back to Branson for another incredible reunion show this Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 2pm!

Visit the Official Plummer Family Website for More Information!

In 2008, Richard Green, along with several other American WWII Veterans, sat down with Dave Hamner and Jim Barber to share memories of his tour of duty in the South Pacific. He was selected to be among the 12 veterans featured on the Hamner Barber Veterans Tribute DVD entitled, “Thank You’s Not Enough.” He was also selected as one of the 3 veterans featured in the live-stage version that has been touching hearts and stirring emotions as the award-winning closing routine to the Hamner Barber Variety Show.

“I’m sorry you missed a good portion of your life, and that you gave your all… which had to be done for this country. Thank you for your sacrifice to this Nation. Thank you boys, thank you men, for doing your all.”
- Richard F. Green – USS Pensacola, US Marine

The quote above, was Richard Green’s reply when asked what he would say to his buddies who didn’t survive the battle of Iwo Jima. We now thank Mr. Green for his years of service to America, and for helping us remember that freedom is never free.

May God Bless You Richard Green! Thank You Is Not Enough!

Below is his complete interview (with some never before seen discussion) as recorded in 2008.

Additional preview videos from the Hamner Barber Veterans Tribute DVD, “Thank You’s Not Enough,” are available for viewing online at VeteransDVD.com.

KNSI Radio in St. Cloud, MN is currently giving away a trip for 4 people to Branson.  Listen to KNSI Radio LIVE as host Bob Hughes interviews Jim Barber from the Hamner Barber Theater at 8:10am (Central Standard Time), on Wednesday April 10th.

Click this link to listen to the station live now!

Enter their Branson Giveaway Contest! Visit the KNSI website for all the details.

But Wait… There’s More!

Then, if that wasn’t enough, you can also enter to win a Family Reunion Trip to Branson for 20 people!  Visit KSTP-TV’s “Twin Cities Live” website for all the details on this fabulous vacation package worth over $10,000.

Honor Flight is a heartwarming documentary film about four living World War II veterans and a Midwest community that comes together to give them the trip of a lifetime.

Volunteers race against the clock to fly thousands of WWII veterans to Washington, DC to see the memorial constructed for them in 2004, nearly 60 years after their epic struggle.

The trips are called “Honor Flights” and for the veterans, who are in their late 80s and early 90s, it’s often the first time they’ve been thanked and the last trip of their lives. The 24-hour journey is full of surprises that deeply move all who are involved. It’s uncommon for World War II veterans to talk about the War, but the Honor Flight experience brings their stories out. Many veterans say, with the exception of their wedding day and the birth of their children, the trip is the best day of their life.

The Hamner Barber Theater is proud to host the showing of this amazing film with the event sponsored by Hospice Compassus of Branson.

Admission is free for veterans and the general public. Open seating, arrive early for best seats.

Donations will be accepted with all proceeds benefiting Honor Flight Network.

“Twin Cities Live” is an extremely popular, hour long television talk show based in Minnesota.  The program is currently running a promotional family reunion giveaway to the Live Music Show Capital of the World valued at over $10,000. Details of the contest can be found  on their website, TwinCitiesLive.com.

“Twin Cities Live” is produced at the KSTP-TV studios of Hubbard Broadcasting located between St. Paul and Minneapolis.  The show format is similar to an earlier KSTP production called “Good Company” co-hosted by Steve Edelman and Sharon Anderson.  ”Good Company” was produced from 1982 to 1994 and provided an opportunity for many young college students to begin a career in broadcasting.

One of these students was our very own Jim Barber, who majored in Broadcast Production at the University of Minnesota during the early 80′s.  Jim’s first job in the industry was as an intern for the show, working directly with hosts Edelman and Anderson as well as Associate Producer Ellen Rakieten who went on to work as an Executive Producer for Oprah Winfrey and several network series including “The Marriage Ref, ” “Losing It With Jillian,” and the recent “Celebrity Dish”.

When “Twin Cities Live” announced they were planning a family reunion to Branson giveaway contest, and that they wanted to include the Hamner Barber Variety Show as one of the featured Branson shows for the winning family to experience, Jim Barber and Dave Hamner were eager to be interviewed by KSTP Reporter and fill-in co-host of “Twin Cities Live,” Emily Engberg.

Emily spent several days in Branson to prepare an entire weeks worth of promotional interviews of various Branson stars and activities.

Here is Emily’s interview with Jim Barber & Dave Hamner! [Read Their Full Article]

Read more about Twin Cities Live’s interview with Hamner and Barber and perhaps even enter to win their family reunion giveaway contest by visiting the TCL website here!

When a large group of Road Scholars get together in Branson, Missouri, that knowledge takes form in a crash course in live entertainment.  The “Branson Show Biz” adventure in lifelong learning is coordinated by Ozark Adventures, who educate visitors from around the globe as to how the sleepy little town of Branson, Missouri became the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” now hosting more than 100 family-friendly shows with more theater seats than Broadway!

Ventriloquist Jim Barber shares one of his puppets with Jackie.

The Road Scholar participants learn about the history of Branson’s overnight success, the elements of Branson’s entertainment scene, Branson’s emergence into international tourism, and the famous Branson show “formula.” They also attend three popular live theatre shows and enjoy a private performance of a music pioneer that help start it all!

On March 21st of this year, one of the featured venues for the group to attend was the Hamner Barber Theater.  A full day later, ventriloquist Jim Barber spoke to this large group of Road Scholars at the Branson Convention Center, and shared some of his vocal tricks of the trade, as well as a brief history lesson on the art of ventriloquism and how he found a full-time performance home in Branson.

The Hamner Barber Variety Show has been selected as a featured show for the Branson Elderhostel program several times over the past few years, with both Jim Barber and Dave and Denise Hamner providing insightful lectures on ventriloquism and magic respectively.

Here are some photos of them giving one such lecture during the summer of 2009.

Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

This talented group of five musically gifted performers will be appearing in Branson at the Hamner Barber Theater throughout the 2013 season.

Performances are at 3pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays!

Also appearing at the theater is Tom Mullica’s award-winning performance tribute to Red Skelton called RED, and the Hamner Barber Variety Show featuring the amazing magical illusions of The Hamners and the unique and inventive comedy of ventriloquist Jim Barber.

Representatives from the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Hamner Barber Theater, as well as family, friends, and other Branson area businesses were on hand this week to officially welcome Tom’s hilarious show to the popular family entertainment venue located on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson, Missouri.

Tickets for RED – A Performance Tribute by Tom Mullica can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 417-334-4363.   Shows are Tuesdays through Saturdays – 10am.

Red Skelton was without a doubt, one of the funniest and most beloved comedians of all time.  For those who grew up watching him on television in the 50′s, 60′s and 70′s, Tom Mullica’s show will bring back wonderful memories of a time when life seemed simpler and wholesome family entertainment ruled the airwaves.

The Hamner Barber Theater is also proud to introduce the comedy of Red Skelton to young people who aren’t yet familiar with him.

It’s the perfect show for multi-generational families traveling to Branson. The material is timeless, and Tom Mullica’s wit and comedic timing are superb! We welcome this enjoyable show to our theater, and invite everyone to come laugh along with us in living color! - Jim Barber & Dave Hamner

The inspiration for the show came from Red Skelton himself, after seeing Tom Mullica perform his magic act in 1978.  The two performers struck an immediate friendship, and Mr. Skelton became a personal mentor, of sorts, to Tom over the years to follow until his passing in 1997.  Before his death, Red agreed that Tom would be entitled and officially sanctioned to perform this tribute show… a living testament to the man known as “America’s Favorite Clown.”

Southwest Airlines will officially begin flight service to and from the Branson Airport (BKG), allowing several more key cities around the country to have access to low-cost airfare to the Live Music Show Capital of the World.

Jim Barber photo courtesy of The Branson Insider magazine.

“The Southwest Effect” is a phrase invented in 1993 by the U.S. Department of Transportation to describe a notable increase in air travel demand to and from a community as a direct result of Southwest Airlines presence in that market.

The community of Branson expects similar effects after the first jets touch down tomorrow morning at the Branson Airport.

Comedian and ventriloquist Jim Barber from the Hamner Barber Theater will be among the many entertainers and important dignitaries that will be on hand to participate in “The Ultimate Tailgate Party” to welcome the first Southwest flights beginning at 10am.  Barber will also be representing the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce where he serves as the 2013 Chairman of the Board.

Other entertainers scheduled to perform Saturday morning include The World Famous Platters, the Lennon Cathcart Trio, Acrobats of China, Paul Harris and the Cleverly’s, Legends in Concert and many more. The public is invited to attend the festivities and are urged to bring a lawn chair and wear their Southwest colors (Blue & Red). The gates open at 10am.

By adding direct and connecting flights, Southwest Airlines will offer service between Branson and 67 Southwest cities! Compared to last year’s AirTran Airways service for the same time period, Southwest Airlines this year will nearly be tripling the number of weekly seats, to and from the “Live Music Show Capital of the World.”

Last August, Branson hosted a pep-rally at the Branson Landing in preparation for tomorrow’s event.  Here are some highlights from that memorable day just 6 months ago. Tomorrow’s Tailgate Party promises to be just as exciting!

For more information on the Ultimate Tailgate Party or flights to and from Branson, Missouri, please visit FlyBranson.com.

On Friday, March 8th the Hamner Barber Variety Show begins it’s tenth smash season in Branson, Missouri at the Hamner Barber Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.  Since the show first opened in 2004, the production has grown and developed into what is now considered to be one of Branson’s most popular attractions for families with a show that truly appeals to all age groups.

The acclaimed Branson magic and comedy show features the original illusions of Dave and Denise Hamner and the inventive vocal comedy of ventriloquist Jim Barber.   The Hamners and Jim Barber met actually met in Branson nineteen years ago when they were both featured variety artists in the Osmond Brothers Show and the Glen Campbell Goodtime Show respectively.  Over the years the two artists waited for an opportunity to perform in a show together and eventually, in 2002, Jimmy Osmond cast them both to appear in his American Jukebox Show which played for two seasons in Branson.  After that show closed, Dave and Jim had an opportunity to create their own show at the then named Victorian Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.  The Hamners and the Barbers purchased that venue a year later, and renamed it the Hamner Barber Theater. Their show has earned the distinction of being the longest running magic themed show to play non-stop in the same venue in Branson.

Beyond the talents of the Hamners and Jim Barber, the variety show has an impressive cast of performers.  The gifted Hamner Barber Dancers who perform throughout the season include A.J. Heard, Ken Brown, Gwen Bliss and swing Dasa Hayes.  All four of these artists have held lead dance positions in several Branson shows as well as many national and international touring shows.  The choreography by A.J. Heard is interwoven throughout many of the magical routines performed by the Hamners and the dancers are also featured in their own high-energy solo performance titled “Let Me Entertain You,” with powerful vocals sung by Bucky Heard, husband of A.J. Heard, and featured star in the Legends in Concert show at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theatre.

The newest member of the cast this year is Corey Martin who not only assists the performers backstage with technical needs, but also appears onstage as an assistant to the Hamners and Jim Barber.  Corey grew up in Louisiana and demonstrates youthful exuberance and highly motivated enthusiasm for his participation in the show.

To add to the fun, magical Lex Pearson performs his funny off-the-wall brand of magic during his special “show between the show” comedy act during intermission as well as a pre-show performance in the Hamner Barber Theater lobby for the audience guests who arrive early. Lex also assists during the main show as the illusion and stage manager for the Hamner Barber Variety Show.

Behind the scenes, there are also several very important cast, crew and staff that help make the magic happen onstage.  The Lighting and Technical Director for the theater is Paul Linden.  His impressive background in lighting, lasers, audio and theatrical production make him a very important asset to the production.

Assisting Paul is follow spotlight operator Bonnie Frerking.  Bonnie is an important member of the crew who brings many years of experience in technical theater production.  Her lighting cues are vital throughout the show, and she never misses a cue.  When not working the lights above the audience, Bonnie also assists in other areas of the theater including the lobby concession sales during intermission.

Of course, the business side of the Hamner Barber Variety Show is just as important as the production aspects.  Our two lead staff members who manage the day-to-day operations are Box Office Manager Jan Braschler and Administrative Sales Manager Vance Hebblethwaite.  Both Jan and Vance have been working at the theater since it was first built eighteen years ago in 1995 for the Braschler Music Show.  More information regarding the theater history is available on this website.

Other important staff members who assist the production throughout the season are Concessions Manager Jan Hammit, Concessions and Gift Shop associates Wanda Scritchfield and Faye & Mike Brown, as well as our friendly and experienced Box Office associates Brenda & Marty Hahn. When you call or visit the Hamner Barber Theater, you can be assured that you will be greeted by a genuinely friendly and knowledgeable staff who will make you feel welcomed as an honored guest.

Beyond the theater employees, cast and crew, there are dozens of other important individuals and businesses who assist with the day-to-day operations, promotion, marketing and general maintenance of the theater facility and property grounds.  Though these people are never seen by the theater guests who attend the performances, their involvement is essential to each and every show at the venue throughout each year.

On your next trip to Branson, be sure to include Branson’s premiere magic and comedy show, the Hamner Barber Variety Show on your itinerary of fun things to do in Branson.