Branson 2004 by Steven Landis
reprinted with permission from Vent Arts, Issue No.7 Vol.2 Summer 2004
Vent Arts - The Publication about The Art of Ventriloquism
August 4, 2004

Branson, Missouri must be the magician and ventriloquist capital in the area of the country I live in. There are more ventriloquist and magicians performing there than I have ever seen. Currently there are five magicians performing there as well as three top quality professional ventriloquists.

One of the Magicians performing there this year is world renown magician Brett Daniels, who is performing at the Grand Palace Theater. His show is a true magic work of theatrical art and entertainment. It is a very entertaining two hour show which has everything in it from huge illusions such as making a fighter jet appear on stage to simple sleight of hand routines with cards. After watching his show it is easy to see why he has such acclaimed fame as a performer.

Darren Romeo, the singing magician is also there, and you can see a magic show at the mall theater next to Wal-Mart. Kirby VanBurch still draws audiences to his theater.

The Hamners who are at the Victorian Theater (on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway) do a variety of illusions that blend wonderful theatrics and their work with birds. At this same show you will also find Branson's top ventriloquist performing, Jim Barber. This is a must see show if you get to the area. It is a wild mixture of Jim's humor and creativity. The theater sits off the road and behind the Victorian Shop/Inn and is close to the Shoji Tabuchi Theater. But once you get there and the show starts you will be given a true treat to see two top quality acts combined together for one unique show!

Jim truly shows why he is one of America's premier ventriloquist with his quality vent control and voice range as well as his wacky sense of humor. He also conbines puppetry and a magical illusion for a routine with one of Axtell's ape puppets that truly is unique and very funny. Jim also uses Chico the Chihuahua, the Baby, Seville, and the Norwegian Orangutan. Jim also does a hilarious Austin Powers spoof that truly is right on.

Jim and the Hamners also will have a Christmas show playing in November and December called "The Wings of Christmas." So if you ever decide to go to the Branson area, make sure you check out Jim's show. Your funny bone will thank you!

Also in Branson you will find two other ventriloquist - Patty Davidson and Todd Oliver. Both are also great ventriloquist and worth the effort to check out. Patty is working at the Dalena Ditto show at Mickey Gilley's Theater (on the main strip), and Todd is still out on the Branson Belle with his unique vent dog act.

Branson is truly a fun place to visit but be warned - the traffic is even more fun to drive in, Ha! If you want to learn patience, try driving from one end of the strip to the other in the middle of the summer. It is also about as bad in the Fall so do not be in a big hurry to get anywhere fast because you won't.

While I was at the Hamner Barber show, I got to talk a short while with Jim. It was fun talking to him. He reminds me of myself a lot with his creative ideas and love of ventriloquism and magic. I found out from Jim that two of his puppet characters were made by none other than Verna Finly, Chico the Chihuahua and Baby, which would explain the unique characters of these two puppets. So go to Branson and have loads of fun! There are fun Fall festivities coming up.