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Facebook is a fun way for us to keep in touch with our friends online, and we invite you to click the Facebook LIKE button below to join a great group of individuals who share an interest in quality family entertainment, especially Branson style shows such as the Hamner Barber Variety Show.

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#1 – Your Hamner Barber Ticket Is Worth Money!

When you purchase a ticket to the Hamner Barber Variety Show, you are not only gaining admission to our award-winning magic and comedy production starring illusionists The Hamners and comedian ventriloquist Jim Barber… you also earn the opportunity to save money on your Branson vacation at no extra charge!

At our theater you’ll learn about several ways to reduce the cost of other Branson show tickets, attractions and dining establishments.  Show them your Hamner Barber ticket stub, and they’ll give you a nice discount off your purchase price.  By taking advantage of all the discount offers we have arranged, you could actually save more than you paid for our Branson show ticket! 

Keep your Hamner Barber ticket stub… it’s worth MONEY after you’ve been here!

#2 – Two Bonus Magic Shows at No Extra Charge!

The lobby of the Hamner Barber Theater is a fun and exciting place to hang out before showtime.  If you arrive within an hour of showtime, you’ll be able to enjoy amazing close-up magic by our witty and talented illusion manager Lex Pearson.  You won’t believe your eyes as he performs incredible tricks of the trade using cards, ropes, coins and more.

To keep the energy flowing during intermission, Lex also performs a “Show-Between-The-Show” Intermission Show in which he turns an unsuspecting member of the audience into a hilarious magic act.  This segment of the show is an audience favorite, and provides something that you won’t find at any other Branson theater.

Click here to watch the Branson Webcast Show interview with Lex Pearson.

#3 – Audience Participants Have Fun & Win Big!

Throughout the Hamner Barber Variety Show there are special opportunities for members of the audience to be part of the magical fun onstage.

In exchange for their participation, Dave Hamner and Jim Barber reward their volunteers with special free gifts that add up to hundreds of dollars in valuable prizes given away during each and every performance!

If you are asked to volunteer and you don’t want to, that’s alright… we won’t force you into it.  But we will tell you that those who do participate always have a great time!

Although seats in the front row and aisles are the best places to sit if you are hoping to be selected, it doesn’t always matter where you happen to be sitting in the audience. Enthusiastic audience members who love to laugh out-loud, cheer and clap their hands seem to stand out from the crowd and have a much better chance of being picked to go onstage and be in on the fun.

Hope to participate? Call our box office early to request front row or aisle seats!

#4 – Free Display of Vintage Ventriloquism Toys!

Jim Barber has collected many historical toys and memorabilia related to the art of ventriloquism and magic and a small display of some of his most prized collectibles is on display in the lobby of the Hamner Barber Theater.  Many of these items were manufactured from the early 1930′s through the 1970′s and feature rare vintage toys featuring such ventriloquist characters as Edger Bergan‘s Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd; Jimmy Nelson‘s Danny O’day and Farfel the Dog; Paul Winchell‘s Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead Smiff; and Shari Lewis‘s Lamb Chops and Charley Horse.

Included in the collection are early career photos of young Dave Hamner and Jim Barber as they performed magic and ventriloquism.  There is even a framed photo of ten-year old Jim with his very first ventriloquist dummy.  The photo sits on the lap of that same dummy! Along side of this collection is another display case packed full of national and international performance awards that have been presented to both The Hamners and Jim Barber over the years. We hope you enjoy this rare collection of fun vintage toys and collectibles!

#5 – See Rare Film Clips of Famous Vaudevillians!

If you arrive to the Hamner Barber Theater at least a half-hour before showtime, you’ll be treated to some wonderfully rare and entertaining film clips featuring a wide variety of vaudeville performers from throughout the early 1900′s.

Unique circus acts, animal acts, magicians, ventriloquists, carnival sideshow artists, gymnasts, and physical comedy acts are all included.  You’ll also feel the energy of an old-time roller-coaster and other wild carnival rides that are no longer found on any midway in America. It’s a historical look back in time, and sets the mood for the amazing magic and comedy awaiting you and your family in the Hamner Barber Variety Show!

Enjoy all our FREE STUFF in Branson!

As you can see from the five fantastic freebies mentioned above, you get much more for your Hamner Barber ticket purchase than simply admission to our wonderful show.  To take advantage of all our theater has to offer, give us a call today and reserve your best seats available!  We even have a toll-free number so your call will cost you nothing… 1-888-335-2080.

Charles Biggs

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.

Variety is the spice of life, and on your next visit to Branson, variety is the secret ingredient to the best vacation experience possible for you and your family. Enter the magic word “Variety” (capital V) and win a special prize that you will receive for FREE when you attend the Hamner Barber Variety Show. 

• Click here to enter the magic word and win this weeks prize!

Summertime fun for families (or anyone who’s a kid at heart) include great “must see” Branson entertainment shows such as the Hamner Barber Variety Show, Todd Oliver & Friends, Kirby VanBurch, The Amazing Pets Show, Circle B Cowboy Supper Show, Jim Stafford, and many other great Branson shows.

If you’re looking for the best in country music you’ll love the Dalena Ditto Country Music Variety Show featuring “Branson’s Premiere Impressionist” Jeff Brandt as well as other Branson country music shows such as Clay Cooper, Buck Trent, Mickey Gilley, Roy Rogers Jr., Sons of the Pioneers, The Baldknobbers, The Presleys, Down Home Country and the Grand Jubilee… just to name a few!

The Plummer Family Show was one of the first and most popular Branson music shows having opened their own theatre 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 or purchase online below.

PLUMMER FAMILY REUNION SHOW | May 7, 2011 – 2:00pm

Plummer Family Reunion Show May 7, 2011 – 2pm

2011 BOX OFFICE RATES Adult (18+) $ 20.00 Teen (13-17) $ 15.00 Child (4-12) $ 8.00 Infant (0-3) FREE 11.6% sales tax additional

Plummer Family Reunion Show at the Hamner Barber Theater

Visit the Official Plummer Family Website for More Information!

January 7-14, 2012

Make plans now to join Jim Barber and the Riders of the Circle B as they co-host the First Annual Branson Comedy Cowboy Cruise to the Western Caribbean, departing from New Orleans, Louisiana!

Book Early For Best Cabin Rates!

It’s going to be an incredible 7 day vacation aboard the beautiful RCL Voyager of the Seas with ports of call in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Falmouth Jamaica. Includes private show events and much more!

For all the details on this great vacation getaway visit BransonCruise.com right now!

Jeff will bring an entirely new dimension of entertainment to Dalena’s already superb production of timeless classic country and gospel music.  Not only is Jeff considered one of the top singing impressionists in the country, he has earned a national reputation as a voice over artist and radio announcer including spending 10 years as the “Voice of the Ozarks” on Branson’s Home Town Radio KRZK – 106.5 FM.  He was an announcer for The Beach Boys and a regular on the Penny Gilley Show, both live and nationally televised on RFD-TV.  His voice has been featured on numerous national television and radio commercials.

Jeff and his wife Gina have called Branson home since moving here in 1990.  After 28 years of marriage, they are enjoying the peaceful lifestyle of living in the Ozarks while keeping a very busy performance schedule.  Settling in Branson is especially nice for this talented couple after spending many years entertaining audiences across the country in Jeff’s original show band called Galaxy.

From Branson to Las Vegas and Back!

Jeff has co-starred in several Branson shows over the years, from the popular Jennifer In The Morning and Doug Gabriel shows, to the high-energy Wayne Newton show which featured Jeff’s amazing vocal talents for 13 years both in Branson and Las Vegas.  Wayne loved having Jeff as part of his show so much, that Jeff even moved to Las Vegas for 8 years to work with Wayne and that’s where he earned the nickname, “The Voice.”

“Jeff is one of the most incredible talents I have ever known.  There are many entertainers who could learn alot from Jeff.” - Wayne Newton

Among Jeff’s other accomplishments are two appearances on NBC’s “Tonight Show,” a featured spot on the TV show “Las Vegas,” two featured film appearances in “Vegas Vacation” and “Smoking Aces,” performances at the White House in Washington DC, the National Republican Convention, and a special concert for the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Frederick James Finch for his retirement ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base In Washington DC accompanied by the United States Air Force Band.  Add to those impressive credits 8 overseas tours for the USO entertaining troops in Kuwait, Italy, Iraq, the Persian Gulf, Korea, Hungary, Kosovo, Centcom, Bosnia and you’ve got a well rounded performer who has not only paid his dues and earned his credits, but also took the time to give back to our military troops who protect the freedoms that we Americans enjoy in our country.

Watch for Jeff Brandt in an upcoming nationally released DVD with the king of impressionists Rich Little.

“An incredible young talent!  Jeff is my shadow” - Rich Little

When asked what else makes Jeff Brandt and Dalena Ditto so compatible to perform together on stage at the Hamner Barber Theater, Jeff quipped, “like Dalena, I am born in Iowa. That’s a big selling point… ha!”

On your next trip to Branson, be sure to catch the Avis Award winning “Midwest Male Vocalist of the Year,” Jeff Brandt and the Dalena Ditto Classic Country Variety Show!

Reserve Your Best Branson Show Seats To See Jeff Brandt!

Tickets for the Dalena Ditto Show can be purchased online now or by calling the Hamner Barber Theater box office toll free at 1-888-335-2080. The new show opens April 19th and runs on various dates through December 3rd.

“Jeff is the best Impressionist you’ve ever heard” - Neal McCoy

For additional information on Jeff Brandt including other celebrity endorsements and press comments, visit his website at JeffBrandt.com.

In an recent article published in the Shepherd of the Hills Gazette entitled Variety Is An Understatement!, author Linda Burlingame describes the amazing amount of variety entertainment to be found in the Hamner Barber Show in Branson.

The Branson magic show is celebrating it’s eighth smash season at the beautiful Hamner Barber Theater and has become popular as one of Branson’s premiere magic and comedy shows for audiences of all ages.

The Hamner Barber Variety Show offers song and dance, magic, ventriloquism, animals — real and “not so real!” — comedy, a heartfelt and tender tribute to America’s Veterans, and I’m not sure the definition of “variety” covers all that. (I should look up “variety.” It may say, “See Hamner Barber Show!”) - Linda Burlingame

The article discusses the amazing and original magical elements of the show as presented by The Hamners who headline the show along with comedian ventriloquist Jim Barber.

Dave Hamner does a “variety” of magic, from sleight of hand with cards, coins, and newspaper (watch what flies out of the torn silhouette of a bird in the newspaper!) to large scale productions like “Vertigo: The Fall of Death!” (Aauugh!) But Dave and his wife Denise are best known for the illusions they do with their sweet, gorgeous Macaws and Cockatoos. These brilliant and brainy birds magically appear from flaming swords, playing cards, coins … then after a smooth, awe inspiring swoosh over the audience they return to the stage. Dave calls Denise the Bird Wrangler; the wonderful creatures are part of their family! – Linda Burlingame

Jim Barber’s act is unlike any other ventriloquist in the world, and the article goes on to explain a few elements of Jim’s unique performance.

Jim Barber’s “assistants” are part of his family, too. “Chico Pete,” “Baby,” “Barber and Seville” are, well, dummies. But they come to life with Jim’s talented voice. They can all sing together, dance together; and Jim even appears to be the dummy at one point. (I’m sorry, Jim, you know what I mean!) His cast of witty, clever dummies can be loud and overbearing, while tugging at your heartstrings. You’ll laugh as you are amazed by Jim’s talent. Sometimes it’s easy to forget Jim is part of the equation. (I keep feeling I should apologize, sorry Jim!) - Linda Burlingame

The article also discusses how the Hamner Barber Variety Show has been honored with several performance awards as well as been featured on national television appearances.  The magical, multimedia tribute to Veterans also was impressive to the author.

The Hamner Barber tribute to Veterans is extraordinary. There are taped interviews with three survivors of the flag-raising at Iwo Jima. Their remarks and the amazing illusion with the statue, make it a poignant segment of the show. - Linda Burlingame

To read the entire article, visit the Shepherd of the Hills Gazette online.

Branson

]]> http://www.hamnerbarber.com/2011/02/18/branson-magic-show-making-news/feed/ 0 http://www.hamnerbarber.com/2011/02/04/final-performances-of-oliver-this-weekend/ http://www.hamnerbarber.com/2011/02/04/final-performances-of-oliver-this-weekend/#comments Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:20:02 +0000 Hamner Barber Theater http://www.hamnerbarber.com/?p=2426 Don’t miss your opportunity to see the Tri-Lakes Community Theatre production of Oliver! The Musical, with three final performances tonight and Saturday at 7pm, and this Sunday at 2pm at the Hamner Barber Theater in Branson, Missouri.

The opening weekend reviews were tremendous with standing ovations each performance.

The Tri-Lakes Community Theatre production is under the direction of Stephen Jay and produced by Jordan Hawkins and Glenda Justus.

Lead cast members include Jack Cathcart and Madeline Sparks as Oliver Twist, John Spencer as Fagin (pictured on right), Topher James as the Artful Dodger, Kristen Cartwright as Nancy, and Richard Daum as Bill Sykes.

[Photos courtesy of Meadows Images]

Over 50 local area actors, many under the age of ten, make up the rest of this amazing cast of talented performers who will sing, dance and act their way into your hearts. To top it all off, an orchestra of live musicians will have you tapping your feet and singing along with the musical score.

After being penned up this past wintery week, it’s time to come out of hibernation and enjoy this entertaining production of Oliver! The Musical at the Hamner Barber Theater!

Call 417-335-4241 For Tickets!

Adults $15.00, Student/Child $7.00

Tickets may be purchased at the Hamner Barber Theater Lobby.

Visit the Tri-Lakes Community Theatre - Official Website

With  56 cast members, this is the largest group of performers ever assembled on the Hamner Barber stage for a single production.

The Tri-Lakes Community Theatre is celebrating it’s 28th season presenting classic theatrical dramas and outstanding Broadway musical productions to appreciative audiences in the Branson area.  The organization is based upon the principles of Entertainment, Opportunity and Education and has distributed approximately $30 thousand dollars in scholarships for area youth.

Performances at the Hamner Barber Theater:

• Friday, January 28th – 7:00pm
• Saturday, January 29th – 7:00pm
• Sunday, January 30th – 2:00pm
• Friday, February 4th – 7:00pm
• Saturday, February 5th – 7:00pm
• Sunday, February 6th – 2:00pm

This musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic story “Oliver Twist”, is a tale of a run-away orphan who joins a group of boys trained to be pickpockets by an elderly mentor.

Oliver is sold to an undertaker after asking for more dinner at the orphanage. Escaping to London he is taken in by Fagin to join his gang of child pickpockets. Wrongly accused of a theft he meets a more kindly gentleman who takes him in, to the concern of one of Fagin’s old pupils, the violent Bill Sykes. In the middle is Nancy, Sykes’ girl whom Oliver has come to trust.

Featured are several memorable hit songs including “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “I’ll Do Anything (For You),” “Pick A Pocket Or Two,” and many, many more.

The Tri-Lakes Community Theatre production is under the direction of Stephen Jay and produced by Jordan Hawkins and Glenda Justus.

Lead cast members include Jack Cathcart and Madeline Sparks as Oliver Twist, John Spencer as Fagin, Topher James as the Artful Dodger, Kristen Cartwright as Nancy, and Richard Daum as Bill Sykes.

Over 50 local area actors, many under the age of ten, make up the rest of this amazing cast of talented performers who will sing, dance and act their way into your hearts. To top it all off, an orchestra of live musicians will have you tapping your feet and singing along with the musical score.

Make plans now to attend this entertaining production of Oliver at the Hamner Barber Theater!

Call 417-335-4241 For Tickets!

Adults $15.00, Student/Child $7.00

Tickets may be purchased at the Hamner Barber Theater Box Office beginning Wednesday, January 26th at 9:00am.

Visit the Tri-Lakes Community Theatre - Official Website

Oliver Promotions, Ltd
Music, Lyrics and Book by Lionel Bart
Licensed by arrangement with Oliver Productions, Ltd.