Dancers: AJ Heard & Ken Brown

In addition to their incredible dancing at the Hamner Barber Variety Show, cast members A.J. Heard and Ken Brown will be performing in a refreshingly creative new morning show designed especially for kids at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater.

Rock-U-Mentally is a hip, educational musical for kid’s of all ages that focuses on teaching children about social and environmental responsibility.

Original songs written and performed by the shows cast include “Don’t Stand By, Stand Up,” H2OH Is The Way To Go,” “Find A Grown Up You Know,” and many, many more.

In addition to A.J. and Ken, the cast includes AJ’s husband Bucky Heard, Chris Skillern and his wife Angie Skillern. Chris Skillern is the co-producer along with Bucky Heard and also serves as the music director for the shows original tunes.

Reminiscent of the old “School House Rock” TV Series (remember…”Conjunction Junction, what’s your function…”), Rock-U-Mentally is produced with today’s youth in mind and focuses on the types of issues and concerns that they deal with in a fun, safe and interactive way.

Performances at the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater in Branson, Missouri begin July 16, 2009 with shows scheduled on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 10:00am. This is a 5-week, limited engagement.

For more information visit RockUMentally.com or call 417-339-3003 for tickets and information.

“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.

We’re excited to announce our new, 32 Ounce Hamner Barber Souvenir Drink Cups! Beginning mid-May 2009, you can enjoy your favorite ice cold Coca-Cola products while you sip your way through the incredible magic and comedy of the Hamner Barber Variety Show. Not only are these over sized cups great for the show, you can take them home and reuse them again and again as they are dishwasher safe! Get one for yourself or a friend by visiting the Hamner Barber Theater Concession Stand in person!

Hamner Barber 32 Ounce Dishwashable Souvenir Cup

If you are interested in creating a unique souvenir or special event cup of your own, contact Image Works, Inc. in Branson, Missouri for more information.