“Dave Hamner gives credit to his father, a Baptist minister, for that first part. He points to his partner, ventriloquist Jim Barber – who shares the marquee and stage of the Hamner Barber Theater – for the second part. And he takes a deep bow toward his wife of 17 years, Denise, for everything else.”
- C. Dennis Schick

The article also discusses how Dave Hamner teamed up with his old friend Jim Barber to produce the Hamner Barber Variety Show and ultimately partnership as owners of the theater venue.

“Jim Barber, although now a world-class ventriloquist, actually started as a magician himself. A native of South Dakota, he toured with a magic show for several years, and even performed with the USO. But when he decided to focus on the college circuit, he found that being a ventriloquist and comedian put him in a unique catagory, which got him more bookings. He’s concentrated on that ever since.” - C. Dennis Schick

Thank you to Dennis Schick and The Linking Ring for this wonderful feature story and for all the support you’ve shown us here at the Hamner Barber Theater.

The International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.) is the world’s largest organization for magicians boasting nearly 13,000 members worldwide. With over 300 local groups, called Rings, in more than 73 countries, it is considered to be the most respected organization for amateur and professional magicians in the world!

International Brotherhood of Magicians
www.magician.org

In a full page story, MAGIC magazine Editor John Moehring praised The Hamner’s original stage escape illusion by stating“Vertigo is not only devilishly suspenseful, but it is perhaps the only stage escape that has a surprise climax that seems physically impossible.”

Moehring also complimented Jim Barber’s half of the show as“clever comedy and impeccable ventriloquism.”

The shows talented cast of dancers also received kudos in the review. “Choreographer A.J. Herd struts her stuff in a Broadway dance medley, “Downtown” Kenny Brown sings with elegance and soul, and Tim Lewis is a hoofer par excellence, proving as Dave (Hamner) has already told his audience, “these guys aren’t just a bunch of box jumpers.”

Moehring concluded his review by stating, “The blending of the talents of Jim Barber and Dave Hamner plays well in this show. And because Jim was a magician before he turned to ventriloquism, while Dave practiced ventriloquism as he first learned magic, the two performers have plans to add some new material to the show – that explores what these two talented guys did and didn’t want to be when they grew up.”

The cast and crew of the Hamner Barber Variety Show extend a huge “Thank You” to John Moerhing and everyone at MAGIC for including us in the special issue.

Visit MAGIC Magazine online for more information or to subscribe to this beautifully designed and printed publication.

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.