Photo: Ronnie Page - Branson Daily Independent

Approximately 150 people from 12 states across the country gathered together to recognize achievement and promote their work in gospel music to a larger audience.

Comedian Jim Barber from the Hamner Barber Variety Show was invited to present an award to the “Young Artist of the Year,” Heather Martin. Runners up were Keely Jarrett and Lucas Cilliberti.  Jim brought along his funny “Baby” character who ad-libbed some comical one-liners  with various members of the audience including Nationally known gospel music performers Randy Brooks, Barbara Fairchild and Randy Plummer.

Later during the event, Randy Plummer surprised Jim Barber by presenting the Ozark Spirit Award to both he and Dave Hamner for their efforts in providing wholesome family entertainment and for being an example to others in their continual efforts to give back and serve the community through various means.

Tonight is a very special night for the Ozark Spirit Award.  It’s winner is usually one person but tonight it goes to more than one. (Then Randy read a list of Hamner and Barber accomplishments.) The winners tonight are a big blessing to the Branson area spreading great entertainment and ministry to thousands of tourists.  It is with great pleasure to announce the 2011 Ozark Spirit Award winners, from the Hamner Barber Theater… my special friends Dave Hamner and Jim Barber!
- Randy Plummer

Jim Barber accepted the award on behalf of both he and The Hamner’s who were not able to attend the awards banquet due to their participation in a fundraiser benefit show that same evening.  A follow up appreciation note from the performers is printed below.

We sincerely appreciate this recognition from the Branson Gospel Singer Songwriter Association and we wish to thank DK and Sherrie Brewster, Randy Plummer and all of the members if the organization for presenting us with this beautiful award. In recognition on your purpose statement, we will display it proudly in our theater lobby as a reminder to “let our light shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.”

Thank you! – Jim Barber & Dave Hamner

Many singer/songwriter awards were presented during the evening in various categories to the members of the association including the special honor awards presented to Hamner and Barber, Roy and Barbara (Fairchild) Morris, Ronnie Page, Karen Berka, and Randy Brooks who was the recipient of the prized Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with the Brooks Brothers Duet and his dedication for playing the role of Jesus in the musical The Promise for so many years around the world.  Entertainment before the event featured saxophonist Gary Dooms and a surprise guest appearance by Branson entertainer Terry Sanders as Joan Rivers provided more laughs.

For more information on D.K. and Sherrie Brewster and The Best Is Yet To Come Ministries who produced the event, visit their website YetToComeProductions.com.

#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.

Most Recommended Show!

Grand Crowne Resorts promotes the Hamner Barber Variety Show as one of their “most recommended shows” in Branson, and the interview with Emmons includes a lively discussion of the incredible magic illusions, beautiful tropical parrots, and original comedy ventriloquism that can only be found at the Hamner Barber Theater.  This is also a rare opportunity to watch Jim Barber speak in the vocal style of his ventriloquism characters Chico Pete, Baby and Seville, without having the actual puppets in hand.

The Hamner Barber Variety Show is a proud marketing partner with Grand Crowne Resorts who offer exciting vacation entertainment packages for travelers visiting great destinations like Branson, Missouri; Biloxi, Mississippi; and Pidgeon Forge, Tennessee.

Interviewer Kent Emmons is a well respected radio and television producer based in Los Angeles, California with a mountain of credits to his name including being the founder of the popular National Lampoon Radio Network along with the network’s shareholders and close advisors Barry Levinson (producer), Budd Friedman (Improv Chairman/Founder), Richard Belzer (comic/actor), George Schlatter (producer) and management legend Eric Gardner.  Emmon’s official website offers much more insight into the creative ventures of this multifaceted entrepreneur.

On Friday, February 11th the Hamner Barber Variety Show began it’s eighth smash season in Branson, Missouri at the Hamner Barber Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.  The magical Hot Winter Fun occurs weekends through February with a full time Branson show schedule from March through December.  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 variety 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 several 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 acts waited for an opportunity to work 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, an opportunity was presented to both Dave and Jim 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.

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 and Gwen Bliss.  All three of these artists have been lead dancers in several major Branson production shows as well as for many national and international touring shows.  Their choreography by A.J. Heard is interwoven throughout many of the magical routines performed by the Hamners and they 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 Nicco Zamudio who not only assists the performers backstage with technical needs, but also appears onstage as an assistant to the Hamners and Jim Barber.  Nicco recently moved to Branson from Lufkin, TX 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 sixteen 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, Gift Shop Sales associate Norma Jones,  Concessions and Gift Shop associates Wanda Scritchfield and Faye Brown, as well as the friendly and experienced Box Office associates Glenda Adams and Brenda 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.

The Hamner Barber Variety Show features amazing magical illusions of The Hamners and hilarious vocal comedy of ventriloquist Jim Barber.  Add in some

hot dance routines and great music, and  you’ve got a show that appeals to audiences of all ages. Read more about the show here!

Spend Valentines Day Weekend in Branson!

Friday, February 11, 2011 is opening night and marks the beginning of the 8th season of comedy and magic at the Hamner Barber Theater in Branson, Missouri. Make it a memorable weekend and bring your special Valentine to see this fun production featuring comedy, magic and a heart-felt tribute to American Veterans that you’ll never forget! Reserve your tickets by clicking here!

There’s magic in the air, but it doesn’t stop there…

Dave and Denise Hamner are famous around the world for their seemingly impossible act where they make cards, coins, silk scarves and several beautiful tropical parrots appear out of nowhere and fly over the heads of the astonished audience. The Hamners have created several spectacular and original magic illusions that can only be seen at the Hamner Barber Theater.  No where else on the planet will you experience the amazing magical routines that they have produced for this show.

In addition to Branson, the Hamners have headlined performances at Hollywood’s Magic Castle, Disneyland in California, Magic Island in Huston, TX and in several major resort hotels across the country.  Read more of the Hamners biography here!

Jim Barber is not only one of the country’s top comedy ventriloquists, he has also earned a reputation as a great singer with his multi-octave vocal range. His cast of wacky characters and vocal impersonations will have you laughing out-loud and leave everyone talking!

Before coming to Branson to perform with country music legend Glen Campbell, Jim toured with his act all across the Nation and in over 15 foreign countries with the USO entertaining our military troops.  As a ventriloquist, Jim was the featured variety act aboard the General Jackson Showboat in Nashville, TN before taking his show to nearly 2,000 college and university campuses over a ten year period.  Read more of Jim Barber’s biography here!

Special thanks to Bucky Heard for producing and singing vocals on “Let Me Entertain You.”

Watch More Hamner Barber Videos By Clicking Here!

Branson entertainer Jim Barber recently visited the homes of several unsuspecting DirectBuy customers from all over to thank them on behalf of the popular home improvement and furnishings club for being such intelligent shoppers.

As part of the entertaining Hamner Barber Variety Show, Jim usually performs with his trademark characters Barber & Seville, Diva, Baby, and Chico Pete.  For this project however, Jim introduced a new face to the mix… “JR,” or as he  likes to be called, Junior.

The conversations with the homeowners were unrehearsed, and the knock on the doors by Jim Barber, “JR”, and an entire film crew… was definitely unannounced!

The commercials are currently airing on national television, with a special website designed to showcase 8 different versions of the interviews with links to important information on the many money saving benefits that are available to those with a DirectBuy membership.

Update: This DirectBuy campaign has ended and is no longer available for viewing.

The DirectBuy commercials with Jim Barber and “JR” are creating quite a lot of humorous discussion online including the following tweet posted by TV funnyman and sidekick to Conan O’Brien, Andy Richter…

The Hamners Magical Birds with Jim Barber & Chico Pete

From the moment the curtain opens on the Hamner Barber Variety Show, the audience is transported to a magical world where beautiful tropical birds appear seemingly out of nowhere, flying over the heads of the astonished audience.

With all the action, one would think an umbrella would be in order, but fortunately that isn’t the case.  Famed Illusionists The Hamners have worked diligently with their friendly flock of magical birds to ensure that an accidental blessing from above doesn’t befall an audience member.

Master Ventriloquist Jim Barber’s canine sidekick Chico Pete is another story all-together.  While he’s fairly confined to Jim himself, Chico often let’s loose with hilarious songs and frisky humor that may leave the audience rolling in the aisles.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg of incredible family entertainment awaiting you at the Hamner Barber Variety Show.  There are amazing original illusions galore that you won’t find in any other magic show in the World.  Jim Barber’s unique puppet characters and multi-octave singing voice will even have the audience becoming part of this fun Branson show.

Individually, The Hamners and Jim Barber have headlined their acts in such mecca’s of entertainment as Las Vegas, Laughlin, Reno, Atlantic City, Atlantis Resort, and even Hollywood’s Famed Magic Castle to name a few.  Together, they combine two amazing variety acts into one incredible show that can only be seen at the Hamner Barber Theater in Branson, Missouri.

By the way, the theater gift shop carries a wide array of magic tricks, photos, dvd videos, quality jewelry, and just in case… umbrellas too!

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Hamner Barber Variety Show February – December 2010

2010 BOX OFFICE RATES Adult (18+) $ 29.50 Teen (13-17) $ 16.50 Child (4-12) $ 8.50 Infant (0-3) FREE 11.6% sales tax additional

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Jim Barber and Seville should feel honored that one of the hot selling Halloween costumes for the past couple seasons has been the Adult Ventriloquist Dummy Costume which looks quite similar to Jim’s trademark act, the Barber and Seville.

Since the costume first appeared at various online costume shops, Jim has received several emails from friends and fans asking if he’s seen the funny, yet familiar costume.

Although the design and construction of the costume is different than Jim’s original creation, the similarity comes from the fact that the tall ventriloquist is holding the smaller dummy, and the “real” ventriloquists head is on the small body.  It’s a visual illusion that is guaranteed to pop eyes and turn heads from all who open their doors on Halloween night.

“I think this is great,” says Jim, “and I encourage everyone to purchase one for themselves, even if you don’t intend to wear it for trick-or-treating.  The more people seen in public wearing this outfit, the more normal I will appear myself,” said Jim with a chuckle.

The costume is available for purchase and immediate shipping from Amazon.com.  Check out their huge selection of other costumes and Halloween accessories, not to mention just about any DVD, book or audio CD ever released!