Hamner Barber Variety Show

Review: The Hamner Barber Show, Branson, Missouri by Richard Freihofer

The Hamner Family and the Barber Family are now owners of Branson's beautiful Hamner Barber Theater. Editor and Publisher Richard Freihofer met with the "dynamic duo" in their theater lobby. Behind them was a museum display case of Jim's show biz memorabilia; which includes artifacts from such immortal dummies as Knucklehead Smith, Jerry Mahoney, and Charlie McCarthy.

THE INTERVIEW

Dave, one TV magician we've seen acts as if he's tapping into some sort of supernatural forces from the "dark side." Since you are a minister as well as an illusionist, can you tell if this could be an example of the "lying signs and wonders" we see mentioned in 2 Thess 2:9?

I don't think he (the magician we're referring to-Ed) claims any supernatural power, although he presents things sort of in a dark fashion that might suggest that. What he does are special effects. He's using nothing butnatural methods. I see nothing supernatural or extraordinary in what he's doing.

Their award-winning illusions have made Dave and Denise Hamner star headliners in the world's top venues, including Las Vegas, Disneyland, and Hollywood's Magic Castle. Among their many honors, the Hamners are twice the recipients of the famed Merlin Awards (the magic world's Oscars). They are best known for their magical appearance of beautiful Macaws and Cockatoos that go airborne amid flying cards, flaming swords, falling coins and jewels! Other famous Hamner originals include the Lightning Levitation!, Vertigo: The Fall of Death! and new in '07, the Secrets of the Lost Ark Revealed! At the show's conclusion, thrilled audiences are invited to Dave Hamner's Solid Gospel Sunday services, where the seminary graduate and ordained evangelist preaches secrets of the Gospel revealed!

Jim's February '07 appearance on Late Night with David Letterman was a sensation; (CBS aired it again in April.) Performing surely the most complicated ventriloquist act ever attempted: Jim's Barber and Seville has three characters singing opera, featuring himself as the dummy! Besides being considered one of the world's greatest ventriloquists, Jim Barber is a nimble song and dance funnyman. His musical range, his flair for impressions and his physical gags keep both kids and grownups doubled over. He has been honored as the International Ventriloquist of the Year, and Comedy Entertainer of the Year. Showtime, the Movie Channel named him one of the "Funniest People in America". His wife Diane has an extensive musical theater background and performs in the show's holiday production, "The Wings of Christmas" during Nov-Dec.