Backstage Pass: It’s unbelievable. Model Victoria Henley visits Hamner’s

by VICTORIA HENLEY
CTFashionMag.com

Housed in a stately white-columned building and hosting some of the most thrilling, dynamic, and award-winning full-scale production shows in the city of Branson, Mo., Hamner’s Variety Theatre has gained acclaim far and wide for offering some of the most thrilling entertainment in the city.

Owned and operated by legendary Merlin award-winning magician, Dave Hamner, and his wife Denise, Hamner’s Ultimate Variety Theater has gained notoriety for bringing to life some of the most action-packed, high-quality entertainment that will excite and delight everyone in your entire family.

HAMNER’S UNBELIEVABLE VARIETY SHOW

The Hamner’s Unbelievable Variety Theater’s signature show could be best described as a classic variety show meets an episode of “America’s Got Talent.” Featuring a cast of tremendously talented performers including the show’s headliner, Dave Hamner (who wows the crowd from start to finish with mystical feats of magic and illusion), his stunning wife Denise (who is an expert handler and trainer of tropical birds), Tamra Tonoco (female vocalist and Female Entertainer of the Year, who has toured with artists ranging from the Osmonds to Vince Gill and has appeared on the highly prestigious Grand Ole Opry stage), “Downtown” Kenny Brown (who has worked with the Hamners for over 23 years, appearing in many top rated magic specials, on cruise ships, and serving as Dave’s official assistant to create a dazzling spectacle of mind boggling illusions), Mariya Serykh (aerialist and illusion assistant and the holder of numerous impressive pageantry titles including Miss Dance America, Miss Nexstar and Miss Power of Dance), Jeff Brandt (vocalist and impressionist who has been recognized by “Mr. Las Vegas” himself, Wayne Newton, and awarded the coveted Impressionist of the Year award in Branson), Johnny Lonestar (Top 20 finalist on the hit television series “America’s Got Talent” for his other worldly trick roping, whip cracking, fast draw and gun-handling techniques), Anthony Soumiatin (unicyclist and acrobat: a multi-talented performer who has performed on the Showboat Branson Belle, Kirby Van Burch, Andy Williams, Yakov Smirnoff, and Cirque Montage, specializing in the Cyr wheel), and Kathryn King (magic assistant and dancer with an extensive background in music theatre).

This two-hour show features non-stop action from start to finish.

Featuring a stellar line up of music, dancing, acrobatics, and of course, truly exceptional magic, The Hamner’s Ultimate Variety Show is truly an experience that cannot be missed!

ABBA: THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

A superbly performed and beautifully curated tribute to, arguably, one of the most renowned pop groups of all time, “ABBA: Thank You For the Music,” combines covers of the group’s most popular chart topping hits, dazzling costumes, groovy dance moves, and educational factoids displayed on screen throughout this two hour extravaganza that is sure to get you on your feet .

The cast, comprised of Stephen and Chelsie Odom, James Allen and Liz Sambol beautifully brings to life the myriad of chart topping singles that defined the sound of a generation.

You can expect to hear stunning re-creations of all your favorites, including “Waterloo,” “S.O.S,” and of course, arguably ABBA’s most recognizable song, “Dancing Queen.”

BACK TO THE BEE GEES

Vocal acrobatics, killer throwback dance moves, and exquisitely performed renditions of the spectacular, instantly recognizable hits that comprised the nearly four decades long career of the undisputed “Kings of Disco” at this non-stop celebration.

Starring the supremely talented Michael Frost (Branson Terry Award winning “Male Vocalist of the Year”), James Allen, and Stephen Odom, Back to the Bee Gees features outrageously fun disco era costumes, state of the art technicolor lighting, and insightful and informative factoids regarding the highly intriguing inspirations behind the legendary music you’ve grown to know and love throughout the decades.

Throughout the span of this action packed two-hour throwback spectacular, a treasure trove of the Bee Gee’s greatest hits are brought to life with distinctive choreography and glorious vocality which exquisitely matches the originals. A few of the many stand out hits you can expect to hear throughout the span of this marvelous production include several from the smash hit film “Saturday Night Fever” such as “Stayin’ Alive,” “How Deep is Your Love,” “More Than a Woman and “Jive Talkin’.”

The Bee Gees also created legendary hits for other artists that are featured, including “Islands in the Stream” (made famous by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton), “Chain Reaction” by Diana Ross, “Woman in Love” by Barbara Streisand, and “Grease” by Frankie Valli.

Tight harmonies, unbelievable high notes, and signature charm for which the Bee Gees were known and loved all blend together to make “Back to the Bee Gees” a smash hit and a must see for all super fans of this illustrious pop group.