Hamners Unbelievable Variety Show

Hamners' Unbelievable Variety Show is built around master illusionists Dave and Denise Hamner, whose signature acts include levitating 15 feet above a bed of spikes and working with trained parrots. Around them is a supporting cast that spreads the evening across genres: Jeff Brandt as a singing impressionist, vocalist Tamra Tinoco, aerialist Mariya Serykh, Anthony Soumiatin on the Cyr wheel, and Johnny Lonestar with trick roping and whip artistry, who also hosts the pre-show. The show opens with a Grand Illusion and closes with a patriotic finale. It runs about two hours including a short intermission at Hamners' Variety Theater, 3090 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, just off Highway 76, with free on-site parking. Most evenings are at 8:00 PM, with select Sunday matinees, and the pre-show begins 15 minutes before curtain. The theater describes it as family-friendly for all ages, and it includes the lighting and sound effects typical of live theater. Non-flash photography is allowed but video is not, and a meet and greet follows the show. In the holiday season the theater runs Hamners' Unbelievable Christmas Magic Show from November 3 to December 30. For visitors who want one show that combines magic, music, and circus-style acts, this is a strong all-rounder.

The strength of a variety show is that it does not ask you to commit to one taste. If the magic does not land for someone in your group, the aerial work, Cyr wheel, impressions, and trick roping give them something else to watch, and the pacing keeps each act short. The Hamners are the through-line: the illusions are the spine of the evening, and the husband-and-wife team frame the show with an easy, family-friendly style rather than the edgy tone of some television magicians.

The cast list is unusually diverse for Branson. Jeff Brandt covers the impressions and singing, Tamra Tinoco handles vocals, Mariya Serykh performs aerial work, Anthony Soumiatin performs on the Cyr wheel, a large metal ring that he spins and rides, and Johnny Lonestar brings roping and whip skills as well as hosting the pre-show. Together they make a show that appeals to grandparents, children, and teenagers at the same table. The patriotic finale is a standard Branson closing note, and it lands warmly with the audience the venue draws.