Widely referred to as the “Live Music Show Capital of the World,” the phenomenal vacation destination of Branson, Missouri is usually associated with the dozens of quaint theater venues around the town offering a wide variety of production shows featuring great music of every style.  Whether you prefer Country Western, Broadway, Jazz, Rock & Roll,  Motown, Native American, or even Celtic Rock… Branson has a diverse line-up of live entertainment that appeals to all ages and taste in music.

Among the diverse musical options in Branson, is another form of live entertainment that is experiencing a huge resurgence of popularity across the country… the ancient Art of Ventriloquism.

Branson is home to three of the Country’s most unique comedians who have not only perfected the vocal techniques of ventriloquism, but developed and honed their skills to a point where they have achieved wide recognition for their contributions to the craft. You won’t believe your ears or eyes when you experience the live comedy performances of all three… Jim Barber, Todd Oliver and Patty Davidson.

Ventriloquist – Jim Barber

Co-star of the Hamner Barber Variety Show, comedian and vocalist Jim Barber entertains Branson audiences nightly along with his partners,  award-winning illusionists, Dave and Denise Hamner.  Their popular variety show celebrates it’s 8th Season in 2011 at the Hamner Barber Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.  Jim is not only known for his original comedy routines and one-of-a-kind puppet characters, but his vocal abilities as a singer have earned him accolades as well.

His most famous act is titled “Barber & Seville” (Jim plays the part of the little Dummy) and has been featured on every major television network in programs hosted by David Letterman, Matt Lauer, Vicki Lawrence, Jerry Lewis and many others.  Other original characters include a hilarious baby in a bag and a singing Chihuahua dog named Chico Pete.  Jim’s trademark “Ventriloquist Karaoke” also brings unsuspecting members from the audience in on the act, which leaves everyone talking… and singing!

Jim first came to Branson in 1994 as the featured comedian in the Glen Campbell Goodtime Show and later went on to appear in other Branson production shows before developing his own show with The Hamners in 2004. He has performed in every State in the Nation for nearly 2000 colleges and universities as well as in over a dozen foreign countries for the USO.   He is also a popular act for corporate events and convention groups when not appearing in Branson.  The Hamner Barber Variety Show is a must-see for anyone who loves comedy, magic, music, dance, and especially great ventriloquism performed by a master of the craft.

Ventriloquist – Todd Oliver

Todd Oliver and his three “Live Talking Dogs” have been a popular headline act in the Showboat Branson Belle’s Showstoppers! show since 1998.  Todd’s show is an irresistible blend of comical canines and clever comedy.  Beginning March 2011, Todd will star in his very own lunchtime dinner show at the Jim Stafford Theatre where he will also perform with several other characters including Pops, Miss Lilly, Joey and his outstanding Smiling Eyes Band.  The show features audience participation segments, original music and outrageous comedy.

Todd’s national tv appearances include The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, The Today Show, Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Howie Mandel Show, Walker Texas Ranger, CNN Entertainment News and others. When not performing in Branson, he entertains at major clubs, corporate meetings and conventions around the world with his unique ventriloquist show.

Ventriloquist – Patty Davidson

Patty Davidson has earned the distinction of being the first ventriloquist to perform on a regular basis in Branson, and her phenomenal skills and comedic talent have kept her working steadily throughout the years.  Well-known for her “Who’s On First” routine, Patty has been the featured comedy act in the Box Car Willie Show, the Doug Gabriel Show, the Yakov Smirnoff Show, The Osmond Family Show, The World Famous Platters Show, the Philip Wellford Show and most recently in the Dalena Ditto Classic Country Variety Show at the Tri-Lakes Center in Branson.

Patty’s performances include numerous fairs, festivals, banquets and other events throughout the United States. Along with performing in Las Vegas and Reno, she has delighted audiences during a European U.S.O. Tour and worked the Canadian Fair Circuit. She has opened for Tammy Wynette, Roy Clark, Tanya Tucker, Mel Tillis, Roger Miller, Jim Stafford, Conway Twitty, Larry Gatlin, Janie Frickie, Ray Stevens, Michael Martin Murphy, and more.

Ventriloquism Keeps ‘em Laughing in Branson!

While Jim Barber, Todd Oliver and Patty Davidson have found long term success in Branson, several other ventriloquists have also appeared on Branson stages at one time or another during their careers.   Shari Lewis, Sammy King, Brad Cummings, Jim Teter, Greg Claasen, Gary Owen, Bart Rockett, Bob Rumba and two of the most famous contemporary ventriloquist talents in the country, Terry Fator and Jeff Dunham, have all enjoyed “throwing their voices” to appreciative Branson audiences.

The incredible success and huge popularity of many of these great ventriloquists has added to the overall interest in the art-form and Branson audiences are embracing these performers with huge applause and wild laughter.

On your next visit to Branson, be sure to experience these wonderful variety artists, who, through their creative talents and vocal skills, are keeping the traditional art of ventriloquism alive and well for generations to come!

Related websites: Jim Barber, Todd Oliver, Patty Davidson

This multi-talented comedy genius has not only been a featured artist in Branson, Missouri, but also around the world on both stage and television. Spontaneous and always unpredictable, Todd’s stage show developed from his background in stand-up comedy, musical theater, circus arts and magic.

We’re proud to introduce you to this charmingly irresistible funny man, Todd Charles.

Related Websites: www.toddcharles.com

Lex Pearson is one of those multi-talented entertainers who can do it all. From performing magic, riding a unicycle, and making balloon animals to full stage rigging of curtains, lights and sound, Lex has become an invaluable asset to many theatrical productions in Branson.

As an illlusion builder, he has created props as large as an Elephant Vanish and as small as an electronic, micro-radio controlled Flea Circus. Lex is the in-house Illusion Manager for the Hamner Barber Variety Show, where he also performs his unique blend of comedy magic during his own intermission show.

Related Websites: Hamner Barber Theater