Kirby VanBurch Completes Tour of Branson Theaters

Many entertainers climb aboard their buses and take months-long tours around the country. Some even go across the ocean to entertain in different venues. But internationally-known entertainer and illusionist Kirby VanBurch jokingly claims that he is one of the only entertainers in Branson too actually tour Branson. After playing in at least nine theaters in Branson, he announced in early February 2013 that he has signed for permanent residency at a theater on the entertainment town’s world famous West 76 Highway.

Not that Kirby VanBurch has never done world tours. He has traveled 37 countries in Europe and Asia to be exact, including three Royal Command Performances. The Princess of Thailand bestowed upon him the title of “Prince of Magic,” a moniker he brought home as a headline for his performances in both Las Vegas and later, in Branson.

Although not born into royalty, Kirby developed his passion for magic at the age of a young prince. As a third grader in Houston, Texas, magic captured—and also wounded—his little boy heart. In a school assembly, a magician performed tricks. He asked for a volunteer to join him onstage. Kirby’s hand waved in the air. But the magician would only choose a fifth grader. At the end of the assembly, the magician handed each fifth grader a book that Kirby was certain contained the secrets of magic. He left school heart broken and so distraught that his mother drove him straight to a magic shop where Kirby purchased his first set of illusions. He learned every trick in the set and performed endlessly for his parents—and later for neighbors and children’s birthday parties. By the time he reached eighth grade, Kirby has so many bookings to entertain at birthday parties that he could not do them all. At that point, with the wisdom of an eighth grade adolescent, he determined he no longer needed to pursue his education.

Kirby’s psychiatrist father, practicing tough love, told him that if he quit school, he had to also leave their home. So Kirby did. He moved into a dirty little apartment in a bad part of Houston, got a job in a magic shop, somehow managed for a vehicle, and continued performing at birthday parties. After a time of getting by, he decided to load his car and head for Las Vegas. He landed a job in a small casino and started building his reputation as an entertainer. Progressively, he moved on to bigger venues. Kirby was the youngest star in the famous downtown "Glitter Gulch.” After creating the successful production "World of Magic" even greater recognition followed as Kirby VanBurch became the featured performer in the Thirty Million-Dollar Spectacular "Jubilee" at the MGM Grand Hotel. Charming audiences and management alike, he soon starred in the Reno, Nevada, extravaganza "Hello Hollywood Hello," the largest production show in the world.

The Reno/Sparks Nugget Hotel recruited the master of illusion, resulting in the highly successful show, "Alakazaam." To celebrate the opening of the Nugget’s new 20-story tower, Kirby drew national attention with a dazzling, death-defying stunt. Hoisted over 200 feet in the air by a giant construction crane, Kirby suspended himself upside down in foot shackles and a straight jacket, held aloft by a flaming rope. His successful escape eclipsed even the great Houdini. This amazing "Great Escape" later resulted in Kirby VanBurch being inducted into the "Ripley’s Believe It Or Not" museum collection.

About the time Kirby performed at The Dunes in Las Vegas, talent scouts from Branson saw his show. They invited him to open in Branson—a place totally unknown to the young, but internationally-recognized illusionist. However, he took a chance on their offer and fell in love with the nation’s live music show capital, with its people and its audiences. Once the featured illusionist on NBC’s “World’s Greatest Magic IV,” Kirby performed his signature 35-foot Bell Jet Ranger Helicopter Appearance in less than four seconds. He brought that illusion to his stages in Branson. His show has been called one of “America’s Best Magic Shows” by the Travel Channel and “Best Branson Show and “Best Branson Magic Show.” Kirby has also been voted “International Magician of the Year,” “International Entertainer of the Year,” and “Entertainer of the Year,” and “Magician of the Year” (multiple times) by the International Magicians Society. At the 2008 World Magic Awards he received the title: "World’s Best Illusionist."

Through the years, he has developed a following, especially among families who love to see both his small and grand illusions and his exotic animals, including Royal White tigers. He says, “To be able to say now that I’ve found my permanent Branson home in what was previously known as the Music City Centre is exciting. I’m ready to settle down with my cats and my other furry (and not so furry) friends.”

Located at 1835 West 76 Country Boulevard, the sign goes up announcing the Kirby VanBurch Theatre. “This theater is perfect for my show, giving an intimate setting in which I can interact with my audience.” Kirby adds, “The space allows me to do up close and personal magic and, at the same time, pull off some big illusions.”

Kirby’s show also includes mind-reading, assistants cut in half, and a girl in a cage changing into a tiger. He seamlessly moves from small illusions such as tearing a newspaper into tiny bits—and then in an instant restoring the full-page print—to the huge helicopter appearing onstage. Also starring in the Kirby VanBurch Show is Bambi VanBurch, the Princess of Magic, and the most awarded female magician of the decade.

“We’re in the process of doing some remodeling on the stage and should be able to open for shows on March 5, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.,” says Kirby. “Along with the remodel we’re adapting the illusions to the new stage. Luckily, we’re quite familiar with the theater as  Bambi was once signed to do her own show there for three months in 2009. We created special illusions for her for that engagement.”

Tickets are on sale now for the 2013 season and may be purchased by calling the theater at 417-544-9075. For more information about Kirby VanBurch, his show, and the theater go to KirbyVanBurch.com