Despite what you may have heard, Las Vegas is not the true “Live Entertainment Capital of the World.” That honor belongs to a small city in the Ozarks: Branson, Missouri. Home to renowned musical acts, concerts, and variety shows, you can’t go wrong with Branson’s vast selection of live entertainment. Plus, the magic shows in Branson rival any that Sin City can dish out. While many magic shows in Branson have limited runs, others are long-term staples. Whether you enjoy a dash of humor along with breathtaking illusions, or you want to be dazzled with pyrotechnics and a rock concert sort of atmosphere, you can find a magic show that will wow you in Branson.
The Best Magic Shows in Branson
The Magic and Comedy of Taylor Reed
If you want a family-friendly show with fire eating, a high-energy cast, and amazing magic tricks, you can’t go wrong with The Magic & Comedy of Taylor Reed. A practicing magician for nearly 40 years, Reed’s show is akin to a theater production, complete with a fun story-line, dancers, jaw-dropping sets, and, of course, amazing tricks that will keep you guessing. Funny and engaging throughout his shows, Reed is known for his upbeat demeanor as well as his amazing tricks and illusions. Plus, he includes the audience in his act. The magician invites children up to the stage to participate in the show, and he even uses his own white poodle in the production. The show runs about two hours and includes an intermission.
Location: Jim Stafford Theatre, 3440 West 76 Country Blvd.
Schedule: Reed performs at 3:00 p.m. most days through December 2016, with the occasional 7:30 p.m. show.
Steve Wyrick Ultra Magician
Steve Wyrick is a Merlin Award winner known for his close-up magic tricks that seem to defy logic. His all-ages Branson show is much more than card tricks, however. A daredevil as well as a magician, Wyrick saws his assistants in half and amazes the audience by making large items disappear, including motorcycles. After the show, which runs about two hours, the friendly and talented performer typically conducts a meet-and-greet with the audience and signs autographs.
Location: The Whitehouse Theatre, 2255 Gretna Rd.
Schedule: Between August and December 2016, Steve Wyrick Ultra Magician performances are held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. You can also catch the occasional 2:00 p.m. matinee on Fridays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. During the last week of December 2016, Wyrick will perform every day.
Reza Edge of Illusion Magic Show
You won’t want to miss this limited engagement! Widely considered to be one of the best magic shows in Branson, Reza’s production proves powerful and suspenseful. It even culminates with the illusionist making a helicopter appear – usually to the sound of resounding cheers from the audience. Reza is a former member of the Revollusionists and a master showman, and his “Oreo trick” is a fan favorite. He keeps the audience mesmerized throughout the show and always invites a few audience members onstage to take part in the fun.
Location: The Starlite Theatre, 3115 West 76 Country Blvd.
Schedule: You can catch the Reza Edge of Illusion Magic Show during the first two weeks of August and September, at either 2:00 or 7:30 p.m. (depending on the day).
Rick Thomas Illusionist and Magic Show
World-renowned illusionist Rick Thomas is known for wowing his audiences with the unexpected. At a run time of just under two hours with a 15-minute intermission, Thomas will amaze you at this show by floating tables and people, seemingly with his mind. Plus, kids and adults alike love that his Great Pyrenees play a part in the act. Often described by fans as an “all-around nice guy,” Thomas shares the personal stories that led to his career path as a magician, encourages audience participation, and has impeccable comedic timing. Gorgeous dancing and energetic choreography round out this family-friendly show.
Location: Andy Williams Moon River Theater, 2500 West 76 Country Blvd.
Schedule: The Rick Thomas Illusionist and Magic Show runs through October 29, 2016. Depending on the date of your visit, you can find a show at either 2:00 or 8:00 p.m.
Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show
Illusions, acrobatics, and unbelievable feats of strength are all in a day’s work for the Hamners’ team. Truly a variety show, you’ll be treated to a hilarious ventriloquist act, singing, dancing, and awe-inspiring magic tricks from the husband-and-wife duo Dave and Denise Hamner. Their majestic macaws and cockatoos play a role in the magic show, much to the audience’s delight. Plus, the Hamners always honor veterans of the armed forces during the show’s final number, “America Hold Your Head Up High.”
Location: Hamners’ Variety Theater, 3090 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway
Schedule: The Hamners perform matinee shows at 3:00 p.m. on Sundays and at 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; Mondays are dark. In November and December, the Hamners treat their audience to a special Christmas extravaganza during the show’s second half, a unique feature amongst magic shows in Branson.
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