King of Illusions - Kirby VanBurch

As a working newspaper for a chain of newspapers in Arkansas, I make frequent trips to Branson and use the opportunities to obtain research and resource information for travel articles and columns for our publications.

Although I have been aware of Kirby Van Burch and his theatre of magic for over a decade, the timing never seemed to work out so we could take in a performance of his show. Recently, on a weekend visit to the area, we made a point of attending a matinee performance of his show to appease a pair of our grandchildren who accompanied us on the trip.

Rest assured, it won’t be another decade before we see the show again. In fact, Kirby Van Burch -The Price of Magic will be permanently etched on our Branson itinerary each time we decide to brave the weekend traffic and make the drive from our home in western Arkansas.

As a frequent traveler, I have seen several illusionist and magicians in settings from Las Vegas to California’s Magic Castle. I have attended performances by David Copperfield, David Blaine, Ryan Joyce, the Pendragon’s, Joseph Tran and the late Doug Henning as well as most shows in Branson and Eureka Springs over the years.

None of those performers, while great sat what they do, ever entertained me the way Kirby and Bambi Van Burch did on a recent hot Saturday afternoon.

Being a fan of magic, I’m fully aware of how many of the illusions are performed. The key to a great magical performance is the suspension of belief that comes with master craftsmanship that makes the show seem seamless, and the ability to perform seemingly impossible feats in certainly impossible settings.

Kirby Van Burch delivers. From small scale tricks to grand illusions, Van Burch and his squad of assistants seemingly make the impossible happen. After each illusion, my wife turned to me in awe and uttered the famous “how did he do that?”. Except for explaining a few illusions based on age-old techniques, I was unable to answer her question.

Ultimately, I was left with a two word explanation - "It’s magic!"

Fast paced, humorous, well staged and great entertainment for all ages, the Kirby Van Burch show is an artistic endeavor that will leave spectators breathless as they await the next trick. Van Burch has a magnetic personality, as does his beautiful and talented wife Bambi, who is an essential element to the performance and strong stage presence as well.

Do you believe in unicorns? Do you think it’s possible for a woman to float on air? Can tigers and panthers be materialized from thin air? And where did that helicopter come from?

It was refreshing to see a show based in family values and Van Burch’s profession of his religion and beliefs from the stage carries a simple sincerity that elevates him above all the other “family entertainers” in the region. He interacts well with his audience, including the fact that he makes no claim of being “magical” but explains that everything you have seen in the show is merely an illusion and that “only God can do magic”.

It’s the best two hours I have ever spent in a theatre setting in my life. I’m sure it will be yours as well.

My lone complaint against Kirby Van Burch could be considered a case of false advertising. His promotional people need to upgrade him from Prince of Magic to King of Illusions.

-Dennis McCaslin

Bookmark this page by hitting Ctrl+D