Bart Rockett

I start every review this way. Let me start off by saying that I am a 70-year-old trapped in a 28-year-old body. I say that because I am in love with Branson and always have been. I have vacationed in Branson almost every year since birth, and seen too many shows to remember. I consider myself a real Branson critic.

3-28-06 Heath Hawkins: Long time Branson visitors will remember the name Bart Rockett. He had a three-year run in town a few years ago at the Magical Theatre, where Kirby VanBirch now performs.

Bart was one of the first performers in that theatre and a Branson favorite that many families enjoyed.

Though Bart left Branson for a couple years, many did not even realize he was gone; they simply thought he had changed theatres.

He is back and off to a great start with a brand-new show on HWY 76.

Many shows in Branson will start with announcements of some kind. I have often thought it odd that shows would begin with eight minutes of ‘welcomes’ and ‘recognitions’, but many choose that route. Strangely enough, that is also how the Bart Rockett Show starts. However, it does not take long to figure out that this set of announcements is a little different. The author of these announcements has a strange sense of humor and you almost forget you are hearing “announcements”; and we felt the show had already started when we began laughing.

When the show does get started, you recognize that you are in for a great time over the next couple hours. Bart Rockett opens with several grand illusions. In the very first one he separates and stretches his assistant to over 12 feet in length. As I looked around the audience, people were scratching their heads in disbelief.

For the next few minutes Bart spends some time in the audience doing close-up magic with items from people in the audience. Even right in front of me! I still have no idea how he is able to do the tricks.

For the first 45 minutes of the show the entire audience is literally in a state of shock.

The kid sitting behind me kept repeating the phrase, “Grandpa, how did he do that?” That seemed to be theme as Bart moved from one magical illusion to the next.

In one illusion he shrunk himself to a two-foot mini Bart Rockett followed by a trick where he walk right though a huge spinning industrial fan. He even unpacked his assistant from a box no bigger than a one-foot square. In one illusion he is able to levitate his assistant to a height far above his head, then he also seems to rise up in the air to meet her. Unbelievable!

Though I did not know it when I arrived, Bart and I share a common home state. We are both from Arkansas. Of course, Arkansas seems to be at the brunt of many jokes ‘round town (but it is almost okay when it is coming from a fellow Arkansan). I made this discovery when Bart was telling about his past. He mentioned that he was from LA. Come to find out, he was not talking about California; he was referring to Lower Arkansas. However, there were also plenty of Bill Clinton jokes. As an Arky and a Republican, I always love a good Clinton joke.

Ventriloquism is one of Bart’s other talents. A little over halfway through the show, the audience is introduced to his nerdy, little puppet friend. It does not take long to realize how talented Bart is. The way he and the “dummy” interact with each other and the audience, you can see that they are great friends. Personally, ‘vent’ performers have always amazed me. He and his little friend kept the whole audience doubled over laughing.

Bart ends his show with a “cool” illusion and a very touching story about his g’mal (grandmother) and a friend he met at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Both individuals battled cancer. He shares how he was able to help make their dreams come true before their battle was lost. There was not a single dry eye in the theatre.

After the show I got a chance to sit down for about an hour with Bart, his wife and assistant Kammi and their new baby. We spent time talking about the show and Branson in general. The following section is part of our conversation.

Heath Hawkins: After being away for a while, why did you decide to come back to Branson?

Bart Rockett: My family is here and with the addition to our family, it just seemed like the right time. We are so happy to be back here to start our family.
Plus the theatre was available and I had the chance to be in control of my own show. When I was here before my management controlled the show. They told me when I would perform, what illusions to do, what to say and even which costumes to wear. Now I am in control of that.

Heath Hawkins: Tell me about the new show. What changes can we expect?

Bart Rockett: Like I said before, this is my show. I am in full control. I look to add new things all the time. As you saw, we are adding live music to the show. Our vocalist, Whitney Lynn, will be adding more songs and may even open the show with a song soon. We will also be adding a cast of dancers very soon. They are in rehearsals right now.

I have given up the concept of coming up with a completely new show every season. My goal is to constantly add new things. We will add new illusions and new comedy all the time. I want the show to constantly change. When fans come back to the show, there will be something they did not see the last time.

Another thing that is different is the fact that we do not have an intermission. I find that most people really do not need an intermission in a two-hour show. In most cases, the intermission is there so people will buy a cd, visit the gift shop or pick up something at the concession stand. I do not have a cd to sell, so we just blast right on through the show without an intermission. I think that many people enjoy getting out before most of the other shows.

Heath Hawkins: Over all the shows in Branson, why should a family choose yours?

Bart Rockett: We are very different. We want to be a true variety show. Not just magic. We have magic, but we also have comedy and music and we are adding dancers very soon. Plus the show will constantly change.

My show is also very bright and whimsical. You will not find anything dark or scary in the show. That makes it perfect for every age.

End

I enjoyed the Bart Rockett Show and my time with Bart’s family. He is the type of Branson entertainer that still likes to meet his fans. He will hang around as long as fans want after the show to chat or sign autographs. I left thinking, ‘What a great show and a great guy.’ I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a great time. But if you are worried about liking the show, then don’t. Bart is so sure you will love it, that he offers a 100% money-back-guarantee. Where else in entertainment do you get a promise like that?

 

Bart Rockett performs at the Bart Rockett Theatre. The theatre is located in the heart of Hwy 76. Shows vary from afternoon to evening slots throughout the season, so check their schedule for times while you are in town. For more information visit www.BartRockett.com or to reserve tickets or check the show schedule call the theatre at (417) 348-0888. Tell them that Heath from the Branson Critic Online sent you.

What do you think? Your opinion is your opinion. Let me know at hhawkins@waynesville.k12.mo.us.