Kirby VanBurch

Kirby VanBurch, star of NBC’s World’s Greatest Magic, began his magical career at age 7 in Houston, Texas, after attending a magic show. During the show the magician called for volunteers. An enthusiastic Kirby was heart broken as the older children were called to the stage and then rewarded for their help with booklet’s claiming to contain all the magical secrets of that day’s performance. When Kirby’s mother arrived she found him in tears about the booklet he never received. In the beginning Kirby mastered simple tricks and then tested bigger and harder illusions.. He fondly recalls, "I discovered magic as a child, a time when you still don’t know your own limitations... I’ve never let go of that."

Kirby migrated to Las Vegas and was the youngest star in the famous down town "GLITTER GULCH". After creating the successful production "World of Magic" even greater recognition followed as Kirby VanBurch was the featured performer in the Thirty Million-Dollar Spectacular "Jubilee" at the MGM Grand Hotel. Enchanting audiences and management alike, Kirby was soon staring 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 Nuggets new 20- story tower, Kirby drew national attention with a dazzling, death-defying stunt. Hoisted 20 stories in the air by a giant construction crane, Kirby was suspended upside down in foot shackles and a straight jacket, held aloft by only a flaming rope. His successful escape eclipsed even the great Houdini. This amazing "Great Escape" would later result in Kirby VanBurch being inducted into the "Ripley’s Believe It Or Not" museum collection.

International acclaim soon followed and VanBurch was invited to appear through out Europe and Asia. After three royal command performances for the King of Thailand, Kirby received a personal invitation from the Royal Palace. It was there that the princess of Thailand bestowed the Royal title "Prince of Magic" upon Kirby VanBurch.

Kirby returned home to Las Vegas where he headlined at the Aladdin hotel for seven years. Then in 1992, Kirby moved his award-winning show to Branson, Missouri. In 1993, he was awarded the AAMA’s “Branson’s Show of the Year”. Over the last 17 years Kirby’s show has received a multitude of awards and accolades including 2001 International Entertainer of the Year and 1999 International Magician of the Year from the International Society of Magicians. Kirby has several exotic animals in his show including a spotted leopard, a black leopard, an orange Bangle tiger, lions, and Royal White Bengal Tigers. Kirby is also known for his signature illusion – making a helicopter appear in 3-seconds flat. This is the world’s largest, fastest illusion.

While Kirby has traveled the world visiting and performing in over 37 countries, he has also played at many of the Branson theaters. In fact he often jokes that he is the “only entertainer in town permanently touring Branson.” In 2006, Kirby returned to one theater that he now calls home. Located at 1835 W 76 Country Blvd the Kirby VanBurch Theatre has a striking design and the lobby features a sword in stone trick, massive posters of special illusions, and other interesting features. The Kirby VanBurch Theatre is also home to Kirby’s cats and other animal friends. After the show visitors may even take a backstage tour.

Kirby continues to add new illusions each year to his show. His show is so popular that many visitors return again and again to get an up close look at all the different illusions. It’s been said about Kirby, “Millions have been amazed…now it’s your turn!”