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Blackmail, sabotage alleged by Branson magician..

Blackmail, sabotage alleged by Branson magician..

This is the continuation of a story that was a world exclusive for MAGIC NEWS  ( HERE )  By Mary Moloney for KSPR 33

Stunning stunts, tamed tigers, and illusions are at the heart of the Kirby VanBurch Show in Branson. For more than two-decades, the show has dazzled audiences in Branson.

“I have more awards than any other magician, certainly in Branson and probably in the world,” said VanBurch as he sat in his living room.

Golden statutes sit in a cabinet. As VanBurch explained, the Merlin Award is “to a magician like an Oscar is an actor to the movies.”

He has five.

“It’s a pretty cool award,” he said grinning.

It’s not the awards that have people talking. Instead, it’s a lawsuit, allegations of animal abuse, and the absence of Kirby VanBurch on a Branson stage.

“It can all end with a stroke of a pen,” he said solemnly.

To read about the animal abuse allegations, click here.

VanBurch claims his troubles started when he performed at the Music City Center Theater. During his shows, popular tricks that were staples in his act, stopped working.

“People had been sabotaging our props,” said VanBurch…

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Kirby VanBurch sues former theater..

Kirby VanBurch sues former theater..

This article by Cliff Sain in the Branson Tri-Lake Times is a follow-up to the recent article published in Magic News…. 

The company that produces Kirby VanBurch’s magic show has filed a suit in Taney County court claiming that the theater where VanBurch recently performed will not turn over property that belongs to the company, including tigers and magic tricks.

Bambi Worldwide Productions, which produced VanBurch’s show at Music City Centre, has filed for an action known as a replevin, which is a specific legal request asking the court to compel the defendants to return items allegedly belonging to the plaintiff.

VanBurch recently left Music City Centre and announced that he would start performing at another venue. However, he has not been able to perform at the new venue until they can get their equipment, the suit states.

The suit alleges that the theater is still in possession of show equipment totaling more than $100,000. That includes items such as magic tricks, rigging, animal cages and the animals themselves, including tigers.

In an unexpected twist, VanBurch himself is the defendant on one of the six counts filed by his production company. In that count, the production company claims it was not paid $2,500 per week, nor allowed access to the theater’s books as set forth in a standard engagement agreement..

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