IT'S MAGIC: SUNDAY SHOW WILL FEATURE FIVE NOTABLE MAGICIANS

It may be magic but it's no illusion: five accomplished magicians will perform in Cape Girardeau Sunday in a show that will entertain the whole family.

Bill Coomer, a professional magician who is based in Cape Girardeau, will be a featured performer at the show along with Leo Behnke, known professionally as LEO, and area magicians Eric "Wiz" Wingo, Anthony Zappa and Andy Leonard.

LEO specializes in close-up magic using cards and other props. He is a veteran performer and house magician for the Magic Castle in Hollywood, Calif. He also worked as a magic creator for the travelling "Disney on Parade" show and stage productions for two world's fairs.

LEO's "magic hands" have appeared in numerous television shows and commercials, including "Quincy," "The John Davidson Show," and "Trick & Treat with the Magic Hands."

He has also written several books and taught magic to actors and actresses for specific movie roles. But he said he enjoys working closely when he's performing.

"I like to work with the audience," LEO said. "You never know what's going to happen next."

Coomer said the two-hour show will feature several different types of magic, from illusions to escapes to close-up tricks.

"That's one of the great things about magic," he said. "There are so many different types that can be performed."

The show will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday at Academic Auditorium on the Southeast Missouri State University campus. In addition to the magicians, clowns will entertain children before the show.

Tickets will be available at the door and are $4. For tickets in advance call 334-0788.