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   At the tender age of seven, Heber Springs native Michael Wilkinson was
bitten by a magical bug. With a little trick involving nesting boxes, rubber
bands, and a single penny, his grandfather set Michael on a magical
journey. Intrigued by illusion, Wilkinson's early attempts to learn his craft
involved focused scrutiny of every David Copperfield special his VCR could
capture.

   Perhaps the difference between a committed dabbler and a master is
stumbling into the right place at the right time. As an adult, Wilkinson
discovered the largest magic store in the country, Mr. Magic, right here in
Little Rock. Owner Jim Henson showed him the Incredible Traffic Light trick,
and "that got me addicted to magic," said Wilkinson.

   Since that fateful day, Wilkinson has attentively cultivated the art of
illusion and mentalism. Wilkinson discovered and has become an active
member of Little Rock's Ring 29 of the International Brotherhood of
Magicians. Lately, he has been busy wowing crowds at private parties and
public places. He's even been waking folks up via early morning radio
shows. His bag of tricks is versatile enough to customize shows to entertain
the short attention spans of youngsters, baffle the sharpest skeptical adults
and even impress a mixed crowd. He does not claim any supernatural gifts,
only the ability to make you think he does. "I use all five of my senses to
make it appear that I have a sixth sense," said Wilkinson.

   All of his hocus-pocus honing has led to the production of Illusions and
Mentalism, a DVD display of Wilkinson's abilities. In the DVD , the able
magician is followed around by a production crew. They visit several local
eateries and unsuspecting bystanders. The upbeat production showcases
Wilkinson trapping a signed quarter in a full can of soda, throwing a playing
card through a solid glass window and landing it firmly on the other side, as
well as pure, unadulterated mind reading.

   Through sheer magic, or at least magical performances, Wilkinson has
become connected to the silver screen. He is currently burning up the roads
between Little Rock and western Tennessee for his debut acting role in a
psychological thriller. Wilkinson does not play a magician in this upcoming
film, but he does appear in what has become his signature hue: black. The
Gopher Broke produced film is shooting under the working title of Birthrite
and should appear in theatres this spring.

   Wilkinson can be caught performing his Mentalism at Argenta Coffee
Company on Friday, November 10 at 8 p.m. Admission is $7. Call
372-3670 for details.

   Check out Michael Wilkinson at www.wilkinsonmagic.com or book him for
your next gathering by calling 501-766-1555.