ATLANTIC BEACH - A small white egg appeared, disappeared and reappeared again. It happened quickly. Most things do in the hands of magician Malcolm Puckering.

Friday Puckering gave a quick glimpse of the magic, illusion and sleight of hand that will entertain families as a show of world-class performances opens in Carteret County.

The "Stars of Magic" debuted Friday night at Jungleland in Atlantic Beach, which is re-opening its 332-seat Safari Theater in order to bring quality family entertainment to the area.

Puckering, known simply as Puck, is the headliner for this weekend's first show. He began magic at the age of 6 and has developed into a classical magician.

"My magic is very old style," he said.

But while the magic effects he incorporates into his act may be time-tested, his show is fresh and unique. "I put my own style and personality into it," he said.

 Bill Warren, who will share the bill with Puck during the debut show, adds a dash of Comedy to his Magic.

 "I do Comedy and Magic. If they laugh its Comedy, if they don't its Magic," joked Warren, who was looking forward to a night of family fun.

 "The families are here to have a good time and we want them to be talking about this for weeks," he said.

For Linda Austin, who joins the debut lineup as Muffin the clown, each show is as much fun for her as it is the audience. "We all want to give compassion and joy and this is an opportunity to do that, but I come home and feel selfish because I got back as much as I gave," she said.

While these performers will head out after the holiday debut weekend, other world-class magicians will follow and shows will be offered daily for as long into the year as the weather permits.

Richard Staub, the executive producer of the show, has put family entertainment shows of various types in venues all along the East Coast and he's looking forward to being in Atlantic Beach for the same reasons he is the others.

"What I like about it is the adults can be kids again and the kids can be kids," he said.

And while the "Stars of Magic" is in town it intends to be a good neighbor in the community, Staub said.

He said that there is a commitment to the business community that includes making all purchases, such as supplies and hotel expenses, locally. The Stars of Magic show will also make contributions from selected magic shows to local charities.

Staub said they also work to keep the costs of the shows affordable.

Tickets to the "Stars of Magic" show are $4 for children and $8 for adults. Jungleland guests can also purchase all-inclusive tickets that include admission to the park and magic show and unlimited use of park amenities such as miniature golf, amusement rides and the arcade. The all-inclusive tickets are $19.50 for children 4-18 and $21.50 for adults.

The park opens daily at 11 a.m. and the Stars of Magic show times are 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. daily.

Contact Jannette Pippin at jpippin@jdnews.com or by calling (252) 808-2275.