NORFOLK, Neb. -- The magic returns to the Johnny Carson Theatre stage with the Great American Comedy Festival’s family Comedy Magic Show Thursday, June 15th, in Norfolk.

The Comedy Magic Show begins at 7 p.m. and will feature three world-class magicians, Eric Buss, Mike Caveney, and Tina Lenert.

Buss is making his debut in Norfolk after entertaining and amazing audiences worldwide. His innovative and high-energy brand of comedy and magic has earned him some of the industry’s top awards, and a reputation as one of the funniest and most original magicians working today. Buss is not a comedian telling jokes about airline food. He is not a magician wearing a bright yellow leotard. Eric is an imaginative, exciting performer with a knack for “fun.” He has appeared on America's Got Talent, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and The Late Show with David Letterman. Throughout his show, Buss invites the audience into his world where hysterical antics are brought to life.

Caveney is returning to the Carson Theatre after performing at the 2013 GACF. He has performed professionally for over fifty years and each of his original routines is perfectly suited to his dry comedic wit. He is a member of the most prestigious group of magicians in the world, The Inner Magic Circle of London, England. On two occasions he was voted Stage Magician of the Year by the members of Hollywood's Magic Castle. Mike has appeared on NBC’s World’s Greatest Magic, A&E's Story of Magic, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and The Late Late Show with James Corden. The Hollywood Reporter described him as, "...one of the funniest magicians in America.”

Lenert is also making her second appearance at the Great American Comedy Festival, after performing on the Carson Theatre Stage in 2015. She is highly regarded in the magic community. She combines mime and magic in her "Maid in Heaven" act that has won numerous awards, including stage magician of the year from the Academy of Magical Arts. For many years, she has been a regular performer at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.

The Great American Comedy Festival will continue Friday, June 16th, with the Comedy Showcase and Michael Ian Black as headliner and Saturday, June 17th, with the Festival Gala and Vicki Lawrence as headliner. Both shows are at 7 p.m. and will also feature four different stand-up comedians, along with the headliners, each evening. There is also the Adults Only, Late Night Show Friday at 10:00 p.m. at The Stables in Norfolk.

The 13th Great American Comedy Festival is presented by Nucor Steel Nebraska, Nucor Cold Finish Nebraska, Nucor Detailing Center, and Vulcraft Nebraska.

The Great American Comedy Festival is also made possible with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. The annual festival opened in 2008 to honor the legacy of Norfolk’s favorite son, Johnny Carson, who was host of NBC’s “Late Night Show Starring Johnny Carson” for over 25 years. For tickets and information, visit www.greatamericancomedyfestival.com