ous, but Paul still can't stand still. He paces the backstage walkway going over and over the act in his head.

6:05 Co-producer Jim McCawley asks Paul if he can do more time if needed. It's decided that he will do the 7-1/2 minutes at the table then go sit on the panel for one more minute and maybe a trick.

6:08 Pete Fountain is introduced.

6:13 Paul picks up his act box (the lidless case) and checks one more time that everything is in place. In the center of the box is a small piece of paper. Written on it is a reminder: "Slow downÉ SmileÉ Be excited!"

6:16 Pete Fountain is finished and we're in commercial. Paul is escorted to the area just off stage. His props are set by a stagehand, as Paul takes one last look in the mirror provided.

6:19 Johnny Carson introduces him and it's showtime.

6:26 Paul completes the act and it's back to commercial. He and Johnny return to the panel ready for the final minute of the show.

6:27 As it turns out, they did not need additional time from Paul. Johnny briefly thanks each guest, announces who will be joining him tomorrow, and says good night.

7:05 After calling his wife again, changing and visiting with a few friends and relatives, it's back into the limo for the ride back to the hotel. In just a few hours, nearly 12 million people will have seen him work. Not bad for an afternoon. Plus, he picked up a dollar bill from the stage manager and a twenty from Carson.

© 2005 MAGIC, The Magazine For Magicians. [click to return to cover page]