Madagascar Live! to Premier at Busch Gardens With Weekend Long Party

By Ken Storey

Busch Gardens Tampa is debuting its new stage show "Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation." The new stage show features characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Madagascar franchise. The 20-minute musical show follows the antics of Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo, King Julien, Mort and the Penguins during a vacation adventure. The show will feature rock/pop music performed by a live band and include both classic and original songs. The characters also will conduct meet and greets with park guests. The show takes place in the newly renovated, and now air conditioned (!), Stanleyville Theater. Additionally, special co-branded merchandise exclusive to the parks, will be available.

“We are thrilled to partner with DreamWorks Animation to bring the hugely popular Madagascar characters to Busch Gardens,” said park President Jim Dean. “Both Busch Gardens and DreamWorks share a core the mission to provide quality entertainment to audiences. This show is certain to have families engaged and amused and will round out the triple play of amazing shows, thrilling rides and unique animal encounters that our park delivers.”

During the weekend of May 18th and 19th Busch Gardens will feature a park wide premier party for the new show. 

Guests can join dancers and DJs throughout the park – in Stanleyville, Gwazi and Cheetah Hunt plazas – for a chance dance every hour all weekend long. Saturday night only, Gwazi field will remain open thirty minutes after park closing for more character meet and greets from 8 to 8:30 p.m. and a special fireworks presentation at 8:30 p.m.

Plus, animal expert Jack Hanna will share animal facts and his travel tales during shows at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each day of the premier weekend in Gwazi Park. Following each show Hanna will have autograph signings and audience meet and greets.