NEW BUSCH GARDENS SHOW
TAKES TO THE STREETS

Festivale Italiano! Celebrates All Things Italian

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (June 16, 2009) -- Busch Gardens is throwing a party and everyone is invited. Taking its inspiration from Carnival celebrations held the world over, Busch Gardens presents Festivale Italiano!. Set to the pulsating rhythm of a Venetian street festival, this colorful, fast paced extravaganza begins with impromptu performances held throughout the Italy section of the park. It culminates in a high-energy street parade that sweeps through the winding pathways of the park's San Marco village three times daily. This guest-engaging spectacular leads to the Italy pavilion where the energy spills off its redesigned stage and into the audience for a finale that will amaze guests and leave them wanting more.

"Festivale Italiano! represents a departure from our regular productions. It was designed from the start with guest interaction in mind," said Scott Gasparich, vice president of entertainment for Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. "The infectious energy that comes from this street-style performance is sure to create lasting memories for the young and the young at heart."

Festivale Italiano! debuted June 13 and runs through Aug. 16 with three shows daily, except Mondays, starting in Busch Gardens' San Marco village. The family-friendly show replaces Viva Italia and the Starlight Orchestra with an all-new production featuring 36 singers, dancers, musicians and performers, including an "art attack" painter, a ping-pong ball juggler and a "magical" face changer that must be seen to believe.

Busch Gardens is a Worlds of Discovery®. Other Worlds of Discovery include Water Country USA in Williamsburg; Busch Gardens in Tampa, Fl.; the SeaWorld parks in San Diego, San Antonio and Orlando, Fl.; Sesame Place near Philadelphia; Discovery Cove in Orlando; Adventure Island in Tampa; and Aquatica, SeaWorld's water park, in Orlando.

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