ORLANDO, Fla., February 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment today announced it will premiere "Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation," an original live musical show featuring the characters from DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: DWA) beloved Madagascar franchise, at two of the company's parks this summer.

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Celebrating the box office success of Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted, which has grossed more than $740 million at the worldwide box office, Alex the Lion and friends will party while on vacation with guests at Busch Gardens^® and SeaWorld^® throughout 2013.

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. Additionally, special co-branded merchandise exclusive to the parks, will be available.

These two locations will be the only theme parks in the U.S. where fans can see the characters of Madagascar live. The new show "Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation" premieres in the following locations:

• Busch Gardens Tampa May 18, 2013.
• SeaWorld San Diego June 15, 2013.

The company also has the opportunity to expand the show to other parks in the SeaWorld family in the future.

"Audiences around the world have embraced the characters of Madagascar, and SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks are the ideal places for families to enjoy this immersive live entertainment experience," said DreamWorks Animation's Head of Worldwide Licensing & Consumer Products, Kerry Phelan.  "The entire creative team behind this uniquely original version of "Madagascar Live!" has done an impressive job of translating the beloved world from screen to stage, bringing it to life for young park guests and family audiences alike."

"Our parks both entertain and inspire guests to care about animals," said Scott Helmstedter, Chief Creative Officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. "Likewise, the Madagascar movies also inspire animal lovers, but in a different way with their inimitable charm and humor. We welcome these characters to our family with open arms and look forward to working with DreamWorks Animation on this incredibly funny and engaging new show."

Madagascar is one of the most successful CG animated movie franchises of all time, grossing more than $1.8 billion at the worldwide box office. In 2012 "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted," grossed over $740 million at the global box office, becoming the highest grossing film of the series.

About SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment inspires millions, through the power of entertainment, to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world. The company has been creating innovative entertainment experiences that blend imagination with nature for more than 50 years and is best known for its 11 U.S. theme parks, attractions that hosted more than 24 million guests in 2012 and include the beloved SeaWorld^®, Busch Gardens^® and Sesame Place^® brands.  The parks offer guests a variety of up-close experiences, from animal encounters that invite exploration and appreciation of the natural world, to thrilling rides and spectacular shows.  In 2011, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment began expanding its popular brands into media and entertainment platforms to connect people to nature and animals through movies, television, and digital media; plus began developing new lines of licensed consumer products. 

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is one of the world's foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care.  The company collectively cares for one of the largest animal collections in North America and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The company also rescues and rehabilitates ocean marine animals that are ill, injured and orphaned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld rescue team has helped more than 22,000 animals in need over the last four decades.  SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment employs more than 21,000 people nationwide.

SOURCE SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment