Hersheypark Features Hot Entertainment in 2008
Hersheypark is hot this summer! As it debuts Fahrenheit, its 11th roller coaster, the Park also offers a cool array of stellar entertainment to delight and dazzle every member of the family. And fans of the Hershey’s Product Characters will be thrilled to learn that their favorite characters will be more visible at Hersheypark this season. Fresh off an award‐winning 2007 season, the Hersheypark Entertainment Department is once again teaming up with Matt Davenport Productions of Nashville, Tennessee, and SRO Associates of San Antonio, Texas. Both production companies received “Big E” Awards, which honor the best work in live entertainment and special event production, at the 2007 International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) annual industry convention last November. Matt Davenport Productions began its partnership with Hersheypark in the 2005 season by introducing “The Milkmen,” which won a “Big E” Award in 2007 and is now returning for an amazing fourth season at the Park. Matt Davenport Productions is also producing three other shows for the Park this year. The stage at the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre will heat up as SRO Associates, a full‐service entertainment production company whose 2007 partnership with Hersheypark garnered a “Big E” Award last year, brings a sizzling percussion performance and a reworking of the timeless tale of Beauty and the Beast. Guests can cool off and chill out at the Hersheypark Aquatheatre, where high‐
dive artists perform acrobatic feats and California sea lions join in the fun. For the third
season, Hersheypark is teaming with Mirage Entertainment of City of Industry, California, for this educational and entertaining marine presentation. Also based in California, Walt Straiton Productions has worked with the Park for many years in creating live music shows and strolling bands that boast unique sounds and incredible energy. This year the company has three productions in the Park. All Park performances have been updated and refreshed for the 2008 season. For many of the Park’s younger guests, the coolest part of coming to Hershey is seeing the Hershey’s Product Characters in action. Here’s where those guests can find their favorites this year: • Mr. Hershey’s Bar and Ms. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup will greet arriving guests at the Outpost retail store near the Park’s entrance. • The Hershey’s Kiss has found a new home at “Kiss Korner” near the Kissing Tower in the Park’s Minetown section. • Hershey’s Product Characters will meet and greet guests and pose for pictures in all themed areas of the Park. Times and characters will be announced daily. • Four Product Characters will appear at all five daily performances of “The Soda Pops” along Music Box way. (See below for show description.) Here’s the entertainment that Hersheypark proudly offers for the 2008 season: Beyond the Dragon Gate Chevrolet Music Box Theatre Produced by SRO Associates The strength and daring of both athletic and circus performers combine in a sensory journey to tell a classic love story. This cirque‐type show features acrobats, gymnasts, dancers and aerial artists in a unique entertainment experience. Lightning Strike Chevrolet Music Box Theatre Produced by SRO Associates Music and rhythm actually take flight in this tribute to percussion that is reminiscent of the Blue Man Group. The show moves at lightning speed as both dancers and drummers take the audience to a new level of musical enjoyment and wonder.
Ultimate Road Trip Show Amphitheatre Produced by Matt Davenport Productions A talented cast of 12 singers and dancers embarks on the ultimate road trip. They experience the magic of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, and then head toward the salsa of South Beach. The gang stops at Graceland and then goes on to “Viva Las Vegas.” The trip is an adventure that reminds us that life is about the journey, not the destination. Wild Country Hatfield Country Grill Produced by Matt Davenport Productions It’s Saturday night and the joint is jumpin’ down at Wild Country, the hottest country‐music club around. Join the cast of eight talented singer/dancers as they move to country music’s chart‐topping hits and a collection of jukebox classics. Never Second Fiddle Hatfield Country Grill Produced by Walt Straiton Productions Experience a blend of bluegrass, newgrass and hard‐swinging country fiddle music with time‐honored classic favorites, great vocal harmonies and a dazzling array of musical showmanship. The Great Candy Caper Aquatheatre Produced by Mirage Entertainment Scales Washburn and his comical gang of divers are back, and the priceless “chocolate pearl” is missing! Join in the frenzied, non‐stop action that will keep the audience members on the edge of their seats as sea lion detectives solve the most baffling mystery in Hershey. The Milkmen Milkmen Stage (across from Chevrolet Music Box Theatre) Sponsored by Mid‐Atlantic Dairy Association, Rosenberger’s Dairies and Hershey’s Syrup Produced by Matt Davenport Productions “Rosie” the milk truck pulls up to deliver Hershey’s favorite milkmen. They’ll keep seats shaking as the rhythm flows with tunes from yesterday and today. It does a body good!
The Soda Pops Shakey’s Patio Produced by Walt Straiton Productions Though this band has been a favorite among Park guests for the past several seasons, the show has been completely changed and is now even hotter for 2008. Enjoy the great “horn band” music of the ‘70s and ‘80s, featuring the music of Chicago; Earth, Wind and Fire; and Phil Collins. This high‐energy band with outstanding vocal talent grooves on stage while the Hershey’s Product Characters interact with the audience. The Boardwalkers Strolling in the Boardwalk Area Produced by Matt Davenport Productions Cruising in their customized dune buggy and accessorized with surfing gear, The Boardwalkers play all the great Atlantic Coast beach music for guests chillin’ at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark. The Candy Rappers Strolling at the Park’s Entrance Produced by Walt Straiton Productions Begin the day in a sweet way with the confectionery tunes of The Candy Rappers, who will be wearing fun new costumes this season. Enjoy favorites including “I Want Candy,” “Sugar, Sugar” and many more. Trash Time Strolling through the Park Produced by Walt Straiton Productions Watch as this crazy crew turns the Park midway into a stage by using trashcans, mops, brooms and anything else they can find and transform into musical instruments. Ice Breakers Strolling through the Park Produced by Hersheypark The newest addition to Hersheypark will entertain guests in ride queues with music ranging from the ‘50s to current jazz and pop tunes. This vocal ensemble will surely whet the musical appetite of any chocolate lover. ###
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