News: BGW Announces new VP

Posted at 12:46 AM EDT (0446 GMT)

Jul. 19th, 2005 -- Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA have appointed Shari McGhee as vice president of entertainment.  McGhee brings extensive entertainment experience to the Williamsburg adventure parks.

McGhee began her career at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in 1986 and most recently served as director of creative services.  Receiving her master of fine arts in technical theater from the University of Arizona, McGhee utilizes her creativity and expertise in costume design in the parks' many productions.

"Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA have a reputation for quality, top-notch performances.  We want each performance to be the best for our guests," said McGhee.

In preparation for the 2001 opening of Ireland at Busch Gardens, McGhee and her team flew to the real Emerald Isle to make custom-designed costumes for the dancers and musicians starring in "Irish Thunder."

"In just 10 days, we fit and altered 170 intricately-crafted costumes.  One complete set of costumes were custom-fitted, sewn and ready to wear within the first two days of our arrival," said McGhee.  "These costumes are just one example of the hard work and dedication that goes into every production at Busch Gardens Williamsburg."

In her new role, McGhee will oversee all production aspects of the parks' mainstage shows like "Irish Thunder" and "Imaginique," as well as strolling entertainment and street-side performances like The Boogie Band and "One Last Jamm."

Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA are Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks.  Other Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks include Busch Gardens and Adventure Island in Tampa Bay; SeaWorld Adventure Parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Sesame Place, a children's play park near Philadelphia; and Discovery Cove in Orlando, a family vacation experience featuring interaction with dolphins and other marine animals.

For more than 40 years, the Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks have demonstrated a commitment to wildlife preservation and education.  The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund allows guests and companies to help support field research, animal rescue, education and habitat conservation.