Kalahari Resort, Tommy Bartlett Inc.: Join forces to rock the Crystal Grand Music Theatre in Wisconsin Dells

– Wisconsin Dells’ top innovators collaborate to enhance regional entertainment offerings –

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – It’s a new day in Wisconsin Dells entertainment. Two of Wisconsin’s top entertainers, Kalahari Resorts and Tommy Bartlett, Inc., have become joint owners of the Crystal Grand Music Theatre in Wisconsin Dells. The partnership will enable Kalahari Resorts and Tommy Bartlett, Inc. to provide a wider variety of entertainment genres and draw a more diverse audience to the 2,000-seat venue.

The new ownership team plans to expand the scope of the Theatre’s entertainment offerings to include more contemporary acts, top comedians, theatrical productions, and national speakers. In addition, the unique space will be a draw for meetings and conventions business.

Over the next five months, the Crystal Grand Music Theatre, which opened in 1994, is welcoming national acts such as REO Speedwagon on April 10 (tickets still available by calling (800) 696-7999), ZZ Top and Larry the Cable Guy. Although some favorites will continue to be scheduled for performances at the Crystal Grand, the new ownership team has already begun an aggressive search to bring fresh, rising talent to the theatre.

“The Crystal Grand has entertained thousands of guests over the years and we’re looking forward to building a new level of entertainment,” said Tom Diehl, president of Tommy Bartlett, Inc. “Both of our companies have played lead roles in the emergence of Wisconsin Dells as an entertainment destination, and our work on the Crystal Grand will be no exception.”

The new team plans to make significant internal and external improvements and modifications to make the Crystal Grand a sought after entertainment destination, including the addition of noteworthy food and beverage options and outlets. Most immediately, wine and beer selections will be expanded while food options will be upgraded. Culinary delights will also include Kalahari Resort’s signature desserts which are prepared by the resort’s in-house pastry chef.

“For the last decade, Kalahari Resorts has been proud to offer a unique entertainment experience in Wisconsin Dells,” said Todd Nelson, president and owner of Kalahari Resorts which is known for its innovative indoor and outdoor waterparks. “We are thrilled to put the same kind of determination and creativity into the Crystal Grand Music Theatre.”

For more information, please contact: Shannon McCarthy, (952) 401-0125 x2

About Kalahari Resort-Wisconsin Dells

Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells is a “world-away” waterpark experience in the heart of the Midwest. Situated along I-90/94, the authentically African-themed Kalahari Resort greets Wisconsin Dells visitors with a sneak peek of its colorful web of award-winning outdoor and indoor waterpark slides, attractions, and activities. The resort is home to America’s largest indoor waterpark, and offers more than one million gallons of water fun, 110,000-square-foot Indoor Theme Park, 742 guestrooms, 10 stand-alone five bedroom suites, the full-service Spa Kalahari and Salon, a fully equipped fitness center, on-site restaurants including Kahunaville, unique retail shops, a 15-screen cinema and 100,000-square-foot convention center.

Kalahari also features Trappers Turn, a 27-hole award-winning golf course. A second Kalahari Resort is located in Sandusky, Ohio. For reservation and guest information, call 1-877-KALAHARI (525-2427) or visit: http://www.KalahariResorts.com. To review Kalahari Resort’s electronic press kit, go to http://www.kalahariresortsgobig.com

About Tommy Bartlett, Inc.

Founded in 1948, Tommy Bartlett, Inc. is comprised of the Tommy Bartlett Show and Tommy Bartlett Exploratory. Along with other corporate endeavors, Tommy Bartlett, Inc. has provided quality entertainment and service to millions worldwide. Founder Tommy Bartlett was in the entertainment business for more than 71 years, having brought his water-ski and boat show to Wisconsin Dells in 1952. Upon Bartlett’s death in 1998, his long-time business partners Tom and Margaret Diehl, took on full ownership of Tommy Bartlett, Inc. The Tommy Bartlett Show is a 90-minute, live show featuring a combination of fast-paced water skiing, thrilling stage performances, breathtaking feats, family-friendly comedy, dazzling staging and light and water displays. The Tommy Bartlett Show performs daily, rain or shine, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend (May 28 – Sept. 5, 2010). Shows are offered at 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. (May 28 – 8:30 p.m. show only). The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is a year-round attraction that features more than 150 hands-on activities ranging from mind-boggling puzzles using simple blocks to computerized toys that use virtual reality and simulation technologies. For more information, call (608) 254-2525 or visit: http://www.tommybartlett.com.