In an effort to attract women to the casinos, entertainment managers are looking to the pages of old Tiger Beat and 16 magazines. Thirty years ago, the teenage fan magazines featured photo spreads and cover articles on teen idols like David Cassidy, Donny Osmond, and Rick Springfield.

Today, the casinos are giving baby boomer women the chance to relive some of their childhood as the former teen idols are now headlining performers.

David Cassidy

The man best-known as Keith Partridge from television’s The Partridge Family has made one of the most successful jumps to life as a casino performer. Although he gained respect and new-found recognition through his work with major Las Vegas show productions, David Cassidy decided to return to performing his music. His casino shows are played to sellout crowds of forty- and fifty-year-old screaming women.

More Teen Idols Finding New Stardom

Casinos have proven to be an ideal venue for former stars wishing to make a comeback. Casino entertainment has long been famous for its lounge acts, a performance style that is perfect for these now-middle-aged pop stars. The average female casino patron is in her mid-to-late forties, a woman who would have been a teenager when these former stars were at the peak of their fame. These are the casino patrons who see the names on the marquis and jump at the chance to buy the tickets. It turns out to be a win-win situation for everyone involved.

When the Real Stars Aren’t Available

Part of a casino’s charm is its ability to transform reality. Not only do the casinos create their own little universe with theme and décor but also with the entertainment on their stages.

One of the most popular types of shows in casinos around the country is the impersonator. Shows like Legends in Concert, which has companies in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, feature look-alike and sound-alike performers impersonating all types of famous musical acts. Knowing that nostalgia is a huge draw for a baby boom audience, these shows highlight the stars from the audience’s youth. Dead stars come to life. Former stars still alive but no longer touring get their time on stage as well.

Casinos are a way to disappear from the stress of real life. It only makes sense that a female patron has the chance to be a teenager again while she lustfully screams over her teen idol.