Less Music For Atlantic City

Atlantic City, N.J., which has seen declining revenue as neighboring states Connecticut and Pennsylvania have become gambling destinations, has found an alternative to bringing in big-name concerts.

The answer is dancing girls. The Resorts Casino Hotel has launched a show called “Moonshine Follies” that features slightly dressed dancers. The Atlantic City Hilton Resorts has variety show “Boardwalk Follies.” The Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort has “Almost Angels” featuring a lingerie-clad female group.

The Tropicana will present “Best of Broadway” and Straight No Chaser has 10 weeks at Harrah’s this summer. It’s no longer big stars in one- or two-night stands.

“Moonshine Follies” costs Resorts about $50,000 a week to produce. Many of the tickets are comps.

“It brings bodies in the door,” said Resorts President Dennis Gomes. The show averages 500 people a night on weekdays and fills the 1,300-seat theatre on weekends.

“The value of those 500 people coming in for a show is being felt from a gaming and food and beverage revenue standpoint,” he said. “We do pretty well with it. And it creates a sense of excitement and energy for the customers.”