On May the Fourth, fans of the intergalactic universe flocked to the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for the highly anticipated debut of ‘The Empire Strips Back,’ a burlesque parody that merges sci-fi with comedic flair.
The adult-only production delivered laughs and sexy fun with a visually stunning showcase of costuming, captivating both Star Wars enthusiasts and celebrity guests celebrating the iconic Star Wars Day.
This unique rendition is packed with humor and includes an array of delightful performances, featuring attractive characters engaging in good-natured bumping and grinding—though the production maintains a playful charm, steering clear of any explicit nudity.
Instead, audiences were treated to a vibrant display of dancing, with plenty of booty-shaking during the 1 ½ hour performance, plus an additional 20-minute intermission for refreshments.
The choreography and costuming demonstrated Broadway caliber in this playful romp through the galaxy, making it a must-see for dedicated Star Wars aficionados.
Highlights of the performance include a charismatic bearded Han Solo, a larger-than-life Jabba the Hutt, a hilariously animated R2D2, and Princess Leia, alongside an unexpected twist with a helmeted dancing Darth Vader portrayed as a remarkably sexy woman in stilettos.
The cast also paid homage to fan-favorite characters such as Chewbacca, and introduced a lively rendition of a singing Jabba the Hutt—an experience you simply must witness live.
The musical selections are familiar to the audience, as the show incorporates popular tunes from artists like Run DMC, the Backstreet Boys, Rihanna, and Christina Aguilera, creating an engaging atmosphere even for those who don’t usually listen to these genres.
Comedian Eric Newton adds an element of humor to the mix, providing levity during costume changes that keep the pacing lively and entertaining.
The talented cast members include Gabrielle Potapenko as Boba, Kennedy Sciarini as R2D2 Leia, Jasmyn as Jedi, Reese Schwarzentraub as Vader, and Eric Newton as the host.
Additional performances were brought to life by stormtroopers Mocha Mullins, Bobbi Barricella, Annaka Vong, and Joanne Daquigan, creating a dynamic ensemble.
‘The Empire Strips Back’ has made waves around the globe prior to its Las Vegas launch, initially debuting in a small, 150-seat bar in Sydney for a limited run.
Now, the show boasts three simultaneous productions touring North America and has entertained more than 300,000 audience members, including a viral feature from Huffington Post that garnered over 20 million views.
In conjunction with its premier in Las Vegas, another performance opened simultaneously in London, showcasing its international appeal.
Originally touring in rock clubs like an indie band, this show has transitioned to a theatrical hit, selling out engagements across prominent cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Boston.
The show’s previous run at Hollywood’s Montalban Theatre in 2022 further solidified its status, leading to successful runs in international cities such as Paris, Montreal, Toronto, and Mexico City.
‘The Empire Strips Back’ is produced by Foster Entertainment and Neil Gooding Productions, in collaboration with Fever, and was created by Russall S. Beattie.
This vibrant, quality production is a comedic celebration that will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences in Las Vegas for the foreseeable future.
For more information regarding show times and dates, fans are encouraged to check ‘The Empire Strips Back’ or the Rio Las Vegas website.
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