News Summary
A new burlesque parody titled ‘The Empire Strips Back’ has launched at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, providing a humorous take on the Star Wars franchise. This adults-only production features a cast of talented performers, engaging dance numbers, and a mix of chart-topping music, delighting both Star Wars fans and general audiences. With positive feedback emphasizing its humor and strong performances, the show has become a must-see attraction for visitors, celebrating talent and engaging entertainment in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas – “The Empire Strips Back – A Burlesque Parody” officially launched at the Rio Hotel & Casino on May the Fourth, thrilling an enthusiastic crowd of galactic fans and celebrity guests. This adults-only production is a humorous take on the beloved Star Wars franchise, designed to entertain audiences with witty performances and themed dance numbers, all without bare bosoms, emphasizing “booty-shaking” instead.
The show, which runs for approximately 1½ hours with a 20-minute intermission for drinks, captures the essence of the Star Wars universe in an engaging and uproarious manner. Featured characters include a bearded Han Solo, a dancing Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Jabba the Hutt, R2D2, and a host of stormtroopers, all brought to life through plush costumes and Broadway-quality choreography. Under the comedic guidance of host Eric Newton, who kept the energy high during costume changes, the show showcased a mix of familiar chart-topping music, featuring tracks from artists such as Run DMC, Backstreet Boys, Rihanna, and Christina Aguilera.
The production marked a significant milestone for the burlesque parody as it opened simultaneously with its London counterpart, having transformed from a small independent show in Sydney into a touring phenomenon that has sold over 300,000 tickets across major cities, including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and San Diego. This trajectory illustrates the show’s growing popularity and its appeal beyond the traditional fan base of the Star Wars series.
A cast of talented performers brought the story to life, with Gabrielle Potapenko playing Boba, Kennedy Sciarini portraying R2D2 Leia, Jasmyn as Jedi, Reese Schwarzentraub as Vader, and Newton taking on the role of host. The stormtroopers added to the spectacle with performers Mocha Mullins, Bobbi Barricella, Annaka Vong, and Joanne Daquigan rounding out the ensemble.
The feedback for “The Empire Strips Back” has been overwhelmingly positive, resonating well with both Star Wars enthusiasts and general audiences alike. It has been praised for its humor and strong engagement with the audience, making it a must-see experience for visitors to Las Vegas, regardless of their familiarity with the sci-fi saga. The production is noted for celebrating sexual agency and showcasing strong female performances while playfully flipping traditional roles found within the films.
Patrick Miller, President and CEO of Rio Hotel & Casino, expressed enthusiasm for the show, highlighting its spectacular elements and comedic flair as key attractions. The production’s elaborate props and theatrical presentations enhance the overall enjoyment, creating a vibrant and amusing atmosphere that aims to resonate with viewers universally, regardless of their background or knowledge of Star Wars.
The burlesque parody has successfully carved out a place in Las Vegas, drawing in crowds eager for lighthearted yet captivating entertainment. With its unique blend of pop culture references, humor, and a celebration of talent, “The Empire Strips Back” promises to deliver an experience that will likely be fondly remembered by attendees long after the final curtain falls.
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Additional Resources
- Splash Magazines
- Las Vegas Weekly
- Outkick
- Broadway World
- 8 News Now
- Wikipedia: Star Wars
- Google Search: Empire Strips Back
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Star Wars
- Google Scholar: Empire Strips Back
- Google News: Empire Strips Back
