Photo Credit: Denise Truscello
The Empire Strips Back – A Burlesque Parody delivered laughs, sexy fun, and visually stunning costuming at its intergalactic debut at the Rio Hotel & Casino last month. The hilarious out of this world parody of the Star Wars universe dazzled a packed house, with galactic fans and celebrity guests celebrating May the Fourth Star Wars Day in unforgettable style.
This is an adults-only production with some attractive not of this universe women doing some good- natured bumping and grinding. While it may be titillating in some respects, there are no bare bosoms here.
However, audiences are treated to a great deal of booty-shaking in the course of the 1 ½ hour production.. Add a 20 minute break to allow for drink refills.
The dancing, choreography and costuming are Broadway caliper in the romping, roaring interplanetary production. This is a must-see for Star Wars fans, complete with a bearded Hans Solo, a humongous singing Jaba the Hutt, the loveably realistic R2D2 and of course Princess Leila.
There is a dancing Darth Vadar in stilettos along with imperial entertaining storm troopers and, of course, Chewbacca. You’ll enjoy the recognizable props including blasters and light sabers.
The show features songs and tunes familiar to those who recognize the music of Run DMC, the Backstreet Boys, Rihanna, Christian Aguilera, and others. It didn’t matter that it isn’t music that I routinely listen to — it worked.
Comedian Eric Newton provides some humor as nine female and two male dancers change their often very skimpy costumes designed to show skin and allow for ample movement as they dance.
This show has been thrilling audiences around the world prior to landing in Las Vegas. In fact, it opened simultaneously in both Vegas and London on May 4th.
It is a must see for Star Wars fans and while others might not catch all the references and nuances, it is a lively, entertaining, sexy enjoyable production. For information on days and times, check out TheEmpireStripsBack.com.
