MAY THE FARCE BE WITH YOU: Burlesque Star Wars Parody Coming to Vegas

Posted on: March 2, 2025, 11:35h. 

Last updated on: March 2, 2025, 05:35h.

Corey Levitan Read More
Expertise: Commercial Gaming, Entertainment, Expert Insight, Las Vegas, Restaurants, Las Vegas Myths.
  • “The Empire Strips Back” is a burlesque parody of the “Star Wars” films
  • It’s taking the place of another dance troupe, Chippendales, at the Rio in Las Vegas

The Chippendales have taken off from the Rio, but the taking off will continue in their former theater. “The Empire Strips Back,” a burlesque parody of the “Star Wars” cinematic franchise, moves into the 600-seater on May 4 (as in “May the Fourth be with you”).

A dominatrix Darth Vader performs a suggestive routine set to a slowed down version of the Imperial March. (Image: “The Empire Strips Back”)

Boba Fetish

The tongue-in-ass-cheek production — which kicked off in Australia in 2011 — casts voluptuous females in many of the realm’s traditionally male roles. We see C-3PO shedding her gold plating with stiff robotic moves, and a dominatrix Darth Vader taking nearly off nearly everything except her helmet.

Like traditional burlesque, its nudity is suggested, not shown.

The highlight is the “Star Wars” moment that served as a sexual awakening for Ross Geller from “Friends” and most of the other female admirers of his generation: Princess Leia, in her gold bikini from “Return of the Jedi,” strangling Jabba the Hutt with the chains he used to enslave her.

Down Underwear

Princess Leia and Jabba the Hut. (Image: “The Empire Strips Back”)

“Empire” was created by Aussie producer Russall Beattie for the 150-seat Vanguard Theatre in Sydney.

It was initially intended only to run during a three-day lull in between his other burlesque and fringe shows, but quickly became a word-of-mouth sensation that outgrew its space and hasn’t stopped running since.

“The Empire Strips Back” has been performed in dozens of American cities (currently in Chicago, San Diego, Miami, Houston and Orlando).

“We try to offer a unique experience,” Beattie said in a YouTube clip promoting the show, “You just can’t come in with a Mickey Mouse show if you’re presenting something like ‘Star Wars.’ People have expectations.”

The production is directed and choreographed by Bec Morris, who has worked with Nicki Minaj and J. Balvin.

“Star Wars is ingrained,” Beattie said. “I do think in 400 years, they’ll still be talking about ‘Star Wars’ like we talk about Shakespeare.”

Legal Light Sabers

“The Empire Strips Back” is not sponsored by, endorsed by or affiliated with George Lucas, who created the “Star Wars” movies and their characters. The same goes for Disney, the company that now owns them. Parodies are protected under US copyright and trademark law under the doctrine of fair use.

Lucas already tried suing another “Star Wars” parody — a pornographic animated film entitled “Starballz” — in 2002. But the judge dismissed Lucasfilm Ltd. v. Media Market Group Ltd., ruling that no consumer confusion exists between the production and any official “Star Wars” content.

“The Empire Strips Back” will run from May 4 through at least Aug. 24 at the former Chippendales Theater at the Rio. Ticket info is not yet available.

Check out a behind-the-scenes look at “The Empire Strips Back” as it was staged in Sydney in 2018…