By Debbie Hall
Las Vegas thrives on spectacle, but inside the Rio Hotel and Casino, The Empire Strips Back has carved out a universe entirely its own. Equal parts sci-fi parody, comedy and burlesque extravaganza, the wildly popular production transforms a galaxy far, far away into a cheeky adults-only playground packed with dazzling costumes, outrageous humor and high-energy performances.
Fans cheer loudly from the moment the lights dim. Stormtroopers strut, iconic characters tease the audience and the entire production leans into a playful wink at Star Wars while delivering an unexpectedly glamorous night of entertainment. Ridiculous, seductive and undeniably funny, the show has become one of Las Vegas’ most talked-about alternative productions.
On May 4 — appropriately celebrated worldwide as “May the Fourth Be With You” Day — The Empire Strips Back marked its first anniversary in Las Vegas.
While the production may feel perfectly built for the entertainment capital of the world, the show’s origins were far more modest. It began about 15 years ago in a small music venue in Sydney, Australia, where it quickly developed a devoted following.
Director Russell Beatty was the key creator behind the original production. Producer David J. Foster licensed the show three years ago and launched it in San Francisco, where it became an immediate success. From there, the phenomenon expanded internationally with touring productions and runs in New York City, Denver, London, Paris and Mexico City.
“The great thing about the show is the audience on a Tuesday night is as loud as the audience on a Saturday night,” Foster said. “There’s something about the show that people just love. It always gets an insane reaction, and it’s a very broad audience.”
Although devoted Star Wars fans regularly fill the theater, Foster said the show’s appeal extends well beyond sci-fi enthusiasts.
“We get the sci-fi fans and maybe the nerdy end of the spectrum,” he said, laughing. “But it’s not exclusively for that audience. People really connect to it, and there’s always a great reaction in Las Vegas every night.”
One of the show’s featured performers, dance captain Max Francisco, has watched the production’s popularity grow firsthand. Originally from Australia, Francisco first saw the show years ago and eventually joined the cast two years ago after moving to Las Vegas a decade ago.
“My friends were in the show, so I went to watch it, and I thought it was hilarious,” Francisco said.
A veteran performer with more than two decades in the entertainment industry, Francisco said she never imagined she would still be dancing professionally at age 40.
“I honestly didn’t think I would still be on stage,” she admitted. “But I love that this show is a parody. It’s comedic burlesque, but it’s also sensual and sexy.”
Ironically, Francisco says that performing in the production helped turn her into a fan of the legendary film franchise.
“I may disappoint some people because I became a fan of the movies because I work in a show about it,” she joked.
In a city fueled by tourism, The Empire Strikes Back continues to attract audiences from around the globe. Francisco believes the production’s crossover appeal is part of the magic.
“People could be going to watch the show because they like Star Wars and then end up realizing they really love watching a burlesque parody,” she said. “You don’t even have to like Star Wars to enjoy the show, which I think is absolutely great.”
One year into its Las Vegas run, The Empire Strips Back continues proving that when sci-fi fandom meets burlesque spectacle, the Force is definitely strong with this show.
The Empire Strips Back is performed at the Rio Hotel & Casino, 3700 W. Flamingo Road. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 7 p.m. Sundays. For tickets, click here. For more info, visit theempirestripsback.com/las-vegas and riolasvegas.com/shows/the-empire-strips-back. Follow on Facebook @theempirestripsback and @riovegas and Instagram @theempirestripsback and @riovegas.
