The Empire Strips Back – A Burlesque Parody made its intergalactic debut at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on May the Fourth, delivering a hilarious, sexy, and visually stunning parody of the Star Wars universe. Opening night dazzled a packed house, with galactic fans and celebrity guests celebrating May the Fourth Star Wars Day in unforgettable style.
Among the VIP attendees was Star Wars super-fan Holly Madison, known for her role on The Girls Next Door and host of The Playboy Murders, which premiered its third season today, May 5. Madison walked the red carpet with a lightsaber in hand—accompanied, of course, by R2-D2—and later joined the audience to take in the show’s galaxy-spanning spectacle.
“I’ve loved Star Wars since I was a kid and I also love burlesque, so I’m really excited to see the show,” said Madison. “I love really creative ideas in burlesque, and I know I’m going to see that tonight. I’ve already seen a little clip of the Jabba the Hutt number, so I’m excited to see more.”
Also in attendance were Perez Hilton and Delious Kennedy of the Grammy Award-winning R&B group All-4-One, adding to the night’s star-studded energy. The trio joined fans in celebrating a performance that blends iconic characters, outrageous comedy, and dazzling choreography, all set in a galaxy far, far away.
The Empire Strips Back has been thrilling audiences around the world and now lands in Las Vegas for a residency at Rio Hotel & Casino. The show parodies beloved characters in bold, unexpected ways—complete with Stormtrooper stripteases, Darth Vader in stilettos, and a jaw-dropping Jabba the Hutt act that has to be seen to be believed.
The original version was booked in a cramped, 150-seat bar in Sydney, a one-off for a three-night run. Fast-forward to three simultaneous productions constantly touring North America, an enthusiastic audience of over 300,000+, and a Huffington Post video feature boasting 20+ million viral views. In addition to its out-of-this-world premiere in Las Vegas on May the 4th, another production will open simultaneously halfway around the globe in London.
This little-show-that-could morphed from touring like an indie band, with one-nighters in rock clubs, to touring like a Broadway hit. After proving its theatrical bonafides at Hollywood’s Montalban Theatre in a three-month 2022 run, the show has sold out engagements in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, DC, Boston, Atlanta, and many others. Outside the USA, the show was a sensation in Paris in 2023 and, also in French, Montreal, as well as Toronto and Mexico City).
This engagement of The Empire Strips Back is produced by Foster Entertainment and Neil Gooding Productions, presented with Fever. The show was created by Russall S. Beattie.
The Empire Strips Back – Performance Schedule at Rio Hotel & Casino:
The Empire Strips Back – A Burlesque Parody performs Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 8pm, Friday through Sunday at 7pm with additional shows Friday and Saturday at 9:30 pm (dark Tuesday). Tickets range from $49 – $119 (+ taxes and fees) and can be purchased by visiting TheEmpireStripsBack.com or RioLasVegas.com. Must be 18+ to attend.
Social Media:
Website: https://theempirestripsback.com
Instagram: @thheempirestripsback
Facebook: @TheEmpireStripsBack
TikTok: @thheempirestripsback
About The Empire Strips Back – A Burlesque Parody:
Transporting audiences to a galaxy far, far away, to a world of burlesque fantasy, of menacing and sexy dance, of dangerous seduction, of hilarious parody, and even the droids you’re looking for. Your favorite characters are scantily clad, seriously sultry and live on stage! Following smash hit runs in New York, Paris, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Mexico City, Sydney and many others, The Empire Strips Back finally opens in Las Vegas!
About Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
Rio Hotel & Casino, which is part of the Destination by Hyatt brand, is located just one block off the Las Vegas Strip on Flamingo Road. It boasts over 2,500 suite-sized guestrooms, including 1,500 newly remodeled suites in the Ipanema Tower. The property features a 220,000-square-foot convention and meeting space, a new 3-acre pool paradise, and a revitalized casino floor with 30 table games and 800 slot machines. Recent additions to the property include the Canteen Food Hall, Lapa Lounge, and Luckley Tavern & Grill. For more information, visit riolasvegas.com and connect with Rio on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Disclaimer: This is a parody production. Star Wars™ and its characters are registered trademarks of Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd or Lucasfilm Ltd. This production is not sponsored, endorsed by or affiliated with Disney, Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd, Lucasfilm Ltd or any of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and/or third-party licensors.