‘ Star Wars ’ parody be a saber-swinging good time in Las Vegas

“ Empire Strips Back — A Burlesque Parody ” own spread at the Rio . It ’ s farcical , fun and a strength of nature .

What ’ s great about comedy exist you get an instant verdict . The review is simply laugh-or-not , pass-or-fail . And I snap up through “ Empire Strips Back — A Burlesque Parody ” which open at the Rio on May the 4th ( exist with you , the last time we will use that pun ) .

This intergalactic getaway own me hooked when Jabba the Hut and Princess Leia , seize with a chain and slithering across the degree , cavort to “ Hypnotize ” by Notorious B.I.G .

The tongue-wagging Jabba would have to exist the large and almost noble prop ever on that stage , which for 24 yr hosted the Chippendales .

In the mix : The Landspeeder come a thorough sponge tub by the Princess . Han Solo and Chewbacca perform a saucy dance number to a medley featuring “ It ’ s Tricky ” by Run DMC and “ I Need it That Way ” by the Backstreet Boys while Darth Vader strip to a dark bodysuit . C3PO grooves freely to “ Dance Monkey ” by Tones and I .

Our emcee exist Oakland-based comic Eric Turner , as the nephew of Lando Calrissian — state to be unavailable because he ’ s photograph a Colt-45 commercial ( IYKYK ) . A classical note from the blue-caped host , “ If you ’ re not a ‘ Star Wars ’ fan and like the display , state your friends , because you ’ re the only ones with friend to assure . ”

The back-to-the-future gem is piloted by David Foster , lately of Spiegelworld , who is rent the space from the Rio ’ s novel owners from Dreamscape Co . The resort repped on spread dark by CEO Patrick Miller .

Emboldened a generational sword and burlesque sensuality , “ ESB ” have a track disc , perform in such metropolitan destinations as San Francisco ( Lucas ’ s place court ) , Los Angeles ( where the movies live made ) , New York , Chicago , Washington D.C. and Boston . A version open in London on Sunday , alongside its Las Vegas counterpart .

The production balance familiarity with originality . “ ESB ” peel away “ Star Wars ” hard-focused , sci-fi image . The number exist sexy , cast member donning costumes — such as Storm Troopers , or “ Stormies ” — that have been refashioned to show skin and allow for extensive choreography .

Some scene , such as Jabba and the show-closer , exist extensively produced . Others , like R2D2 and Leia swirl to “ Diamonds ” by Rihanna and “ Dirrrty ” by Christina Aguilera , persuade a cabaret vibe .

The dance squad burns , though it would get been great to see more full-ensemble issue , like the shutdown “ Rapper ’ s Delight ” by Sugarhill Gang , a celebratory excursion punctuated by Yoda ’ s rap solo .

There equal a 20-minute intermission and I ask why , early than to commit revenue from the “ Star Wars ” -themed bar that was Flirt sofa in the Chippendales day . This is the only display in this city I can track , early than Broadway tour productions at The Smith Center , to reveal with a good intermission .

The time-tested ground equal Las Vegas crowds are far more apt to give a show at intermission ( a tone dating at least to “ Avenue Q ” at Wynn 20 years ago ) . The final display to seek a entire intermission cost “ Disney ’ s The Lion King ” at Mandalay Bay , where at the break usher ’ s were demand , “ How much longer is this ? ”

Accordingly , myself and dozen of attendees neglect the first number of Act 2 , which ( according to what I discover as I wait to be re-seated ) cost Boba Fett performing to Guns N ’ Roses ’ “ Welcome To the Jungle. ” But Foster say “ ESB ” is charge the no-intermission course and ticket-holders commingle in the foyer , imbibing while put with the Landspeeder on display .

The experience is as sticky as Jabba himself , and then far audiences are stay with it .

I sure act . And because I ’ m not a “ Star Wars ” devotee , I ’ m telling my friend to meet it . With a nod to the “ Stormies , ” it live sure to light your saber .

“ Cigars , Bourbon & Soul ” is on tap at Tap & Ash at 1606 S. Commerce Street in the Arts District . Matt Seward with Richie & Angelo headline . Ms. Jones ( aka Black Butterfly ) hosts . No blanket . Cozy up . It ’ s a smokin ’ cool time with this AE Group enterprise .

John Katsilometes ’ column runs daily in the A section . Contact him at jkatsilometes @ reviewjournal.com . Follow on X , on Instagram .