While the release of Star Wars: Episode IX may feel like a galaxy far, far away, fans of the franchise can once again see their favorite Star Wars characters in burlesque show The Empire Strips Back, which is heading back to the United States and Canada-- following a successful debut last year. That’s right, the blockbuster space opera has inspired a highly-successful erotic show tour full of female Stormtroopers, a fiery take on Boba Fett and of course bikini Leia and Jabba the Hutt. Check out the show’s teaser below:
The Star Wars Burlesque Parody show promises appearances from just about every character in the film’s lore, including Chewie, C3PO, R2D2, a female Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader and the Emperor’s Royal Guard from The Last Jedi! The show’s trailer nudges at some sultry and seductive takes on the characters of the franchise, while also setting a comedic tone-- as Greedo sprays on some hairspray in a dressing room and a cover of David Bowie’s “Star Man” plays in the background. Don’t be fooled – this show is geared for 18 and over!
The Empire Strips Back originated in Australia in 2011 and made its way to the United States in 2018. This year’s tour expands the show to Canada for two shows in Toronto and Montreal for the first time. The 20-date tour starts at the Balboa Theatre in San Diego, California on March 30 and closes out on May 4 (a.k.a. Star Wars Day) at the Playstation Theatre in New York City. Tickets start at around $39, depending on the venue.
When the show first made its way to the US last year, it apparently went through some “red tape” but could be shown thanks to similar parody laws between Australia and the United States. The show’s website gives this description. Read below:
…be prepared for some seriously sexy Stormtroopers, a dangerously seductive Boba Fett, some tantalising Twi'leks, a delightfully luke-warm Taun Taun, a lady-like Skywalker, the Droids you are looking for and much, much more!
The show was met with sold out tickets and rave reviews last year and has included Han Solo dancing out of carbonite to Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal”, the Death Star coming on stage to the tune of Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” and many more hilariously strange moments of undress and escapism during the show.
Star of Firefly and The Rookie Nathan Fillion reps the show on the site with the words: “The best episode of Star Wars I’ve ever seen…” Of course if you're not into burlesque, another upcoming Star Wars attraction is the recently moved up opening of Galaxy’s Edge in Disney World on August 29 and Disneyland May 31.
