If you’re a Star Wars fan then you need to see The Empire Strips Back. This burlesque parody show combines your favorite characters, scenes, and costumes with trending pop music and some of the sexiest choreography you will see. It will keep you entertained and locked in from beginning to end. Recently I saw this burlesque parody show in San Diego before it moved on to Chicago and New York.

Now let’s talk details without mentioning spoilers.

About Empire Strips Back

The Empire Strips Back takes place at a number of different locations. With the plus side that new locations seem to be added pretty frequently. Be sure to check out their website for current locations and see if your city is making it on to the lineup!

This epic burlesque performance takes the iconic Star Wars franchise and gives it a sexy, comedic twist. The show seems like it was the brain child of someone who loved Slave Leia and wanted everyone in the movie to be that incredibly sexy. And they absolutely are with unmeasurable talent to boot.

From stormtroopers to Darth Vader himself, the beloved characters of the Star Wars universe are all there, shedding their outer layers for your viewing pleasure.

Now although cheering is encouraged, they do make it very clear before the show starts that badgering or inappropriate comments are not tolerated. Violators will be removed.

These are professional performers after all. They deserve the respect of their talent without being harassed.

Merchandise and drinks are also available for sale once you enter the venue!

My experience in San Diego

The Empire Strips Back San Diego pop-up show took place in what was essentially a large warehouse in downtown. I thought it would be in a theater, but I liked how it wasn’t as big as that.

However the downside of this burlesque Star Wars parody not being in a theater is that the seating made it difficult to see. The seating stands that they had were not very slanted. So sitting behind even someone close to the same height as you was still an obstacle.

Every scene is about 3 minutes long and in between sets, Lando Calrissian’s “nephew” acts as the MC. At first, I didn’t like that every song was then stopped by the MC, but I came to like it. Lando’s “nephew” did a fantastic job and was very funny.

I also appreciated that they laid down rules for the audience at the beginning. They encouraged the audience to cheer and clap, but to remain respectful. It’s a burlesque show after all – not a strip show. They did not want people screaming at the dancers to “take their clothes off” or to show them anything extra.

And to make the experience at the Empire Strips Back even more fun for myself, I put together a Star Wars Disney Bound as a Jedi Knight! I even got a lot of compliments from my fellow Star Wars lovers.

The Empire Strips Back performance

The performers are all incredibly talented and manage to combine dance, humor, and sensuality into one seamless performance. You’ll often see the male characters from the movie portrayed as female dancers.

And the musical selection falls more in pop music than it does music from the movie. For example, the first scene was set to “Dirty” by Christina Aguilera.

Now you think Slave Leia would have been the star of the Empire Strips Back, but that wasn’t the case. Because I expected Slave Leia, I was more shocked and wowed by all the other characters that were put through the burlesque filter.

Every character was portrayed with precision and panache. And the costumes! WOW! The costumes were stunning, with intricate details and strategically placed cutouts that leave just enough to the imagination.

I will keep the rest of my opinions to myself because I don’t want to give too much away. So I will leave it at this. If you’re a Star Wars fan, a lover of burlesque, or just looking for a unique night out, The Empire Strips Back is not to be missed.

The show is a perfect blend of nostalgia, humor, and sex appeal that will leave you feeling like you’ve seen something truly special. Don’t wait – grab your tickets now to this burlesque Star Wars parody and join the rebellion against boring entertainment!