REVIEWED BY ADAM FISHER
The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody, shows run Wednesday thru Sunday un Jan 31, 2022 at the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood, California.
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The burlesque parody is not an official Star Wars production, but it certainly pays tribute to George Lucas' imagination through light shows, mash ups of popular songs, comedic moments, and detailed costuming, that only added to realism in the set pieces.
Many of the set pieces grab your attention immediately. The construction of Jabba "The Hutt" will excite you if not frighten you all in the same moment.
We were handed over to the dark side once the theatre went pitch black. The cheering began as the all too familiar crawling text appeared and this is when fun begins.
The Empire Srips Back takes you out of the traditional Star Wars galaxy and places you into a galaxy... far far away... where a light saber can be used to disrobe you, Yoda plays the drums, Stormtroopers are of only the sultriest of breeds, Eric Newton emcees to kill time between costume and set changes, and yes, Boba Fett and Darth Vader are really just scantily clad and itching to dance.
Tributes are paid to all classic Star Wars characters such as Lando Calrissian, Bobba Fett, Darth Vader, C3P0, R2DS, Princess Leija, Hansolo, Chewbacca, and Jabba The Hut. This is a very fun experience and it's sure to leave you laughing throughout and smiling when you leave.