It's hard to describe The Empire Strips Back – A Burlesque Parody in just one sentence, but imagine Star Wars colliding with a disco ball Death Star, a dance battle, and a cheeky strip show in a galaxy far, far away—and you're on the right track.
Now celebrating its one-year anniversary at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, The Empire Strips Back performs seven nights a week, and there's no better time to catch the show than around "May the 4th Be with You"—the ultimate Star Wars holiday. This gleefully risqué reimagining of George Lucas's beloved universe strips away the serious space drama and replaces it with seductive choreography, comedic timing, jaw-dropping visuals, and plenty of surprises underneath the costumes (or lack thereof). From Stormtrooper stripteases to gender-bending Jedi, the production is a love letter to burlesque and fandom alike.
Originally staged in a 150-seat Sydney bar, the show has since played to over 300,000 fans globally, with viral videos racking up millions of views. The Vegas residency marks the first production to go beyond pasties in select numbers, dialing up the heat while keeping its signature balance of charm, wit, and full-throttle entertainment.
One of the standouts is Nathan Kara, a New Zealand-born dancer who brings swagger and cheek to his burlesque take on Han Solo.
"It's pretty epic," Nathan laughs. "I grew up watching Star Wars with my dad, and Han always stood out. When they offered me this role, I was like, wait, I get to do what?"
Nathan began dancing at age five in Auckland, training in hip hop, jazz, tap, and contemporary. His career took him through The X Factor New Zealand, international hip hop competitions, three years of touring in China, Magic Mike Live in Australia, and eventually Cirque du Soleil's The Beatles LOVE in Las Vegas. When LOVE closed in 2023, he transitioned to a horror-themed burlesque show directed by Bec Morris—a collaboration that led directly to his casting here.
His onstage partner is Joshua Bluhm, who plays Chewbacca. "Josh whispers stuff to me through the mask while we're dancing," Nathan laughs. "We'll be doing the Backstreet Boys number, and he'll be like, 'Don't worry, I got you,' while he swings me around."
Nathan also plays a hilariously grotesque Emperor Palpatine. "Nobody knows it's me under the mask," he grins.
Asked to describe the show in three words, Nathan doesn't hesitate: "Sexy. Funny. Inclusive."
"There's something for everyone. The cast represents so many backgrounds and body types. It feels like everyone belongs here. Even if you're not a Star Wars fan, you'll have a blast."
As the show marks its first year on the Strip and Star Wars fans everywhere prepare to celebrate May the 4th, there's no better way to honor the galaxy far, far away than with a little intergalactic tease.
The Empire Strips Back performs at Rio Hotel & Casino seven nights a week. For tickets, visit theempirestripsback.com.