The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody Tickets

Reviewed by the Las Vegas Guide editorial team · Updated July 2026

The unofficial Star Wars burlesque parody in its own Rio theater — nearly two hours with intermission, open run since May 2025. Wed–Mon, from $39, strictly 18+.

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Is The Empire Strips Back Worth It? Honest Review & Tips

The Empire Strips Back is exactly what the title promises: an unofficial Star Wars burlesque parody — Vader, Leia, boba-fett-and-beyond reimagined as burlesque numbers — running as an open-ended resident production at its own theater on the Rio's second level since May 2025. The international franchise's Vegas company celebrated its first anniversary in 2026 with no closing date in sight; reports of it “touring on” are wrong.

It's also structurally unusual for an adult show: just under two hours INCLUDING a 15-minute intermission around the one-hour mark — double the runtime of most burlesque tickets — which changes the evening's math. Wednesday through Monday (dark Tuesday): 8 PM most nights, 7 and 9:30 PM Fridays and Saturdays, 7 PM Sundays. From $39 at the box office with standard seats in the $44–69 band and “Imperial” premium past $110. Strictly 18+ with ID; and no, none of it is licensed by Disney — that's the joke.

Insider tipTreat it as the night's main event, not a stop — the two-hour runtime plus Rio travel eats the evening — and the mid-tier seats beat Imperial: the staging reads perfectly from center rows at half the price.

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Venue

Rio Hotel & Casino

★★★★

The Rio is an off-Strip resort in the middle of a full revival with Hyatt — revamped pools, the new Canteen Food Hall and refreshed suite-sized rooms. Bigger rooms, free self-parking and lower rates make it good value a short hop west of the Strip, from $37/night.

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3700 W. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV

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Frequently asked questions

Is it still running, or did it tour away?

Still running — it's an open-ended resident production at the Rio since May 2025, past its first anniversary with no closing announced. The brand also tours other cities; the Vegas company stays put.

How long is it — really?

Just under two hours including a 15-minute intermission around the one-hour mark — roughly double a standard burlesque runtime. Plan the night accordingly; this is a full theater evening, not a 75-minute stop.

What's the schedule?

Wednesday through Monday, dark Tuesday: 8 PM on most nights, 7 and 9:30 PM Fridays and Saturdays, 7 PM Sundays. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain.

Is it official Star Wars?

No — it's an unlicensed parody with zero Disney/Lucasfilm affiliation, which is precisely the comedic register: recognizable silhouettes, unrecognizable choices. Fans get every reference; non-fans still get burlesque.

What do seats cost?

From $39 at the box office, standard sections $44–69 before tax, and “Imperial” premium rows past $110. The theater is purpose-fitted and sightlines hold up — mid-tier is the value zone.

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Rating

4.6

Price from $39 – $110

Run Time 115 minutes

Categories Adult

Venue The Empire Strips Back Theater, Rio (Masquerade Tower, Level 2)

Address 3700 W. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV

Age Strictly 18+ — photo ID required

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