Frisky, The Force Is: ‘The Empire Strips Back’ Heats Up Las Vegas

There’s a new show in town and it promises to take you to a sexy galaxy far, far away. Journey to the dark side for a night of oohs, aahs, laughter, and memorable moments. 

“The Empire Strips Back” is a burlesque parody show unlike any other burlesque show you have seen. It delivers a bold blend of sexy dancing and strip teases with reimagined iconic characters, cheeky humor, and impressive moves.

The show just landed in Las Vegas,much like the Millennium Falcon, and promises to entertain both "Star Wars" fans and newcomers alike.

May the Fourth be with you! And it certainly was at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas when “The Empire Strips Back” debuted on Sunday night. 

Whether you’re a diehard “Star Wars” fan or not, this show is something anyone 18 and older can enjoy. 

These aren’t the Stormtroopers and Droids your grandparents knew and loved from the film. These are the ones that you’ll dream of at night. And the Force is strong with this cast.

Hosted by Eric Newton, there are plenty of laughs, lots of cheering, and pure amazement to be experienced.

Mariah Lewis, associate choreographer of the Vegas show, told The Blast that the show came together pretty quickly. 

“We had auditions about three weeks ago. It was a very quick turnaround. We had auditions, we cast all locals for this show, and we started rehearsals a week ago,” she told The Blast exclusively. 

“We had to make sure we had trained professionals, quick on their feet, smart dancers that can pick up choreography quickly. There’s a lot of moving parts in this show. On top of the dancing, it’s the costumes, the staging, lighting.”

The cast consists of 10 dancers and two subs, and they’ll perform six nights a week.

“I want people to know that this is pure entertainment. As long as you keep an open mind and you’re having a good time, you’re going to enjoy every aspect, at least one aspect of the show,” she said. “You don’t have to be a 'Star Wars' fan, but if you are it’s great.”

Lewis started out as a dancer in Los Angeles more than 10 years ago and danced in many productions and for sports teams before pivoting to choreography.

“I used to dance for the Clippers, the Rams, I did a lot of industry work professionally,” she said. “I was actually in this show two years ago. I became captain and now associate choreographer. I’ve done Mexico City, San Diego, and now Las Vegas.”

The Sin City cast includes Gabrielle Potapenko as Boba, Kennedy Sciarini as R2D2 and Leia, Jasmyn Sosa as Jedi, Reese Schwarzentraub as Vader, Mocha Mullins, Bobbi Barricella, Annaka Vong, and Joanne Daquigan as Stormies, and host Eric Newton.

Barricella chatted with The Blast ahead of the debut show on Sunday night. She plays a few different roles and has actually been in this show in other cities.

“I play a couple of different roles. I am an Imperial Guard, C3PO, an officer for the emperor and a Stormie (Storm Trooper)," she shared after red carpet photos.

“I actually did their Florida contract a couple months ago,” she said. “We were in Miami, Tampa, and Orlando and I wanted to keep doing it. I heard about them bringing it to Vegas and it was so exciting and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.” 

For Barricella, dance has been a part of her life since she was very young.

“My mom put me into ballet class when I was 2 and that kind of was it. I’ve been dancing ever since,” she explained. “I sing and I act as well but I love being able to portray characters on stage in this type of show. It’s very different from any other burlesque show.”

She wants people considering seeing the show to know that this show is a "journey within a journey." 

“It is nothing like you’ve ever seen before. It’s a journey within a journey,” she told The Blast. “Each individual act tells its own story, and our host Eric is incredible. He will make you laugh, he’ll make you cheer, and it’s nothing like anyone’s ever seen. It’s very unexpected.” 

Reese Schwarzentraub plays the coveted role of Darth Vader, but this isn't the Vader you're used to. (And if you're picturing Vader in your head right now, he's likely overdressed.)

“I get to play Darth Vader which is a lot of fun, especially because Darth Vader is traditionally a guy and we get to put our own twist. I get to be a different, sexier, kind of powerful version of him and I put my own twist to it," she told The Blast. "It’s a lot of fun. I walk out there in these high stiletto heels and I’m like let’s get it.”

She’s been dancing since she was 2 when her parents put her in dance classes. "The Empire Strips Back" is her second Las Vegas show, with the first one also a burlesque show.

Schwarzentraub wants people to know they don't have to be a fan of "Star Wars" to really enjoy this show.

"Have fun with it. I think, don’t come into it with any expectations or any prior knowledge," she said. "Just come into it with an open mind, have fun, laugh with us, cheer us on, and enjoy it.” 

To celebrate opening night of "The Empire Strips Back" at the Rio Hotel & Casino, an invitation only red carpet event took place on the stage. The cast posed on the red carpet in costume and then took questions from the media. They also had a special celebrity guest join them on the red carpet - Holly Madison.

Madison, a lover of "Star Wars" and burlesque, was excited to check out the new show.

“I’ve loved 'Star Wars' since I was a kid and I also love burlesque, so I’m really excited to see the show,” Madison said before the show, according to a press release sent to The Blast. “I love really creative ideas in burlesque, and I know I’m going to see that tonight. I’ve already seen a little clip of the Jabba the Hutt number, so I’m excited to see more.”

The energy was high and you could easily tell that we were all in for an amazing evening of entertainment.

As someone who's seen many Vegas shows in the past few months, this one was right up my alley. I had no idea what to expect and I think that was part of the thrill. If you love a good Vegas show, one to write home about, this fits the bill. High energy, humor, pop culture references, and let's not forget, sexy.