‘Star Wars’ in the Spotlight: The Galaxy on Stage

The Star Wars franchise has been a pop culture staple for almost 50 years. Over that time, it has been adapted, parodied, and reinvented to find new life with audiences. 

While many written adaptations have brought the story to the page, numerous stage productions have also entertained theatergoers. Fans have experienced the saga in plays, musicals, staged readings, radio plays, and even a burlesque show. 

This guide provides an overview of some of those productions to introduce those who may not have seen them firsthand.

Musicals

Music plays a big role in the Star Wars franchise, and so the leap from hyperspace to Broadway only feels fitting. But surprisingly, there has yet to be an adaptation that has made it to the Great White Way. That doesn’t mean, however, that musicals set in the far, far away galaxy don’t exist.

A Musical About Star Wars

New York City has been home to a couple of runs of the off-Broadway production A Musical About Star Wars. The first was in 2019 at St. Luke’s Theatre, and an accompanying cast recording was released. It ran again in 2023 at the AMT Theater. 

The show-within-a-show is the story of two Star Wars fans who dream of putting on an unauthorized musical adaptation at Comic-Con, but “dark forces are looming over their production.” 

Ani: A Parody

A more traditional story, though not as conventional as a musical, is Ani: A Parody by Starkid Productions. The theater company is known for parody shows of beloved intellectual properties and tried its hand at George Lucas’s creation in 2014. This show is a unique take, as a band performs and sings the musical numbers while the actors dance and act along. 

Starkid Productions

Beloved characters from across the franchise make appearances for entertaining crossovers. The show, whose title is a play on the Broadway classic Annie, follows the story of a downtrodden Darth Vader who “is in the dumps. His wife is dead. He's stuck in a bogus government job he hates.” 

Star Wars Kabuki-Kairennosuke and the Three Shining Swords

Another dance interpretation of the Star Wars story was a one-time kabuki show in Japan. Star Wars Kabuki- Kairennosuke and the Three Shining Swords is a traditional performance that covers the Sequel Trilogy, focusing on Kylo Ren’s story in around 45 minutes. Its one showcase was in 2019. 

Meguro Persimmon Hall

Star Wars — The Musical

Though never staged, a 1999 concept album presented a true musical interpretation of the 1977 original film. Although its creators never performed Star Wars — The Musical, a statement on the website welcomes people to stage their own productions of the material. The soundtrack mixes original songs with John Williams’ themes from the movie. 

Staged Readings

While not fully theatrical productions, staged readings provide audiences the opportunity to experience the far, far away galaxy. 

Radio Dramas

National Public Radio aired radio adaptations of each of the original three movies in the 1980s and ‘90s. With a script written by Brian Daley, author of The Han Solo Adventures trilogy, the broadcasts were beloved by audiences, resulting in a 40% increase in public radio listenership. 

Lucasfilm

The dramas were released episodically, expanding on the original films. A New Hope (then known simply as Star Wars) was released in 13 parts that spanned almost six hours. The Empire Strikes Back consisted of 10 episodes, spanning four and a half hours, and The Return of the Jedi comprised six parts, totaling three hours. 

Galactic Conflict

More recently, one theater has presented staged script readings of the first few Star Wars movies, as well as the controversial holiday special. The George Lucas Talk Show has hosted readings at the Dynasty Typewriter at the Hayworth Theater in Los Angeles, with digital tickets allowing audiences worldwide to watch livestreams of the performances. With casts of beloved faces from across the L.A. comedy scene, the chaotic but earnest readings are a delight for any Star Wars fan.

Dynasty Typewriter

Recordings of the shows are uploaded to YouTube a few months after the performances take place. In release order, they are titled The Naboo Movie, The Great Kamino Kaper, Mustafar Takes Los Angeles, The Kashyyyk Life Day Carol, Maclunky Treasure Island, and Mynocks from Space (the Episode V reading has not appeared on YouTube as of this writing, nor has a reading for Episode VI). The performances are complete with live music accompaniment and creative costuming.

The George Lucas Talk Show

The aforementioned George Lucas Talk Show is an improvised comedy talk show created by Connor Ratliff, who stars as the architect of our favorite galaxy. Along with his sidekick Watto, “George” interviews different guests in a panel format.

Arin Sang-Urai via Patrick Cotnoir

The show began as a monthly performance at the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City and started live streaming in March 2020. It now exists as a blend of live and recorded performances, delighting fans of comedy, Star Wars, or both.

The Empire Strips Back

Lastly, there is one Star Wars stage show specifically made for adults. The Empire Strips Back is a touring burlesque show offering a unique parody of the far, far away galaxy. Billed as a humorous and fresh take on the franchise, the tour has gone across North America, Europe, and Australia. 

Conclusion

The vastness of the Star Wars galaxy and all it inspires is one of the best parts of the franchise. It is always inspiring other artists, and we as fans benefit. Seeing these interpretations on stage brings the characters and worlds to life more than ever. If you ever have the chance, check out one of these Star Wars productions, and it might turn out to be your first steps into a larger world!