Epic Win Burlesque Presents the Star Trek Debate: Trek vs. Wars

There are many enticing physical and intellectual maneuvers in "Epic Win Burlesque Presents the Star Debate: Trek vs. Wars." Chief among them: In seeking to arbitrate the age-old question of superiority between "Star Trek" and "Star Wars," this at times undercooked contest of geeks sensibly leans on a troupe of titillating burlesque dancers to take the argument to the final frontiers of fetishism.

Magician Nelson Lugo makes an articulate case for the depth of "Star Trek," while rapper-comedian Schaffer the Darklord, who dreamed the piece up with Lugo, employs acerbic humor in his declaration of "Star Wars" as religion. This fanboy throw-down incites uproarious yelps from the audience, but both men occasionally feel a little uncertain in their delivery.

Thankfully the force is strong with the rotating ensemble of burlesque performers, from Lefty Lucy's interpretation of the "Trek" opening titles, a kind of celestial dance of seven veils, to Magdalena Fox's geishalike number as Queen Amidala.
 
Presented by Epic Win Burlesque as part of the New York International Fringe Festival, at La Mama ETC's Ellen Stewart Theater, 66 E. Fourth St., NYC. Aug. 13–27. Remaining performances: Thu., Aug. 25, 5:15 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 26, 9:15 p.m.; Sat. Aug 27, 5:45 p.m. (866) 468-7619 or www.fringenyc.org.