Kevin Burke Retiring from Defending the Caveman at Harrah’s Las Vegas
Second City Alum Chris Allen named replacement
Defending the Caveman, inside The Improv Showroom at Harrah’s Las Vegas and the longest running solo play in Broadway history, announces the retirement of its leading caveman, Kevin Burke. Fresh from breaking the Guinness World Record for the most theatrical performances in a 50-day period, Burke will retire his spear after ten years. To give Burke a proper send-off, Defending the Caveman is offering a special locals offer of two tickets for $50 now through Monday, May 13, Burke’s last full-time performance in the show.
“Playing the role of caveman has been a huge rewarding part of my life and has given me some fabulous memories. I have made life-long friends at the show here in Las Vegas and I will miss them all,” said Burke. “Retiring from the show I love is one of the hardest decisions I ever made but after 10 years, I think its time.”
Since 2003 Burke has starred in the critically acclaimed Broadway tour of Defending the Caveman – a role he was hand-selected for by the show’s creator and original caveman, Rob Becker. In 2007 Burke planted roots as star of the permanent Las Vegas run of the show. Burke has performed more than 3,000 shows during the Las Vegas run and more shows than any other actor in Defending the Caveman, including the original caveman Rob Becker. Defending the Caveman invites locals to see Burke one last time with a special ticket offer. Simply show your Nevada ID at the Harrah’s Las Vegas Box office to receive two tickets for $50 now through May 13.
“Kevin has been a part of the Defending the Caveman family for more than a decade and we are sad to see him go. He has been a great performer and a great friend… I will miss him. We wish him all the best,” said John Bentham, producer of Defending the Caveman.
Burke officially retires from the Las Vegas run of the show on May 13, but will perform select limited engagements in the National Broadway Tour of Defending the Caveman in the future. Chris Allen will replace Burke in Las Vegas and will begin performances on Tuesday, May 14. Allen hails from Chicago and recently finished a stint with Second City. “It’s a tough act to follow: filling the shoes of Kevin Burke but I am ready for the challenge,” said Allen.
With the addition of Chris Allen, Defending the Caveman will be restaged with new props, updated lighting and video. Allen will work hand-in-hand with Director Isaac Lamb, a former lead of the national Broadway tour of Defending the Caveman.
“Chris is truly funny with his own style and while no one can take Kevin’s place I am confident that Chris will make the caveman his own,” added Bentham.
About Defending the Caveman
Defending the Caveman is a worldwide, rock-solid tour-de-force. The blockbuster has won the hearts of millions in more than 45 countries and has been translated into 18 different languages. This hilariously insightful show about the ongoing misunderstandings between men and women has both sexes roaring with laughter and recognition. With hysterical insights into contemporary feminism, masculine sensitivity and the erogenous zone, Defending the Caveman mines the common themes in relationships that go straight to the funny bone.
Defending the Caveman is performed nightly at 7 p.m., with additional matinee shows on Sundays and Mondays at 4 p.m., inside The Improv Showroom at Harrah’s Las Vegas. Tickets for Defending the Caveman start at $39.95 for Regular Reserved, $49.95 for VIP including a t-shirt, and $59.95 for Premium VIP, which includes a t-shirt and premium seating. There is a $5 discount on all ticket levels for matinee shows. All prices are plus tax & fees.