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. Burke (pictured left) will retire after ten years as the leading caveman.
“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.
“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, handing the spear to Chris Allen 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.