This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Kevin Burke.
Kevin Burke is the star of “Defending The Caveman at Harrah's Las Vegas. He's the Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year, and with more than 3,000 performances, he holds a Guinness World Record for Caveman. The show is presented nightly at 7 p.m. with additional matinees at 4 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays.
The production showcases Burke as a narrator trying to understand the timeless issue between the opposite sexes dating back to the Stone Age. Before the humorous yet sentimental tale found its home in Las Vegas, Burke headlined the show’s national Broadway tour.
Originally from Chicago, Burke has dabbled into acting, playwriting and directing earning him the title of “Entertainer of the Year” by the Annual Meatball Awards. Entertainment runs in Burke’s blood. His grandmother was a vaudeville performer, his grandfather was a standup comedian who toured nationally, and his mother is a singer. Fulfilling his family’s dynasty, Burke caught the acting bug young starring in his high school play “Dracula.”
Burke’s performing career began as a musician touring with numerous bands as a backup drummer. He then earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees from the Indiana University in Bloomington for acting and directing. Post-grad he put his talent to work playing Pooh in Timberlake Play House’s “Winnie the Pooh.” Burke refined his skills by becoming a certified stage combatant at the Society of American Fight Directors and has also studied physical comedy with the world-famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College.
Shifting gears, he found his niche in comedy and went on the road performing standup at comedy clubs of all sizes for 15 years. His tour proved successful twofold after meeting his better half, Karen, performing in a comedy club at Raleigh, North Carolina. They have been married for over 14 years and have two children together.