As a comedian, George Casey has seen the world. Though he calls Branson, Mo. home, the Ireland native, who has been performing his stand-up routine for over three decades, has opened for big name acts in Las Vegas, has been contracted to work cruises for Royal Caribbean, Queen Elizabeth 2, and Regent Seven Seas, among others, and is scheduled to appear in three states during March alone.
One of those stops, on March 16, is at Sun City. The show is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in Drendel Ballroom.
Casey was born and raised in a remote seaside village on the west coast of Ireland. Though he immigrated to the United States in 1970, he first saw humor and was able to hone his skills as a comic through his family.
“In my family and in the Irish people as a whole, humor and wit are a big part of our culture. Before I left Ireland, I performed as a strolling minstrel singing and playing guitar at Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ireland,” Casey said.
Casey’s migration followed in the footsteps of his brothers and sisters, who jumped at the chance to visit their extended family in the U.S. When he immigrated, Casey said he was fortunate enough to find work and be sponsored.
George Casey (Photo Provided)
“There was little opportunity in Ireland at the time, and I fell in love with this country. I go home to visit my family every year or so, and they come out to visit me often as well,” he said.
Casey’s work included a stint as an Irish folk singer at the Atlantic Restaurant in Chicago, where his mother’s cousins found employment. He was only 19 at the time. In between songs, Casey said he would often tell jokes and stories and banter back and forth with the audience.
“Later I began to travel and perform from California to New York and Boston, working five to six nights a week at five and six hours a night. This took its toll, as I developed nodes on my vocal chords, which required surgery. When I recovered and resumed my career, I spent more and more time telling jokes and stories in between songs to rest my voice. I soon realized that I was becoming more sought after for my comedy, and it set me apart from other acts,” Casey said.
Throughout his career, Casey has opened for and toured with notable names like Rosemary Clooney, the Osmond Brothers, Three Dog Night, and Bobby Vinton. He is also a regular act at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Touring with these bigger names was a humbling experience, Casey said.
“It is inspiring to work with people who are passionate, work hard, and love what they do – and equally inspiring to hear their stories of failure. And they can of course relate to the rest of us who have not risen to their level.”
His style of show, estimated at about 90 minutes, includes banter with the audience and delves into more personal stories about Casey’s life – material he says helps him connect with the audience.
“[These stories] usually go over well because there is a little bit of truth in it, and they are experiences most of us have in common,” Casey said, adding he believe his perspective as an immigrant from Ireland sets him apart from other comedians.
He also labels himself an “old-fashioned comedian.” “Clean jokes and stories including growing up in Ireland, marriage, and everyday things that everyone can relate to – all meant in good fun. And a lot of belly laughs,” he said.
Tickets are still available for the show – $15 per person for pre-registration and $20 per person the day of the event.
George Casey
When: March 16, 7 p.m.
Where: Drendel Ballroom
Cost: $15 pre-registration; $20 day of event
More info: sccah.com
georgecasey.com
