If there is one thing New Yorkers understand, it’s the relentless pressure of the “to-do” list. But while we’re used to multitasking on the subway, the Australian collective Pony Cam is taking it to a sadistic, hilarious extreme. Their theatrical phenomenon, Burnout Paradise, is playing at Astor Place Theatre and it’s the only show in town where the performer’s physical exhaustion is the main event.
The Stakes: Finish the List or Refund the Crowd
The premise is a high-stakes wager: Five performers have exactly one hour to complete a series of escalating and absurd tasks. The catch? They have to do it all while sprinting on treadmills.
From cooking a full three-course meal to navigating the bureaucracy of a grant application, the tasks are relentless. And in a city that loves a bargain, here is the kicker: If they don’t finish everything on the list before the clock hits zero, the audience can ask for their money back.
In fact, there’s room for a lot of audience participation (as much or as little as you want) to help the performers check off their to-do lists? The crowd might be asked to help with chugging a beer (yes please!), shoot a basketball through a hoop, maybe even peel an onion?
Burnout Paradise is more than just a stunt; it’s a brilliant, chaotic representation of everyday life in NYC.
Plan Your Night at Astor Place
This production from award-winning Australian Collective Pony Cam and it’s the perfect adrenaline shot for a lively evening out.
- Location: Astor Place Theatre (NoHo, Manhattan)Price: Tickets start at a budget-friendly $39.
- The Vibe: High-energy, experimental, and undeniably “New York.”
- Ages: Recommended for 8+ (Note: Children under 4 may not be admitted).
New Yorkers identify with that frantic, full-force sprint toward a finish line that keeps moving. Watching the performers sweat, stumble, and scramble is both ridiculously funny and deeply relatable for anyone who has ever felt like they’re running in place just to keep up.
Run, don’t walk to see Burnout Paradise! Find out about tickets here.