Burnout Paradise Off-Broadway Reviews

A simple, impromptu moment toward my performance's end rung most memorable in that regard. One audience member enjoying the three-course meal revealed it was the first food he'd eaten all day; our show started at 7 p.m. It's one thing to gleefully ga...

A simple, impromptu moment toward my performance's end rung most memorable in that regard. One audience member enjoying the three-course meal revealed it was the first food he'd eaten all day; our show started at 7 p.m. It's one thing to gleefully gamify the experience of burnout, to caricature it with over-the-top feats of multitasking. It's another to be reminded that it more often manifests in quieter ways.

Near the end, while we waited for their total distance to be tallied, the tuckered troupe launched into a re-creation of OK Go’s routine from the music video “Here We Go Again.” It was impressively perfect. Burnout Paradise is a real feat of en...

Near the end, while we waited for their total distance to be tallied, the tuckered troupe launched into a re-creation of OK Go’s routine from the music video “Here We Go Again.” It was impressively perfect. Burnout Paradise is a real feat of endurance, for the dogged cast as well as the audience. Over time, I felt mostly exhausted by the sensory overload. And deeply sympathetic for performers willing to subject themselves to the requirements of this show eight times a week. Your mileage may vary.

I first saw Burnout Paradise in its brief 2024 run at Brooklyn's St. Ann's Warehouse, and it was one of my favorite theatrical experiences of that season. Although the cramped Astor Place Theatre is less friendly to audience participation, revisiting...

I first saw Burnout Paradise in its brief 2024 run at Brooklyn's St. Ann's Warehouse, and it was one of my favorite theatrical experiences of that season. Although the cramped Astor Place Theatre is less friendly to audience participation, revisiting the show provided a welcome rush of kamikaze joy. The four runners—Claire Bird, William Strom, Dominic Weintraub and Hugo Williams—are marvelous multitaskers, as quick with their quips as they are with their pace. Ava Campbell serves as a charming ringmaster, explaining the rules, overseeing the timer, handing out Gatorade and playfully pushing Pony Cam merch. Together, they offer a unique adrenaline-fueled performance every night. Exhaustion has never been so invigorating.

Did I experience a vicarious endorphin rush after watching the cast collectively run over 17 miles? Not exactly. But it didn’t really matter. Their enthusiasm was irresistible. I declined to leap out of my seat at one of the many prompts, but I did...

Did I experience a vicarious endorphin rush after watching the cast collectively run over 17 miles? Not exactly. But it didn’t really matter. Their enthusiasm was irresistible. I declined to leap out of my seat at one of the many prompts, but I did email a photo I took mid-performance, per the admin treadmill’s request. He responded in real time, which admittedly felt special.