Theater review by Stuart Miller…

Dominic Weintraub was struggling to take off his underwear… without removing the bathing suit he had just donned… while walking backwards on a treadmill. 

This act of lunacy was transpiring while his compatriots in crazymaking– Hugo Williams, Claire Bird and William Strom– were attempting to cook a three-course meal, write a grant application and fulfill life’s mundane tasks (everything from shaving and shampooing to reading a children’s book aloud)… all while on their own treadmills. 

(A fifth member, Ava Campbell plays hostess, counting down the time until each member rotates to the next treadmill and it’s insane assignments while also marking the distance traveled while going nowhere.)

“Burnout Paradise” is the Ponycam Collective’s hilarious and wildly entertaining 65-minute wild rumpus that illustrates how hard it is to hold ourselves together in this modern life. The stakes are set early: if the Australian group fails to cook the three-course meal, finish the grant application and complete the chores then the audience will be offered a full refund.

The fourth treadmill is each actor performing a scene from their childhood—Weintraub is re-enacting being bribed with sugary cereal to take swimming lessons, Strom plays the keyboard and sings, and Williams performs Shakespeare. But Bird is the highlight, re-enacting all her childhood dance routines—with costume changes– while a video shows her original performances.

But what makes the show so exhilarating, what makes audiences lean in and feel so invested is not the chance of getting money back, it’s Ponycam’s notion that they—and we– can only succeed and survive by being open to help from the community. In this case, the audience is that community, invited to help whenever and however the spirit moves them. 

So while it’s wildly funny to watch Williams try to minimize spillage as he pours water into a pot while running on the treadmill, the highlights are often the parts that involve the audience. (It’s important to note that no one is pressured to participate and you can easily stay seated the entire time, soaking up the four-ring circus and marveling at your neighbors’ willingness to jump into the fray.)

Weintraub’s underwear removal succeeded only because an enterprising audience member leaped up, pulled off her scarf and used it to cover his naughty bits while he maneuvered his way out. 

Other audience took on different tasks, shaving Weintraub’s chest (Strom has clearly had his head shaved to startling effect on previous nights), putting a clay mask on Williams, or helping Bird build a piece of IKEA furniture. Members even came forward to offer their organizations as allies to Ponycam as part of the grant application (most were from non-profits, but a MasterCard employee jumped in too) while two people bravely ate the meal (which, according to their post-show review included at least one hair and a fair amount of sweat, so volunteers beware).  

The show is impressive because it has all the elements of a traditional play—we know the stakes early on and the themes emerge as we learn bits about each person’s character and backstory while they undertake a hero’s quest and face numerous obstacles—and yet it remains relentlessly silly and joyous. 

The show’s giddy energy leaves the audience buzzing and delighted. “I can’t believe this exists,” my friend said as we left. We are fortunate that it does, as an exuberant and delightful reminder to spend more time to connecting with friends and family and less time pushing through life on our own. 

It’s a timeless message but in an era plagued by isolation brought on by technology and a year rife with division brought on by misinformation and demagogues, it’s particularly welcome, especially since it’s delivered without a hint of being an actual “message.”

And it’s a great play for the Thanksgiving season. Unfortunately, however, the play only exists in Brooklyn through December 1st so get off your own personal treadmill, grab some friends or family and run to St. Ann’s Warehouse to share in this remarkable experience. 

Ponycam Collective’s “Burnout Paradise” is playing at St. Ann’s Warehouse, 45 Water Street in Brooklyn through December 1st. It runs (literally) for 65 minutes without intermission.