Burnout Paradise Brings Treadmill Chaos and Audience Thrills to La Jolla Playhouse
Four performers. Four treadmills. A wager that spirals into something equal parts absurd and impressive. Burnout Paradise, the international hit from Australian artists Pony Cam, lands at La Jolla Playhouse for a brief run this December, and if the buzz from Melbourne to Edinburgh to New York is any indication, tickets won’t last long.
The Challenge Unfolds
The premise sounds deceptively simple: can four performers complete a series of escalating tasks – cooking a three-course meal, washing their hair, reciting Shakespeare, walking a dog, and more – all while running 12 miles on treadmills before time runs out?
What starts as a straightforward challenge quickly becomes a frantic, euphoric test of human ability. It’s part comedy show, part endurance feat, part performance art, and fully committed to the chaos.
A Show That Sells Itself Out
Burnout Paradise has developed a reputation for packed houses and repeat viewers. Earlier this year, audiences clamored for tickets, brought friends back for second viewings, and even tried sneaking in after shows sold out.
The competition for seats rivaled the chaos happening on stage. La Jolla Playhouse is hosting just three performances over two days, so waiting to grab tickets isn’t the move here.
Front Row Recommended
The Playhouse suggests sitting near the front or on an aisle if we’re open to audience participation – apparently it’ll all make sense once the show starts.
The Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theater offers an intimate setting where the energy between performers and audience can really land, which seems essential for a show built on this kind of interactive momentum.
See you there!
A visceral celebration of running full tilt towards life’s endless challenges – literally and metaphorically.
📆 December 20: 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM | December 21: 1:30 PM
📍 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla
🎟️ Get your tickets here
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!
