Toronto Fringe Review: Artificially Intelligent 2.0

Artificially Intelligent 2.0 might have AI in the title, but rest assured, you won’t be hearing much from ChatGPT. If anything, Anesti Danelis' latest musical comedy is a case for why artists shouldn't hand over the creative process in the first place.

For those who caught the original production, this isn't a complete overhaul. Many of the songs and comedic beats return, though updated lyrics and new material help keep the show feeling current.

Ironically, the least memorable moments are the ones “written” by AI. Danelis includes songs generated by ChatGPT alongside his own, and the contrast is staggering. The AI-written material feels flat and impersonal, while Danelis' songs are filled with oddly specific stories, irrational anxieties, and personal experiences that could only come from a real person. Whether he's joking about the paranoia of modern dating or sharing stories from his own life, those moments are what make the show feel like his.

One of the biggest additions to Artificially Intelligent 2.0 is the increased audience interaction. Danelis spends more time chatting with audience members, riffing off their responses, and even writing a song for one volunteer on the spot. Those moments become some of the show's highlights, showing that a real conversation is still more interesting than a generated one. Near the end, Danelis says he doesn't want to "outsource any part of [his] humanness," which ultimately feels like the point of the entire show.

Whether you're revisiting the show or seeing it for the first time, Artificially Intelligent 2.0 is well worth catching during this final weekend. And I promise, this recommendation was written by an actual human.

Artificially Intelligent 2.0 is on now until July 12 at the Toronto Fringe. Show times and tickets