Hey Siri – write a review about a group of five talented performers who improvise an entire comedy musical, prompted by a detailed yet devious ChatGPT bot called Chatalie…

Coded Comedy is a refreshing and energetic musical that blends the spontaneity and unpredictability of improv with the rapid, worldly logic of AI.

You get exactly what’s promised—AI provides random, bizarre, and incredibly detailed prompts, and the performers create songs and storylines on the spot, often with nothing more than a shared sideways glance. This results in a show that is never the same twice, offering a fresh experience for every audience member and making you wonder, should I come back tomorrow night?... maybe.

The performers in Coded Comedy are incredibly talented. They sing, dance, create characters, collaborate, and raise the stakes in real-time to bring Chatalie’s wildest ideas to life. Their chemistry is evident, and their quick wit and high energy shine through in every scene.

The AI prompts add an exciting layer of depth to the show. From bizarre scenarios to unexpected character backstories, the AI surprises both the performers and the audience. Its detailed and colorful outputs immediately set the scene, add drama, and ensure the audience is along for the ride. The AI’s role is seamlessly integrated into the production, enhancing rather than overshadowing the human element. It’s clear the production crew has carefully considered how to visually represent Chatalie’s “thoughts” without distracting from the performers—and it pays off.

The music in Coded Comedy is catchy and highly responsive to the action on stage. The live composer does an excellent job of supporting the performers, adapting to ever-changing scenes with skill and precision—sometimes even forcing a change of pace, much to the performers' chagrin.

The most hilarious, enjoyable moments in the show come when the performers break out of their roles to comment on the absurdity of what’s happening. There’s nothing quite like having to remind your co-performer they can’t give you a redemption arc when you’re dying.