Ethan Lipton explores A.I. themes in new musical featuring robots

In the United States, Ethan Lipton's new show presenting a unique exploration of artificial intelligence premiered at the Polonsky Shakespeare Center. The performance features onstage robots, which mimic middle-aged men and engage directly with the audience while discussing their roles and limits, particularly regarding human autonomy. Lipton serves as the narrator and lead vocalist, contributing to a whimsical musical experience. However, despite its engaging concept and the retrofuturist aesthetic, critics have noted the show’s lack of a firm narrative structure and described it as a loosely connected song cycle rather than a cohesive musical. As Lipton continues to carve his niche in the New York theater scene, this production adds to his unconventional repertoire.