ReneeSchapiro.com

How was Lady Gaga?

That was the daily question from friends and family on September 8th. I have never seen a show marketed this well in my life. Radio promotion ran non-stop for a month straight. People paid to see a whackjob and they got a whackjob. Thanks to the gracious Donnasaur and Virgin Mobile, I wouldn't have seen her myself. We sat third row, stage right where you could see it all....

The staging and production for the show was pretty intense. I was entertained (or should I say distracted) by the massive three-story tower holding neon red light district signs that read "sexy ugly" along with other vulgar phrases. She had an underwater sea creature monster prop invading the stage during "Paparazzi". A European Tube train housed a burlesque show with half naked gay dancers. All the while, Gaga had 10 costume changes to keep me from staring at her torn right hamstring muscle. I think I could have seen a similar performance around the corner at Archibald's.

Don't get me wrong... the girl can sing. And for 24 years old, she can definitely strut her stuff. Her vocal and instrumental talent was limited to one song... a song that isn't even released yet. Her political speeches were ignored by every 17 year old in the audience. Her gay-rights chants resonated with half the audience, while the other half just stared as she grinded against her dancers.

In all, I was glad I experienced the Gaga 'Monster Ball' show. I snapped a few photos on my phone.