Review: Lady Gaga at the Landmark Theater

If you're going to crib from the holy trinity -- Cher, Bette Midler and Madonna -- at least do it well.

Lady Gaga has that in her favor.

At last night's sold-out Landmark Theater show of more than 3,500 rabid fans, the girl from Yonkers, N.Y., formerly known as Stefani Germanotta captivated with a barely more-than-an-hour show while wearing outfits that were barely there as well.

There was little live singing during her opening punch of radio smashes "Paparazzi" and "LoveGame" -- but really, did it matter? She's a character, a confection, a wind-up doll with a blond bob wig and an assortment of Judy Jetson leotards.

But, what distinguishes Gaga, 23, from the other pop tarts of her ilk is that she can sing. Not Beyoncé sing -- but at least carry a tune with some decent pipes, unlike, say, Britney Spears.

By the third song of her set, "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich," a four-piece band came into view -- itself an interesting contrast in Gaga's interests.

While her trio of dancers was straight from Muscle Boy school, her band resembled Guns'N Roses at its peak. Her guitarist and bassist were even given the spotlight to crank out a serrated jam while Gaga scampered offstage for the first of four costume changes (Hi, Cher!).

Competing in the fashion department were Gaga's fans -- an amusing mixture of gold lamé leggings and glittery eye shadow. And that was just the guys.

Though she's only released one album -- last year's "The Fame" -- Lady Gaga has already achieved the kind of cult status that is truly reminiscent of some of pop's most lasting icons (Hi, Madonna!).

Before the show began, a parade of Gaga-esque outfits displayed by fans kept the antsy crowd occupied: mini top hats; long, pink wigs; and glittered mustaches (again, on the men/boys).

But the singer herself was a memorable sight while standing on her piano bench and bending in half to reach the keyboard -- while clad in a flesh-colored bra and leggings -- to perform a cabaret intro to "Poker Face."

And, as a preface to "The Fame," Gaga zipped out on a motorcycle, donning a glittery leotard and chauffeur's cap (Hi, Bette Midler, if you swap the motorcycle for a wheelchair and the leotard for a mermaid's outfit).

While Lady Gaga is unquestionably entertaining, alluring and possesses an intense amount of ambition, there is also the slightest sense of phoniness that coats her act. Of course, that is often said about Madonna, too, and she once famously said in her youth that she wanted to rule the world.

Looks as if she has finally found an apprentice.

Contact Melissa Ruggieri at (804) 649-6120 or .