Lady Gaga’s secret show: A punk-rock twist on classic show tunes

A night to remember at the Belasco Theatre

Can a set of show tunes and Great American Songbook standards, performed with both respect and virtuosity, also feel like a punk-rock show? This intriguing question arose during Lady Gaga’s secret post-midnight performance at the Belasco Theatre in downtown L.A. The venue, a movie-palace-turned-music-club, set the stage for an unforgettable night. While few artists can seamlessly blend the classics of the Broadway/movie-musical era with the raw power of rock ‘n’ roll, Lady Gaga proved she is the exception. Her ability to marry the controlled genius of Tin Pan Alley with the chaotic spirit of punk was on full display, making for an extremely memorable late night (or early morning).

The “Harlequin” album live: A high-energy spectacle

Lady Gaga and her exceptional six-piece band powered through her new album, “Harlequin,” with an energy level that far surpassed any recorded versions. This performance was a one-off event, characterized by its unique set dressing and the sheer intensity of the show. Gaga has previously described the current record as “LG 6.5,” with a more modern-pop album, “LG 7.0,” set to follow in four months. While she may never replicate this exact performance, it was a glorious moment in time. Having attended her past shows, including her Dodger Stadium gig, Chromatica residency, and Jazz & Piano shows in Las Vegas, I can confidently say that her Belasco performance was one of the best things she has ever done.

A unique set design: The disheveled studio apartment

The production design for the set was striking and far removed from any show-biz norm. The stage was dressed as a dimly lit, disheveled studio apartment, complete with unmade sheets, a mattress on the floor, and a pillow that Gaga gleefully ripped to shreds, showering the audience with feathers. This set design added a level of irony and intrigue that wouldn’t have been present if she had performed in front of a stock phalanx of bright lights.

Gaga’s manic energy: A performance for the ages

In front of this ambiguous backdrop, Gaga seemed to have the time of her life. Despite reports of her being low-energy at the film premiere earlier that evening, she consumed a year’s worth of energy in her hour-and-a-half performance. With smartphones locked up, it was difficult to know the exact duration of the show, but the audience’s enthusiasm never waned.

A blend of styles: From flapper moves to mosh pits

Gaga’s performance style was a mix of flapper-style moves and a one-woman mosh pit. Her singing was flawless, despite her high-energy performance. The band, featuring both a trumpet and sax player, often slid into New Orleans-style jazz, making even traditional songs like “Oh, When the Saints” feel like rock anthems.

Instrumental interludes and costume changes

The show included instrumental interludes, presumably for costume changes, although Gaga’s outfits were relatively mundane by her standards. The concert opened with a spookily lit barbershop quartet, who later reappeared to sing “Love Will Tear Us Apart” with the band. One interlude featured a tremolo-guitar-filled instrumental identified as a Cramps song, adding to the night’s genre-blending atmosphere.

A return to America’s shared past of show tunes

Gaga’s “Harlequin” era is a throwback to mid-century Broadway and movie musicals, with a bit of original songwriting and selections from lesser-known shows like “The Roar of the Greasepaint, the Smell of the Crowd.” Her performance was a rough return to America’s shared past of show tunes, taking greater liberties and making the vibe very much her own.

A grand piano moment: From “Die With a Smile” to “Smile”

The studio-apartment set included a grand piano, where Gaga performed a solo rendition of her current hit with Bruno Mars, “Die With a Smile,” segueing into Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile.” This elegant moment showcased the sophisticated side of Gaga that the establishment has come to know and love.

A pure vision: Gaga’s unfiltered take

Gaga’s motivations for doing an album beyond the “Joker” soundtrack are complex, but the best explanation is that she wanted to create something purely her vision. This performance confirmed that her unfiltered take can be both conceptually interesting and a visceral kick in the pants. If this single performance is as close as she ever comes to doing a pure rock album or tour, it would be enough.

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