An irresistible force and an immovable object: that would be Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett on Friday evening at Radio City Music Hall where they sang more than 30 standards, separately and together, before a respectful multigenerational audience that tilted older.
The immovable object was Mr. Bennett, a living monument at 88, who, when he moved across the stage, proceeded slowly, cautiously and with dignity.
With his customary grace and humility, Mr. Bennett embodied the patriarch of American popular song he has been for the last two decades.
Around him fluttered that irresistible force, Lady Gaga, 29, an eccentric living bauble, in a succession of extravagant showgirl outfits and wigs.
The chemistry between the performers in this Cheek to Cheek tour is noticeably different from the cuddly granddad and granddaughter intimacy of their videos.
Persons:
Gaga, Tony Bennett, Bennett, Lady Gaga, Mae West, Marilyn Monroe, Mike Renzi, Cheek
Organizations:
Radio City Music, Broadway