I HAVE a theory about this Lady Gaga character. Or, Stefani, as her mother would call her. It's pretty believable, too: the girl ain't human.

Simple as that.

Why have I come to this odd conclusion? For a start, it's got nothing to do with her music or that wonderfully wacky image of hers.

Instead, it's her relentless working schedule; one that's already seen her release an album and a half's worth of material while simultaneously touring all over the world. Twice. In less than two years.

And did I mention that a second proper LP is in the bag, ready for release early next year?

Naturally, this would leave any performer -- regardless of their age, stature, or string-like flexibility -- a little worse for wear.

But not Lady Gaga.

In fact, at 24 years of age, and with just eight months separating her last face-melting visit to these shores, the exuberant New Yorker appears to be indestructible.

Sure, it's pretty much the same show, and whatever about a few slight tweaks here and there, The Monster Ball still looks and sounds like The Wizard of Oz on Acid.

But this isn't just some recycled round two that we're getting. Oh no, this is a double knockout to beat them all.

What we're dealing with here is gritty yet explosive musical theatre mixed with some of the finest pop tunes of the past decade; a meticulously choreographed concert experience that blurs the lines between performance art and mainstream showbiz. It's pretentious. It's provocative. It's over the top. It's... well, brilliant, actually.

Long story short, Gaga and her similarly freakish friends are on their way to this 'Monster Ball' where, apparently, you can be whoever or whatever you want to be.

glitterway

Alas, their car breaks down, and not even the Subway can get them there, so they're forced to follow the 'glitterway' (see where this is going?) in order to make it to the party of the century. But for everyone on the other side of the stage, it's already kicking off. Production-wise, The Monster Ball really is something.

As a live musician and performer, Gaga pretty much knocks whatever preconception those pesky detractors might have had right out of the park. "I don't f**king lip-synch!" she screams.

She's being honest, too.

She sings, she dances, she plays the piano -- for crying out loud, this chick's also handy with a shiny keytar -- while her supporting players add a whole other level of funky noise to the mix.

Telephone, Just Dance, Poker Face -- they're all in there for the taking.

Throw in some stunning and often ballsy visuals as well as a giant, mechanically operated monster, and it only gets better.

Which brings me to my other theory about this Lady Gaga character -- the girl can do no wrong.

Excellent stuff.

Star Rating: *****

- Chris Wasser