Albany, N.Y. ? Pandemonium erupted on the floor, the lights went out and the live television feed went black as the coup unfolded.

The Republicans seized control of the New York Senate this week in a takeover that played out like comic opera, with the Democrats locking the chamber’s 15-foot brass gates and hiding the keys, and the GOP rebels vowing to convene in a park outside the state Capitol if necessary.

With just a few weeks left in the legislative session, the rebellion could thwart the Democrats’ attempts to legalize gay marriage and expand tenants’ rights.

But more than that, the hard feelings could paralyze the Capitol while the state is dealing with a fiscal crisis, damage Democratic Gov. David Paterson and reinforce New York’s reputation for legislative gridlock. The New York Post ran a mocking front-page photo of a clown in full makeup, and the headline, “Let’s get serious.”

“Once again, Albany dysfunction has raised its ugly head,” the governor said after the overthrow, which was executed on Monday with great precision and the element of surprise. “This is despicable.”