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The show goes on for Madonna

By Mark Brown, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published November 11, 2008 at 11:02 p.m.
Updated November 11, 2008 at 11:16 p.m.

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Madonna performs on stage at the Pepsi Center during her first-ever performance in Denver on Tuesday night.

Joe Mahoney © The Rocky

Madonna performs on stage at the Pepsi Center during her first-ever performance in Denver on Tuesday night.

Madonna review

When/where: Tuesday night, Pepsi Center.

Grade: A-.

Of note: Tickets still are available for Madonna's performance Wednesday night.

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OK, she wins.

Madonna was a pioneer of the big show, with larger than life theatrics, special effects, unparalleled choreography and eye-popping big-screen graphics. Along the way, others have tried to co-opt that crown, be it Janet, Britney, NSYNC or any number of others.

On stage at the Pepsi Center on Tuesday night Madonna drove an antique car across the stage, played guitar in a Slash-like top hat, boxers sparred in a quickly constructed boxing ring, dancers appeared out of the floor, Britney Spears made a cameo via video, break-dancers performed on special rising stages, and Madonna vigorously jumped rope throughout an entire song – and that was just the first 20 minutes. No number of flying Britneys or Backstreet Boys on floating ledges from years past could come close to the spectacle Madonna is making of herself this time around on the Sticky & Sweet Tour.

Think of a Broadway musical combined with a gymnastics exhibit, with Madonna as the lead gymnast. Critics make plenty of cracks about her age and her time spent in the gym, but her feats onstage would have been stunning for a 20-year-old – at an oxygen-thin altitude she hasn't played before, as this was her first-ever Denver show. She may not have been singing every note – there were some really questionable moments – but the fact that she was able to keep up a high-energy dance routine without so much as panting or a drop of sweat was impressive.

None of the themes or personas she adopted during the course of the evening made any sense, of course, be it the dominatrix in the automobile or the waif clad in Spanish clothes surrounded by dancing monks. Along the way she also had human models of herself, dressed for the different eras – Erotica, Material Girl, Desperately Seeking Susan and more.

Oh, the music? It was there. She managed to cram in 23 different tunes amid the costume changes and special effects. If hardcore fans had any complaints they didn't let them show. It does seem odd that someone with so many big hits stayed away from many

of her biggest, best songs (though Into the Groove, Borderline, Ray of Light and others did make the cut). Her signature song, Like A Virgin, isn't on the setlist this time around.

Her set started unnecessarily late, with Madonna taking the stage at 9:30 while parents in the audience fretted about sitters.

These spectacles sometimes feel they're of a different era, a throwback to the '90s and early '00s. With a packed house in a bad economy, Madonna's keeping them alive.

Comments

  • November 12, 2008

    10:15 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    LAMOUR writes:

    Well, what a disappointment.. felt like I was at a Club with
    the DJ playing for 1 1/2 hours. My tickets were expensive, but
    I feel bad for the ones on the floor.. What was with the Videos?
    She's a great perfomer! But, I would have liked to see more of her
    than the the Videos!

  • November 12, 2008

    11:50 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    records writes:

    Mostly skin and bones. The sound was terrible--the Eagles performed at the Pepsi Center back in 2003 and the sound was fantastic--just goes to show what attention to detail can do. Madonna was entertaining for a 50 year old, I must say. A once in a lifetime experience--what can you say when tickets cost $350 each?

  • November 13, 2008

    11:21 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    BobbyJack writes:

    Didn't see her, wouldn't see her, wouldn't go if someone else bought the ticket and dinner at Morton's. She's a trashy no talent in the same vein as Britney. I wouldn't go see her if the show featured her and a farm animal.

    And she's in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame? For what?

    She's no musician, that's for sure. Did she play live? Really live with NO sampling or over-dubbing....doubtful.

    If you want to see a 50+ musician who can still play, go see Eric Clapton the next time he comes through town. Or even Gregg Allman, who at 62 is still the best white blues singer that has ever lived.

    Madonna for $350? for $3.50 ...excuse me while I puke.

  • November 13, 2008

    11:42 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    rljohio writes:

    Can´t believe the people who complain about videos being played at a concert or comparing Madonna to the Eagles or Eric Clapton!

    First of all, Madonna´s concerts have always been more an audiovisual experience/artistic installation thing. She was one of the first - along with Michael Jackson - to experiment with those elements live. Her primary strength is not her skills as a singer (not being a bad one) but her ability to offer a SHOW!! And boy she knows how to do that. And...hello?? videos are everywhere now, it is only logical they will be used in the concert of an artist who has so much invested in her image.

    Second of all, Clapton, The Eagles, and that other old guy someone mentioned...comparing them with Madonna is like comparing oranges and bananas...they are so different. Being close minded and hateful, of course does not define a person who would like Madonna. There´s something for every taste, and if you prefer to sit on a chair and listen to a guy with a guitar singing depressing tunes...ok that´s your thing, I respect it. But refrain from insulting other people´s music preferences expressing yourself in that way.

    I was at Madge´s second show and I had a blast! I loved the videos, the dancing, the lights, the effects. She still has it, and I hope she still will for many years ahead!. I thought the version of Like a prayer she did was the best part of the show. I payed 350 and next time I´ll pay more to see her even closer. Every cent was well spent!.