Review: Katy Perry Prismatic Tour shines in Glendale
Katy Perry delivered another extravagant performance when her Prismatic tour hit Gila River Arena in Glendale on Thursday, Sept. 25.
It had been three years since the mega star had pounced around an Arizona stage, but in that time, the beloved queen of sugar-plum pop music somehow managed to build on her already massive showcase.
The night started somewhat deceptively as the stage was surprisingly void of color.
Itty-bitty tweens in frilly tutus and colorful ponytails and equally bedazzled moms (and some dads) filed into the sold-out arena early on and gazed at a gigantic catwalk and performance area. The stage was full of sharp edges and dark cold grey triangles, creating a backdrop that was more Gotham City than teenage dream.
The crowd exploded with elation once the house lights dimmed and the thudding bass of Perry's hit single, "Roar" filled the venue. Dancers dressed like warriors out of the old-school video game Mortal Kombat took the stage first, lighting up the arena with neon-lit clothes and props. Another prism shape appeared slowly from the ground and out sprouted Perry, decked out in a metallic two-piece trimmed in LED lights.
After that, it was a high-definition assault on the senses with all of the theatrics for which Perry has become renowned.
She took her time navigating through her ample catalog of hits and allowed fans to take in the entire spectacle which featured the requisite costume changes, acrobatics, and an impressive display of lights and a fantastic digital display of images.
Perry followed a similar format as her last stop here for 2011's California Dreams tour with the performance broken into six themed sets. She performed "Part Of Me," and "Wide Awake" for the first sleek set and during "This Moment" a tight seven-piece backing band made its first appearance, playing through "Love Me."
The first set change came shortly after as a starry video montage occupied the sea of sparkle and parade of purple and pink that made up the crowd. Perry re-emerged after just a few minutes on a huge golden horse and in an Egyptian-adorned outfit and launched into "Dark Horse." The sound was loud but pristine for "E.T." and "I Kissed a Girl," and marked one of the many highlights of the evening.
Following the Egyptian setting, the show took on a Broadway feel with performers donning cat outfits and Perry assuming her Kitty Purry persona. Large cat furniture dominated the stage while dancers paraded around oversized props that included everything from tuna cans to catnip.
Although apparently battling a cold, Perry didn't shy away from an acoustic segment of "By the Grace of God," "The One That Got Away" and "Unconditionally." Her vocals soared and didn't seem hampered one bit. It also marked the midway point of the night which featured a lot of banter between Perry and her fans. Selfies were taken, a birthday was celebrated and a pizza was gifted during the session.
The night wrapped up with a 90s-like dance party theme and finally a futuristic neon light show for "Teenage Dream," California Gurls" and "Birthday;" fittingly saving "Firework" for the last song. Throughout it all Perry's charm and charisma sealed the package like a bright big bow.
"I definitely feel the hometown love," the once Scottsdale-resident said. "I learned my ABC's here after all, and that's important."
Although there were plenty of elements in play, nothing felt rushed or overwhelming. It was over-the-top, exaggerated and awesomely fun.