Note: Our writer couldn’t get tickets to see Madonna this weekend, so he did the normal thing: Flew to Phoenix to see her earlier this week. Before she hits Dallas this weekend, here are a 
few things to know about Madge’s MDNA Tour:
Legos rule. It’s hard to pull off something new in big concerts these days, but the Lego-ish set is awesome. The cool visuals work as both stage and screen. Madonna ups the ante by tightrope-walking with sky-high marching bands. No, really.
Yuk factor. If the sound of snapping bones is your thing, you’re in luck. There’s a lot of that with her dancers. And if blood and violence aren’t your thing, take a bathroom break early. It’s more wannabe shock than the actual stuff, but it still bothered many.
Act her age? We know Madge is in shape and shows off her body (and ass), but if you’re asking yourself, “Does she really look clumsy doing some of those moves?” the answer is “yes.” And expect the return of the cone bra.
Tear up. The queen of pop can still bring even diehards to tears. Her anti-bullying message is passé and overwrought, but “Like a Prayer” is akin to a spiritual dance revival and the Kalakan Trio accompaniment on “Open Your Heart” is exceptionally lovely.
By the time the show becomes a big gay dance party, it’s encore time. Before you start making bets on the last song, you need to know that you just saw the encore. But also, you just freaking saw Madonna!
— Rich Lopez
American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave. Oct. 20-21. 8 p.m.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition October 19, 2012.