Madonna returns to the stage

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - As concert-goers waited for Madonna to kick off her first U.S. tour in eight years, some entertained themselves by celebrating the many transformations the Material Girl has undergone in her two-decade old career.
Once Madonna herself took the stage Saturday night at First Union Center, it was clear she did not share her fans' desire to relive her past. Most of the songs in her "Drowned World Tour" show were taken from her most recent albums, "Ray of Light" and "Music." Some of her biggest hits, including "Vogue," "Express Yourself" and "Material Girl," were absent. In addition, while the theatrics many have come to expect from a Madonna show were present, gone was the campy sexuality and party atmosphere of her earlier tours. The mood was considerably darker, with images of rape, references to murder and even sounds of gunfire permeating the show. While paying due respect to her previous incarnations, Madonna seemed more interested in celebrating her present self - and if the screams from the crowd were any indication, so were her fans.