It’s difficult to think of a time when Madonna, who brings her tour to the area this week, was not controversial.

But even those that strongly disagree with Madonna’s views about politics, religion or sexuality, must admit that she never gives half efforts in her music or her performances. Take this latest tour. While many artists who started about the same time she did have become dull parodies of themselves, Madonna brings a big-budget, high-powered, multimedia production to town and really works it. Her latest concerts open with an act of contrition and close with a robed choir paving the road to a celebration.