SUGAR AND SPICE

July 19, 2011

Transforming Rogers Arena into a magical fantasy land and enchanting fans with her vibrant energy and music, Katy Perry brought her California Dreams tour to a sold out Vancouver crowd Tuesday night.

Donning bright pink and blue wigs, teetering in sky-high heels and wrapped in clothes of the tight and bright variety, fans couldn't have been more thrilled at the chance to spend the evening with the singer in her candy-filled imagination.

Silly, sexy and sweet, the pop sensation didn't disappoint.

A video intro sparked the show's storyline of Perry discovering a brilliant dream world as she seeks to escape a bleak life. Embodying her imaginary world, the singer made her entrance in a peppermint candy-adorned dress and was greeted by deafening cheers as she launched into "Teenage Dream".

She followed up with "Hummingbird Heartbeat" and "Waking Up In Vegas" complete with a supporting cast that included Elvis, a slot machine and go-go dancers.

Constantly hamming it up on stage, Perry, whose personality is one part bombshell, one part goof, spent plenty of time chatting with the crowd. Announcing that this is the last stop in Canada, she informed the packed arena that she'd saved the best for last.

It was clear from the beginning that this concert was a spectacle to behold with a plethora of puffy pink clouds, a sparkling Candyland-inspired set and a dizzying variety of costumes. It was a sensory overload.

Breaking for the first costume change, Perry emerged for "Ur So Gay" in a mini blue princess dress that transformed into a feathery number for "Peacock".

Born into a conservative household, her parents Christian pastors, Perry has certainly broken away from her gospel music beginnings, but the vocal chops that she exhibited then are not lost in all the whimsical fantasy of her world tour. Her talent and vibrant spirit shine through the the massive production.

Switching it up a little, Perry showcased her sultry, jazz side before cranking up the tempo for the catchy, can't-get-it-out-of-your-head hit that catapulted her to fame in 2008—"I Kissed A Girl". Fans ate up every sugary sweet morsel.

Temporarily breaking away from the Candyland theme, the third act featured a darker, edgier mood. Smoke filled the stage and laser beams cut across the arena as Perry, in a skintight catsuit, performed "Circle the Drain" and "E.T.", both off 2010's Teenage Dream.

With the success of the latter single, Perry became the first artist in history to spend a whole year in the top 10 of Billboard Hot 100.

A natural performer, her staying power is obvious. Despite her success the 26 year old California native, who is married to British actor and comedian Russell Brand, comes across as refreshingly down to earth.

After the half way mark, she pulled it back and treated fans to "Katy's Karaoke", which included covers of "Only Girl in the World", "Big Pimpin'" "Whip My Hair" and "Thinking of You".

Back to her magical, dream world, Perry didn't lose steam, dolling out crowd favourites from "Hot n Cold" to "Firework", before the grand finale of "California Gurls".

There was never a dull moment during the show that opened with a set from singer, songwriter Janelle Monae, including "Tightrope" and the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back". Even the intermission was filled by DJ Skeet, who gave fans an outlet for their pent up glow stick waving.

The glitter-filled night was all fans could have hoped for and then some. A real dream come true.