Madonna shows 'the biggest in Israeli history'...

Sep 1, 2009 4:44


Madonna shows 'the biggest in Israeli history'


By BRIAN BLONDY


Madonna's shows in Tel Aviv on Tuesday and Wednesday will be the "biggest and most expensive concert in Israeli history," organizers told reporters at the Hayarkon Park venue on Monday.


Tuesday's show is sold out, but tickets are still available for Wednesday's, the final of her "Sticky and Sweet" tour.


Production director Chris Lamb, who has worked with Madonna for 23 years and managed the set construction for the entire tour, said that

"this is not a rock concert, it's a show."


Concert-goers should expect a theatrical type production, he said.


While Lamb would not divulge any secrets, he indicated that fans should expect a spectacular event with the estimated $30 million production set of rotating scenes.


Everyone will have a good view, regardless of their location at the venue, because of the massive 10-meter-wide screens on both sides of the stage.


On Monday evening, Madonna dined with opposition leader Tzipi Livni at Tel Aviv restaurant.


Late Sunday night, the 51-year-old singer travelled to Jerusalem's Old City, where she walked through the Western Wall tunnel under the Muslim Quarter.


She declined to speak to reporters during her half hour tour.


Madonna fans throughout the country will be converging on Tel Aviv over the next two days.


Anna Ellinge, from Tel Aviv, will attend the opening night show and hopes to hear her favorite Madonna song, "Vogue."


Whether or not Madonna plays the song, Ellinge expects "a really good atmosphere and a performance of the highest possible class, since Madonna is a legend."


Hila Cohen, from Rishon Lezion, who will be at Wednesday's show, "thinks the second night will be better than the first night."


Police expect traffic in the concert's vicinity to be at a near standstill, hours before and after the performances, which begin at 8 p.m.


Police recommend using the Fairgrounds and the Park Hayarkon's adjacent parking if needed.


Otherwise, walking to the venue via the park is the best option.


AP contributed to this report.