Madonna’s Who's That Girl World Tour in 1987 marked her first global concert series, supporting both her 1986 album True Blue and the Who's That Girl soundtrack. The tour began on June 14 in Osaka, Japan—her first visit there—and concluded on September 6 in Florence, Italy, also marking her debut in Europe. Musically and technically more ambitious than her earlier Virgin Tour, it incorporated extensive multimedia elements, theatrical dance routines, and multiple costume changes, creating a vibrant and dynamic stage show.
To prepare for the physical demands of the choreography, Madonna undertook rigorous training, including aerobics, jogging, weightlifting, gymnastics, and swimming, while adjusting her diet to a high-protein vegetarian regimen. Collaborating with designers Marlene Stewart and Leslie Hamel, she brought her popular video characters to life on stage, replicating iconic costumes from hits like “Open Your Heart,” “La Isla Bonita,” and “Papa Don’t Preach.” The stage featured four large video screens, multimedia projectors, and a central platform with stairs, enhancing the theatricality of the performance.
Musical director Patrick Leonard encouraged Madonna to remix and rearrange her older songs for a fresh live experience, including a medley of “Dress You Up,” “Material Girl,” and “Like a Virgin.” The British funk band Level 42 opened the shows, and choreographer Shabba Doo crafted energetic routines for Madonna and her dancers, including 13-year-old Christopher Finch who reprised a role from her “Open Your Heart” video.
The show opened with “Open Your Heart,” followed by a series of visually striking performances, such as “Papa Don’t Preach,” which featured projections of Pope John Paul II and Ronald Reagan, stirring controversy and prompting a Vatican boycott call. Other highlights included “White Heat,” where Madonna mimicked a gunfight with dancers, and an Edna Everage-inspired costume for “Dress You Up.” The encore included the flamenco-styled “La Isla Bonita,” the title track “Who’s That Girl,” and a reimagined “Holiday.”
Critics praised the tour’s theatricality, choreography, and Madonna’s commanding stage presence. While some noted a lack of emotional connection, most appreciated the spectacle and energy. Commercially, the tour grossed $25 million, playing to 1.5 million fans, making it the second highest-grossing female tour of 1987. It was broadcast internationally and released on VHS as Ciao Italia: Live from Italy. The tour marked a turning point in Madonna’s career, introducing a more confident and multifaceted persona that would influence her future work and cement her status as a pop icon.
|
