Spears lacks spark of former self at Summerfest show

"They say she's the same, but she isn't the same."

That line, uttered repeatedly by a grownup D.J. Conner about his shape-shifting sister Becky on "Roseanne" (two different actresses portrayed the character during the popular television program's run), could have applied to the Britney Spears who performed for a modest crowd at Marcus Amphitheater at Summerfest on Saturday.

Though she looked the part of the pop star — flaunting her trim figure in a parade of increasingly revealing outfits — the singer lacked the same spark and dogged determination she displayed back in the early 2000s. While a younger Spears danced like she had something to prove, this current model appeared content to half-heartedly shimmy while her backup dancers did most of the work.

In the past, Spears' near-constant motion (almost) excused her use of prerecorded vocals. Here, it just seemed lazy — another crutch for a dispassionate performer who couldn't be bothered to belt out a single note live from the stage. Even her between song banter sounded canned and weirdly emotionless. "What's up, Milwaukee? How you feelin'?" she recited with noticeable lack of enthusiasm. "I can't hear you!"

A number of elements, including dragon exhalations of smoke, fireworks, showers of sparks and revving motorcycles, actually appeared designed to distract from the headliner's disinterest. Spears' outfits even incorporated a number of billowy accessories — capes, flowing skirts, etc. -that helped simulate movement even when she remained static. Similarly, a cadre of dancers surrounded the singer at all times during the 75-minute set, adding to the illusion that she herself remained similarly engaged.

Still, Spears' fans remain a fiercely loyal and ever-protective bunch, and wild cheers greeted almost every move she made. True, it's hard not to feel a little sorry for the singer, who's emerged as something of a cautionary tale on the dangers of celeb-stalking, TMZ culture (just Google her name and read virtually any article dated between 2007-2010). Furthermore, while she often looked bored, as though she'd rather be at home in Louisiana with her kids, Spears appeared far more alert and engaged here than she did during her disastrous, near-catatonic performance on MTV's 2007 Video Music Awards.

That said, at least some of this sympathy dissipates once you realize fans were forced to shell out nearly $50 for a simple lawn seat, and significantly more for a spot in the pavilion. Fortunately for those lawn denizens, organizers opened up the near-empty bleachers to everyone as showtime approached.

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