Live R&B and pop can be a mangy affair. Too often these shows consist of a singer lackadaisically going through the motions while miming to a prerecorded tape. Fans of the genres tend to get shortchanged when it come to live performances.Who knew that salvation lied behind the “Velvet Rope?” Pop diva Janet Jackson, who prefers to be referred to as simply Janet, is currently touring for her recent “Velvet Rope” album. While people may try split hairs on whether Janet is an R&B or pop singer one thing is clear. Entertainers from both camps are going to have to rethink their game plans.Thursday`s night two hour performance at Polaris Amphitheater highlighted what`s missing in too many performances. Imagination and production values. Janet`s show was a show that catered to an audience weaned on MTV (short attention spans) and the arena crowd that demands bang for the buck.The stage set up consisted of a huge video screen hanging over center stage with the band and backup singers center stage surrounded by a raised halfÑcircle runway. At various points during the show, the screen would split and float around the stage following it`s own muse. Then surrounding the entire stage was a huge set of curtains that were closed for the set changes. There were three set changes and five costume changes.One of the most amazing set/costume changes was the “Escapade” segment which took a page from “Alice In Wonderland” with it`s Technicolor, cartoon influenced costumes and set pieces. The theme of the show was a journey behind the Ôvelvet rope.` Appropriately Janet opened with “Velvet Rope.” Flanked by her longtime dancers, The Kids, Janet quickly established the feel of the show. Intricate dance routines replicated from her videos paired with enough flash and bang to reach the cheap seats. In a variety of way it was like being at home watching a video and the huge video screen only reinforced that feeling. Depending on your seat it was easy to be caught between watching the screen and watching the stage. By the third or fourth song the bugs were worked out and Janet relaxed into the performance. During her acoustic rendition of “Again” she became so overcome with emotion, that she had to pause an number of times before she could continue. Once Janet was warmed up she and her Cracker Jack backing band blasted through her hit catalog. Nearly every single from her 11 year career was touched upon.Vocally, Janet isn`t a threat to anyone but she works well within her limitations. And to answer the “is it live or is it Memorex” question, the answer was clear. When it came time for a vigorous dance number and Janet wore a headset microphone, it was usually lipÑsync time. Whenever she held a hand microphone, she was singing. And the show was heavy on actual singing.And when you thing the Jackson family, you think dancing. The Kids delivered some awe-inspiring steps during the choreographed number and during their freestyle jam moments and Janet held her own. One of the many highlights of the show was when Janet picket a local fellow out of the crowd, strapped him to a chair and she and two dancers gyrated around the poor guy/lucky dog to the tune of “Rope Burn.”After taking four years between albums and touring one thing is undeniable. Overall, the journey behind the “Velvet Rope” was worth the wait.