It was a slight case of northern exposure last night at the SkyDome as Janet Jackson put on a nicely naughty, spectacle-like show before 19,000 fans.

But there was a message too -- actually several of them -- behind all of Jackson's skin-baring costumes, energetic dancing, elaborate set pieces, slick lighting and exploding pyrotechnics.

Particularly during new songs like What About, a raging number against domestic violence featuring four of Jackson's dancers acting out not-so-pleasant scenarios on stage and the set-ending Special, an anthem about the importance of self-confidence during which old photos of Jackson were projected onto a large video screen.

(Interestingly, the picture of Jackson with famous brother Michael drew the most applause.)

Also poignant and joyous at the same time was the show-ending Together Again, Jackson's tribute to those friends who have died from AIDS.

Truth be told, the dance pop diva's mere presence seemed to thrill the near-capacity crowd, who were on their feet and chanting "Janet! Janet!" before she even sang a note.

When the video screen split in two at the beginning of the two-hour show to reveal her standing on stage in a black top hat, tails and striped black-and-white vest, the audience basically went nuts.

Their enthusiam was also evident during Rope Burn, the now infamous number from Jacksons' latest album, The Velvet Rope, due in no small part to the sexy live interpretation.

TIED HIS ARMS TO A CHAIR

In what has now become the centrepiece of her show, Jackson -- in a black bra and midriff-exposing red boa jacket -- pulled an extremely excited male out of the crowd and tied his arms to a chair on stage.

As he alternately shook his body and nodded his approval, Jackson and two of her barely dressed female dancers twirled around on poles in front of him before Jackson finally came closer and planted a big kiss on his lips.

Meanwhile, a lot of Jackson's older hits, like Control, What Have You Done For Me Lately, When I Think Of You and Miss You Much, were presented via two medleys.

Not to say that they weren't given proper attention. On the contrary.

The second medley in particular was performed on a wonderfully colorful, eye-popping Alice

In Wonderland-like set that was brought to life by Jackson and her dance troupe wearing bright costumes and perched on various inflatables.

Aside from some rather garish orange extensions in her long hair, it's safe to say that Jackson's tightly choreographed performance was the same singing and dancing extravaganza I witnessed earlier in the tour in Vancouver.

Like that show, Jackson's funky nine-member dance troupe were her constant companions (usually in a formation of eight) and when they weren't, the action ground to a halt.

Unfortunately, a two-song set that saw Jackson on a stool alongside an acoustic guitar player while she sang Wait Awhile and Again didn't serve much of a purpose other than allowing the singer to catch her breath.

In the meantime, it -- along with a section featuring extended solos from her otherwise tight six-person band -- dragged down the evening.

Still, the crowd was especially jazzed given Jackson had arrived in town earlier in the week to appear on MuchMusic's Intimate & Interactive Monday night.

JAM! Rating: 4 out of 5