TEMPTATIONS STIR MEMORIES
A MAGNIFICENT SEVEN REUNION
TEMPTATIONS STIR MEMORIES
A MAGNIFICENT SEVEN REUNION
DETROIT FREE PRESS
By CHUCK THURSTON Free Press Staff Writer
Date: Tuesday, October 19, 1982
Page: 4B
Edition: METRO FINAL
Section: FTR
The opening show of the Temptations' "Reunion" tour, stopping at Premier Center,
started 45 minutes late Monday due to what spokesman described as a "small technical
problem."
But the Temps fans didn't seem to mind as they waited in a carnival atmosphere. Hawkers
peddling battery-powered lighted tulips and souvenir programs and a modern version of a
nightclub cigaret girl cruisng with snacks helped to pass the time.
Opening the show was Alturo Shelton, a clever young impressionist with a string of some 40
impressions.
BUT IT WAS THE main event the sold-out gathering of 900 was clamoring for and the
magnificent seven opened its part of the show with "I'm Still Here."
Then Glenn Leonard, Richard Street, Dennis Edwards, Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, Melvin
Franklin and Otis Williams were individually introduced and there they were, 20 years of
Motown musical history.
The show is heavy on pizzazz. There's a heavy, but well balanced horn section backing the
group and the choreography -- the Temps' forte -- is full of hand swinging, kicks, half-
turns. The togetherness is broken only when one steps out of the dance line to speak a few
words into one of the microphones.
The Temps' repertoire -- mostly love songs -- seem to be instantly recognized by the
adorative fans.
The Premier Center was once a movie house and the the old movie screen is used for
abstract projections during the show.
ON THE MUSICAL SIDE, the group sounded almost spiritual throughout the evening with
choruses backing a soloist. The songs are strung together without interruption and a high
point is a spirited rendition of "Old Man River."
Then there's a tribute to the late Paul Williams, one of the original Temptations . It
includes "Try to Remember," "For Once in My Life" and "The
Impossible Dream."
The show runs well over an hour. Satisfyingly distilling 20 years of hits is no mean trick
but the Temps pull it off well.
The Temptations perform at 7:30 and 10:30 through Saturday at the Premier Center, 33970
Van Dyke, Sterling Heights. 978-8700 anytime.
***
**BACK****DETROIT FREE PRESS
By CHUCK THURSTON Free Press Staff Writer
Date: Tuesday, October 19, 1982
Page: 4B
Edition: METRO FINAL
Section: FTR
The opening show of the Temptations' "Reunion" tour, stopping at Premier Center,
started 45 minutes late Monday due to what spokesman described as a "small technical
problem."
But the Temps fans didn't seem to mind as they waited in a carnival atmosphere. Hawkers
peddling battery-powered lighted tulips and souvenir programs and a modern version of a
nightclub cigaret girl cruisng with snacks helped to pass the time.
Opening the show was Alturo Shelton, a clever young impressionist with a string of some 40
impressions.
BUT IT WAS THE main event the sold-out gathering of 900 was clamoring for and the
magnificent seven opened its part of the show with "I'm Still Here."
Then Glenn Leonard, Richard Street, Dennis Edwards, Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, Melvin
Franklin and Otis Williams were individually introduced and there they were, 20 years of
Motown musical history.
The show is heavy on pizzazz. There's a heavy, but well balanced horn section backing the
group and the choreography -- the Temps' forte -- is full of hand swinging, kicks, half-
turns. The togetherness is broken only when one steps out of the dance line to speak a few
words into one of the microphones.
The Temps' repertoire -- mostly love songs -- seem to be instantly recognized by the
adorative fans.
The Premier Center was once a movie house and the the old movie screen is used for
abstract projections during the show.
ON THE MUSICAL SIDE, the group sounded almost spiritual throughout the evening with
choruses backing a soloist. The songs are strung together without interruption and a high
point is a spirited rendition of "Old Man River."
Then there's a tribute to the late Paul Williams, one of the original Temptations . It
includes "Try to Remember," "For Once in My Life" and "The
Impossible Dream."
The show runs well over an hour. Satisfyingly distilling 20 years of hits is no mean trick
but the Temps pull it off well.
The Temptations perform at 7:30 and 10:30 through Saturday at the Premier Center, 33970
Van Dyke, Sterling Heights. 978-8700 anytime.
***