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A trip back in time to 'Motown' given last night by Temptations

It wasn't just a concert last night by the Temptations at Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe. It was a show; a choreographed song and dance act by some of the most dapper gentlemen that have ever visited the Peak.

The Temptations took the audience down Memory Lane not just with an array of 60s and 70s hits like "I Wish It Would Rain" and "Get Ready," but with stage presence that is such a trademark of the 60s Motown: bands like the Four Tops, The Supremes, and The Jackson 5.Led by original member Otis Williams, introduced as "the last original member of the band," The Temptations did a 16-song set list. A large crowd was present for the show, which was the second time the group has performed here. Last night's crowd was large than when the group was here the first time."I'm hoping they come back again," said a beaming Tina Rashke of Milton, who mentioned she was in the audience the first time they were at the Peak. "There's nobody like them. The way the move, their songs. They're awesome."The Temptations, a five-member group backed by five individual musicians as well as a 12-piece brass orchestra, wore tailored purple suits with white satin, button-down shirts open at the collar, matched with white shoes. The jackets had silver buttons on the shoulder.Williams told the crowd that January marks his 50th year of entertaining and was rewarded with a standing ovation."It is indeed a pleasure coming back here," said the appreciative Williams.Of course, The Temptations did the song many in the audience came specifically to hear, the love tune "My Girl." Williams describe the song as "The Temptations' National Anthem." The audience became a giant chorus for the song, singing along with the group.The "The Way You Do The Things You Do," the first top 20 hit by the band in 1964, was sung early in the show.The band showed its versatility with the ballad "I Wish It Would Rain" that was followed a few songs later by the up-tempo "Party People."They encouraged the fans to sing along to "Just My Imagination," which topped the pop and R&B charts in 1971. And, the fans obliged.Williams repeated his appreciation of the fans, telling them, "That's why we're back here today, because of you being so wonderful."It was obvious the feeling was mutual.Judging from the reaction of audience members, even as they were exiting the spacious venue, a line from a hit of the Temptations made things obvious:"I guess you'd say, what can make me feel this way."That would be The Temptations.More songs from the past will be sung at Penn's Peak next Friday night when "Dick Fox's Golden Boys" comes to the venue. Sharing the stage will be heartthrobs Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, and Fabian.

Ron Gower/TIMES NEWS @$:The Temptations perform at Penn's Peak before a large crowd, Thursday night.