The Temptations to perform in El Dorado

Motown group’s Christmas show heads to MAD

The Temptations, the legendary and iconic Motown group, is heading to El Dorado this holiday season with a Christmas show at the Murphy Arts District.

According to a news release, the Temptations will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Griffin Music Hall.

The Temptations have been performing for more than 50 years and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. The Motown group began in Detroit in the early 1960s. In 1964, the group became national stars with the hit song “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” written and produced by Smokey Robinson. (Robinson performed in El Dorado during the MAD grand opening last year, giving a free show at the amphitheater to wrap up Music Fest.)

The classic lineup was Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin, according to the release. Since 2016, the group has consisted of Otis Williams, who is the sole original member still performing with the group, Terry Weeks, Ron Tyson, Larry Braggs and Willie Green, according to The Temptations website.

No matter the change in personnel, the release noted that The Temptations have remained true to tradition, with Otis Williams saying that “great singing will always prevail.”

Doors will open for the Christmas show in El Dorado at 7 p.m. Tickets will go on sale for MAD members Oct. 12 and to the general public on Oct.

15. Prices are:

• $85 for the Golden Circle (the first three rows);

• $69.50 for orchestra;

• $59.50 for the mid-section; and

• $49.50 for the rear section. Ticket prices do not include fees and taxes. Tickets can be purchased at eldomad.com, at the MAD box office at 101 E. Locust St. from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or via toll-free phone at 877-940-3334.

“Classic soul and the Motown sound helped define pop music in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s,” said Austin Barrow, MAD president, “and we’re excited to have the best of Motown in El Dorado for a Christmas show.”