They’ve performed on television and in venues from The Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas to President Clinton’s inauguration.

Monday night, they brought their magic touch to a near-full house at Greenville’s own Ritz Theatre as the second show in the Greenville Area Arts Council’s 2008-2009 season.

The Platters proved a true audience-pleaser as they performed many of the legendary group’s hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

While none of the original five teens who formed the group in the early ‘50s is with the current group, the three gentleman and lady who took the stage Monday night impressed the crowd with their style, polish and musical virtuosity.

“This is the music that stands the test of time,” one of the singers told the audience. “Current music, it’s alright. But a lot of it you are not going to want to sing in ten years. These songs – we will still love.”

Along with Platters’ hits like “The Magic Touch” and “The Great Pretender,” the foursome also rock-n-rolled the house with classics from Jackie Wilson, Same Cooke, the Shirelles, Ben E. King, Chubby Checker, among others.

Audience members who haven’t moved to the groove in a long while got the chance to “twist the night away” during one number.

The group earned more than one standing ovation during the performance.

Following the show, audience members had a chance to greet the performers and get their autographs on show programs and their latest CD.

“That was just fantastic,” enthused audience member Susan Andrews, who enjoyed the show with her daughter and grandson.

“The Platters were IT for me back in my teenage years.”

The next GAAC production will be the Broadway smash “Bye Bye Birdie,” set for February 9, 2009.

GAAC director Nancy Idland also encourages music lovers to get into the Christmas spirit on November 15 with John Berry and his Holiday and Hits Tour.

“We were fortunate enough to be able to arrange for John to come back to our city to perform,” Idland said.

“John’s a cappella performance of ‘O Holy Night’ left the audience breathless during the taping of ‘The right Place’ with Kevin Sport earlier this season. While his concert is not part of our season ticket program, I strongly encourage you to plan to attend what is sure to be a wonderful show.”