The life and times of The Temptations comes to Broadway
Fall in love with the captivating new Broadway musical “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.”
If you’re old enough to remember your mom, grandparents or favorite auntie playing the music of Motown on any given Saturday afternoon, then you’re old enough to fall in love with the captivating new Broadway musical “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.”
Most of us already know the Motown story. Born in 1960 in Detroit and founded by music executive, Berry Gordy, Motown is the birthplace of some of the most poignant voices in R&B history including Smokey Robinson, the Supremes, and Marvin Gaye.
“Ain’t Too Proud” is the bio tale of one of Motown’s greatest chart toppers and the most successful R&B group in history, The Temptations. The story is told through the eyes of the group’s founder and oldest surviving member, Otis Williams.
Promotional portrait of the America R&B group the Temptations, mid 1960s. From left, Melvin Franklin (1942 – 1995), Paul Williams (1939 – 1973), Eddie Kendricks (1939 – 1992), David Ruffin (1941 – 1991), and Otis Williams. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
If you think male, R&B in-group drama started with B2K, then think again. The Temptations oozed drama from the moment the group was formed and maintained it throughout the years. Despite a journey entangled with jealousy, drugs, egomania, male dominance, illness, suicide, domestic abuse, and womanizing, The Temptations have immortalized themselves as a three-time Grammy winning, Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame group with their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The musical is overtly long at over two hours cramming in 50 years worth of history, but you may not notice as you’re catapulted back to the streets of Detroit watching five young, Black men—associates who become friends who become brothers—harmonize and groove their way to the top.
Actors Derrick Baskin (plays Otis Williams), James Harkness (plays Paul Williams), Jawan M. Jackson (plays Melvin Franklin) Jeremey Pope (plays Eddie Kendricks) and Ephraim Sykes (plays David Ruffin) each bring their own particular flavor and excitement to their roles. They are clearly respectful of the men they embody, and yet, seem to have fun exploring these very complicated lives. The singing is impeccable, the dancing is inspiring, but most of all the storytelling is simply authentic.
The show translates across age ranges and will thrill anyone who is even half-way a fan of soul-stirring R&B classics. One thing is for sure, this show is unapologetically Black. Written by Dominique Morisseau, “Ain’t Too Proud” is based on “The Temptations” by Otis Williams, who is the nucleus of the musical. As the founder of the group and its surviving original member (there have been 24 members of the Temptations over the years), this is his story to tell including the good, the bad and the downright astounding.
“Ain’t Too Proud” is one big, unbelievable soap opera except the fictional elements are minimal. The story unfolds during a time when Black music was arguably at its best within a country simultaneously embarking upon undeniable change and resistance.
If you’re ready to do more than tap your toes to the melodies of “Get Ready,” “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted,” “My Girl,” “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” “I Wish It Would Rain” and more, check out “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations,” at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway in New York City.
For more information, visit AintTooProudMusical.com
