- ain’t too proud; THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS
- Music Hall, Kansas City, Missouri
- June 21, 2022
My new definition of irony: while going to see “ain’t too proud” I was telling my wife about the members of the group. I rattled off Melvin Franklin, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks and Dennis Edwards. I told her there was one more but I couldn’t for the life of me remember his name. Now I’ll never forget it.
The show opens outside the historic Fox Theatre in Detroit and we meet Otis Williams (played brilliantly by Marcus Paul James). Otis talks about his young life and his dream to put together a singing group. Through trials and tribulations he puts together a group of amazing singers. A chance meeting with Berry Gordy (Michael Andreaus), the founder of Motown Records, and a group name change, and the dream comes through. But unfortunately, not all dreams are good ones.
Bursting with over 30 classic songs, and featuring Tony-award winning choreography, “Ain’t Too Proud” is that rare look at success, that also includes the pitfalls that come with it. Whether it’s something petty, like trying to solve an issue democratically, or serious, like deciding to kick a member out of the group, the road to success is seldom smooth.
As the story moves forward we not only meet the Temps, but also get acquainted with other musical legends like Smokey Robinson, the Supremes and Tammi Terrell. The performances are amazing, with the vocals being backed by a first-rate orchestra. It’s not the Funk Brothers, but they do their memory proud. Special shout out to the bass player who, on songs like “Ball of Confusion” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” laid down the groove.
The Temptations remain among the greatest and most popular musical groups of all time. The story of how they achieved that acclaim, and the obstacles they did their best to overcome, is one that needs to be experienced.
“ain’t too proud” continues at the Music Hall in Kansas City through June 26, then continues on through August 2023. For information on when it’s coming your way, click HERE
