Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations
The Temptations has gracefully aged with time. As pioneers, their legacy is a celebration of their achievements. Their distinct harmonies, choreography, and fashion charmed the world during their golden era of the 60s, trailblazing the psychedelic soul movement. But the legendary group is more than the accolades and praise. Behind the stage, a tale of hopes and heartaches unfolded, strengthening and testing their bond. Otis Williamson, the remaining member of the
iconic group, reveals a downbeat coming-of-age story of brotherhood, loyalty, family, and betrayal, which was transformed into an electric jukebox musical. “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations” is a revival of classic blues and soul and an honest confessional of a group that became one of the greatest of all time. Coming to Seattle, catch its production live at the Paramount Theatre this winter.
‘”Ain’t Too Proud—The Life and Times of The Temptations” takes us on a whirlwind tour of music by The Temptations, The Supremes, and other Motown groups that we have loved for five decades.’ — Theatrius
“This jukebox musical not only has life, it also has wit, intelligence, while also looking stunning and full of energy music.” — Daily Beast
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations is conceived from the brilliant collaboration of Obie Award-winning writer Dominique Morisseau and two-time Tony Award-winning director Des McAnuff (Big River and The Who’s Tommy). A fascination for the story of The Temptations led Morisseau to adapt the fascinating account of the group to the stage. “Here we are at this moment in their story where these young men are in a moment in their nation that is in great civic unrest, trying to navigate who they’re going to be as artists, coming from a city that is also in great civic unrest. I thought that’s where we are right now; that’s where we are once again.” A significant concept in mind, their creation led to fitting storytelling of a band that once flourished and continues to inspire people.
Elevating the musical for a modern audience is the usage of The Temptations song classics combined with the choreography of Sergio Trujillo. Even for those who have not heard of the band, it will be an eclectic experience. On the other hand, fans will surely reminisce about old times of radio beats and statics.
The Temptation’s rough beginnings, the ascent to previously unheard-of heights, and how they were put in peril by personal and political issues during widespread turmoil in the United States are all told in Ain’t Too Proud. The show, which mainly focuses on the relationships among the members, portrays their tumultuous dynamics as new members join and leave. As the story progresses, Otis William’s character assumes a more prominent position as the “glue” that holds the group together as they deal with the difficult circumstances in their career. The show drives home a simple but potent message: success requires sacrifice.
‘While the great Motown songs like “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” may be AIN’T TOO PROUD’s main attraction, Morisseau’s well-crafted storytelling proves just as important as the musical memories.’ — BroadwayWorld
‘”Jersey Boys” meets “Motown” in “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations,” the latest biographical/backstage rock and roll jukebox musical to hit Broadway and market itself to the baby-boomer demographic. And while not exactly profound or original, it makes for slick, straightforward, tuneful, and altogether pleasant entertainment.’ — amNy
Ain’t Too Proud premiered at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre in Berkeley, California, in 2017. In the history of the theatre, it became its highest-grossing production. After the Berkeley Rep stint, the show moved to multiple theatres in North America, which are the reputable Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, California, and the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto, Canada.
After much anticipation, Ain’t Too Proud opened on Broadway on February 28, 2019, marking the beginning of the musical’s ongoing triumph. Within its first week of showing at the Imperial Theatre, it was already a box office hit. This long-running Broadway musical closed on January 16, 2022.
During the 2019 Tony Awards, Ain’t Too Proud won “Best Direction of a Musical” among 11 other nominations. The musical’s accolades did not end there, as it was nominated for the “Best Musical Theater Album” during the 2020 Grammy Awards.
The touring cast of Ain’t Too Proud will be stopping at the Paramount Theatre Seattle on January 24 to January 31. The highly anticipated musical features a cast of energetic actors, including Jalen Harris as Eddie Kendricks, Harrell Holmes Jr. as Melvin Franklin, James T. Lane as Paul Williams, Marcus Paul James as Otis Williams, and Elijah Ahmad Lewis as David Ruffin. A total of 34 well-chosen songs are expected to be performed in the musical. This includes “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” “Don’t Look Back,” “Just My Imagination,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and “Can’t Hurry Love,” among many others. These Songs were selected for both their authenticity and the “truth” they portray, rather than just their popularity. You won’t go hungry for tunes with this soundtrack, as it reveals “the inner workings of the group’s members and how their ups and downs impacted the music as well as represented the times they were living in,” as noted by The Rolling Stone Magazine. Those interested in attending should purchase tickets as soon as possible so as to avoid missing the show. By following the links on this page, you can order your tickets as early as today.
