More a concert than a musical, the national tour production of Broadway’s “ain’t too proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, is rocking Playhouse Square through July 31. This lively production celebrates the R&B hits that made the ensemble popular from the 1960s until today. Directed by Des McAnuff, with a script by Dominique Morisseau, it features the Tony Award-winning choreography of Sergio Trujillo with music and lyrics from the Legendary Motown Catalog
The straightforward storyline about the Detroit-based group resembles an illustrated diary that features high and low points in the author Otis Williams’ life. This makes sense because the show is based in Williams’ book, The Temptations, but at times Otis’ running monologue explaining everything made me wonder what other characters felt and thought.
The actors who played Otis Williams (compelling understudy Michael Andreaus), his brother Paul Williams (James T. Lane), Elbridge “Al” Bryant (Brett Michael Lockley), Melvin Franklin (Harrell Holmes, Jr.), and Eddie Kendricks (Jalen Harris) showed how talented the quintet that “made it” via Motown was. As the 1960s continued, David Ruffin (Elijah Ahmad Lewis) joined the group and widened its appeal.
Some dramatic segments stood out, as when the group needed a bass, and low-voiced Holmes (as Franklin) stepped out on the stage. I’m pretty sure the floorboards vibrated when he announced himself. But all the show’s vocalists provided a true (and tuneful) testimony to the power of Motown, soul and R&B.
Of course, everything was not all lollypops and roses for the group (or the women who loved them) during the tumultuous 1960s and beyond. The show also touches upon important historical events as it moves through the decades.
This show is really all about celebrating music and rhythmic, nimble dancing. The group (in various configurations over the years) performs over two dozen showstoppers such as “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and “Baby Love.”
Two Cleveland-area performers added a welcome local note. Former Baldwin-Wallace student Shayla Brielle G. (as Mama Rose, Florence Ballard and Tammi Terrell) flexed from one character to another with seeming ease as the Temptations’ saga progressed. [It did not seem to be a good idea for women to fall in love with these touring performers.] Understudy Antwaun Holley (also a BW alum) proved authoritative as key figure, and Motown Records’ founder Berry Gordon.
Conductor (and keyboardist) Jonathan “Smitti” Smith led an ensemble composed of tour members plus local orchestra musicians. The sound balance proved outstanding, not too loud, not too soft. (This is not always the case in the huge State Theatre, so bravo to music coordinator John Miller and keyboard programmer Randy Cohen and their crew.)
Bottom Line: Looking around the audience, it was clear that the generations gathered to celebrate the amazing, decades-long career of the Temptations. It is a show that’s fun for everyone. At least the first half is — after intermission we see characters fall to drugs or illness. Overall, however, the music generates youthful memories, joy and (maybe) inspires a bit of dancing. We were all dancing in the aisles when we left. Perfect summer fare.
One Response to “THEATER REVIEW: “ain’t too proud” @ Playhouse Square by Laura Kennelly”
PaulaM
Went with my 21 years old son and we just loved it! We weren’t close enough to truly appreciate the dancing- the costumes -the synchronicity of it all -but it was a fabulous production and music replica. It did honor to the Temptations! We thought David Ruffin’s character was too loud many times but it didn’t detract from overall spectacular! And what a magnificent ending.