Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations

In understanding a musical legend, it is suitable to tell their story besides celebrating them through their songs. This is the aim of the brilliant collaboration of Obie Award-winning writer Dominique Morisseau and two-time Tony Award-winning director Des McAnuff for the show “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations.” Inspired by the story of the R&B trailblazer The Temptations, this jukebox musical chronicles their story from a humble beginning in Detroit to marking their legacy in the music industry. It is an exquisite show with electrifying performances and an enthralling true story of brotherhood, loyalty, family, and betrayal. Bringing us big beats, blues, soul, and gospel, the Broadway show is coming to Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this summer 2022.

“Pretty close to perfection!” – The New York Times

“This jukebox musical not only has life, it also has wit, intelligence, while also looking stunning and full of energy music.” – The Daily Beast

“Dazzling and Electrifying!” – The Washington Post

Through the account of Otis Williams, the sole surviving The Temptations member, this downbeat coming-of-age story was written by Dominique Morisseau. The show was guided by the directing mastery of Des McAnuff, who directed the Tony-winning musical Jersey Boys and flavored with the signature sleek choreography of Sergio Trujillo. With this amalgamation of creativity, the 2-hour show is fast-paced sincere storytelling that fans and the new audience will enjoy.

Meanwhile, the musical arrangements give life and energy to the show. The soundtrack of the musical contained hits of The Temptations that many people love. In their review, The Harvard Crimson remarked that the “musical numbers blend in seamlessly with the dialogue and often help tell the story, an effect achieved by creatively splitting up a song and transitioning in and out of parts of it.” However, the songs were chosen not for their popularity but rather for their “truth.”. “It [the soundtrack] shows the inner workings of the group’s members and how their ups and downs informed the music as well as reflected the times they were living in,” says Rolling Stone. The group aimed to be political with their messaging during their prime but was not allowed to do so. Ain’t Too Proud delved deeply into this want to release political songs, as the group desired to reflect their struggles in their songs, growing up in a harshly discriminating country. Nonetheless, it is a showcase of famed songs such as “My Girl,” “Don’t Look Back,” “Just My Imagination,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and so many more.

Ain’t Too Proud ushers you to a skillfully crafted plot that follows The Temptation’s difficult beginnings, how they ascended to unprecedented heights, and how personal and political conflicts endangered the group during a time when the United States plunged into civil unrest. The show, which focuses on the relationships of the members, depicts their chaotic dynamics as members come and go. During the show’s progression, Otis William’s role instills prominence as he becomes the “glue” of the group facing his troubles with the unfavorable circumstances that arose in their career. Essentially, the show hammers down a powerful and straightforward message: sacrifice comes with success.

When Ain’t Too Proud premiered at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre in 2017, it became an instant sensation. Positive reviews poured in. Reviewers commonly commented on nostalgia as the effect of the show, talking about their childhood and or their grandparents as the tunes brought back memories. Additionally, the musical became the most successful in the theatre’s history.

“Ain’t Too Proud: the Life and Times of the Temptations” is a marvel, a stunner, brimming with joy that comes with such magical music, but painful as to what the cost of success really was.”

– David John Chavez, Bay Area Plays

‘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.’

– Michael Dale, 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.’

– Matt Windman, amNy

In 2018, the show moved to multiple theatres in North America. The first is in the reputable Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. It broke records in its run of more than a month. After the Kennedy Center, The Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, California, followed. The last stop was at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto, Canada.

Finally, on February 28, 2019, Ain’t Too Proud premiered on Broadway, launching the musical’s continued success. Its popularity was evident in its first week at the Imperial Theatre, where it became an early box office hit. During the 2019 Tony Awards, the show received 12 nominations and won “Best Choreography.” Its multi-year production ended last January 16, 2022.

The show is on its second year of the tour that started on May 24 up to August 8, 2023. Prepare yourself as this invigorating musical comes to your city! Special mention to the fans of The Temptations in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The show will serenade you in the Orpheum Theatre, starting on June 28 and will end on July 10. With 34 equally entertaining songs, you won’t want to miss this monumental show. Pick a date to watch Ain’t Too Proud with your family and secure your tickers here by clicking the “Get Tickets” button. Mark your calendars and prepare for an engaging –– and Tempting –– musical experience!