Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations
This production refreshingly emphasizes the improbable triumph of rough, combustible parts assembled into glistening smoothness.
New York Times
Why see Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations?
The 12-Time Tony Nominee!
As one of 2019's most sparkling Broadway musicals Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations hits the road for a national tour across the country. Gaining twelve 2019 Tony Award nominations (one of the season's most nominated productions) Ain't Too Proud received praise from the critics for its sublime performances and refreshing telling of how one of the world's most successful bands came to be.
Full to the brim with some of The Temptation's most iconic hits (My Girl, Papa was a Rolling Stone, Just My Imagination to name a few), Ain't Too Proud follows the rise of the five-piece from Detroit, from their humble beginnings and dud starts to international superstardom! Not a musical to shy away or sugarcoat some of the group's more distressing tales Ain't Too Proud is a glistening musical that celebrates life's triumphs and will leave you singing all the way home.
What Is Ain't Too Proud About?
Formed by five young guys from Detroit, vocal group The Temptations struggled for years to land a hit. Things turned around when they signed for Motown, and with legendary songwriters like Smokey Robinson writing them tunes, the group rose to become one of the biggest names in American music. But their path to superstardom was far from smooth sailing, with clashing personalities and political disagreements nearly tearing the group apart.
Did You Know?
The Temptations are still performing to this day, with Otis Williams the sole remaining original member.
Key Information
Run Time
Two hours and 30 minutes, including intermission
Dates
May 27 - 28, 2025
Upcoming Performances
Cast
Jalen Harris as Eddie Kendricks
Harrell Holmes Jr. as Melvin Franklin
E. Clayton Cornelious as Paul Williams
Michael Andreaus as Otis Williams
Elijah Ahmad Lewis as David Ruffin.
With
Brian C. Binion, Reggie Bromell, Felander, Shayla Brielle G., Ryan M. Hunt, Jeremy R. Kelsey, AJ Lockhart, Omar Madden, Dwayne P. Mitchell, Devin Price, Brittny Smith, Amber Mariah Talley, Nazarria Workman and Andrew Volzer
Creative
Book by Dominique Morisseau
Music and Lyrics from The Legendary Motown Catalog
Based on the book entitled The Temptations by Otis Williams
Music by arrangement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Scenic Design by Robert Brill
Costume Design by Paul Tazewell
Lighting Design by Howell Binkley
Sound Design by Steve Canyon Kennedy
Projection Design by Peter Nigrini
Hair and Wig Design by Charles G. LaPointe
Fight Director by Steve Rankin
Associate Choreographer by Edgar Godineaux
Music Coordinator: John Miller
Vocal Supervisor: Liz Caplan
Production Stage Manager: Molly Meg Legal
Resident Director: Drew Wildman Foster
Casting by Tara Rubin Casting and Merri Sugarman, C.S.A
General Management by Corker Group LLC and John Corker
Technical Supervisor: Hudson Theatrical Associates
Orchestration by Harold Wheeler
Music Direction and Arrangements by Kenny Seymour
Choreographed by Sergio Trujillo
Direct by Des McAnuff
Awards
Tony Awards 2019 - Wins
Best Choreography - Sergio Trujillo
Tony Awards, 2019 - Nominations
Best New Musical
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical - Derrick Baskin
Best Book of a Musical - Dominque Morisseau
Best Direction of a Musical - Des McAnuff
Best Performance of a Featured Actor in a Musical - Jeremy Pope
Best Performance of a Featured Actor in a Musical - Ephraim Sykes
Best Choreography - Sergio Trujillo
Best Orchestrations - Harold Wheeler
Best Scenic Design of a Musical - Robert Bril and Peter Nigrini
Best Costume Design of a Musical - Paul Tazewell
Best Sound Design of a Musical - Steve Canyon Kennedy
Best Lighting Design of a Musical - Howell Binkley
DRAMA LEAGUE AWARDS, 2019 - NOMINATIONS
Distinguished Performance Award - Jeremy Pope
Outstanding Production of a Broadway or off-Broadway Musical
Reviews
Customer reviews
32 reviews, average rating: (4.7 Stars)
Diane Daly
Ain't to proud
Was absolutely 💯 👌 a great show loved the dancing music high energy. Brought back so many great memories. Could see again. Diane Daly ... Read more
M McBride
Ain’t to Proud - Life and Times of The Temptations
This show was amazing! The songs, actors, the dancing! It was hard to believe they were not the original members. I wanted to see this show againâ—ï¸â—ï¸â—ï¸ ... Read more
Patty
Loved it!!!!
Did a quick NYC trip for a few days and loved the play!!! The dancing , the music and entire orchestra was beyond talented! Cannot wait until they are on tour and in other cities closer to me!!! Happy Detroit is on the list! ... Read more
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