Diane, Katie, and I saw Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations on Broadway in 2016 (you can read my review here). The touring company for this version of Ain’t Too Proud projected high energy and the sold out show we attended at Shea’s Performing Arts Center celebrated the great music we grew up with in the Sixties.
The Temptations morphed into the R&B superstar group through constant touring and recording hit songs. The voice that put The Temptations sound into the stratosphere of record sales, air play on the radio, and TV appearances was David Ruffin (played by Elijah Ahmad Lewis). But, of course, Ruffin’s demons plague the group despite his incredible voice and his ability to do splits during a song performance.
The musical is based on the biography of Otis Wilson (played by Marcus Paul James) who is the last surviving member of the original group. Otis narrates the action as The Temptations move up the charts and become Motown Records biggest group, eclipsing The Supremes.
But, despite the fame and fortune, one by one the members of The Temptations succumb to alcohol, drugs, and physical aliments. Yet, with all the singers who came and went, the music stayed compelling. If Ain’t Too Proud shows up in your neighborhood, I highly recommend it! Are you a fan of The Temptations? GRADE: A
MUSICAL NUMBERS:
| Act I: “The Way You Do The Things You Do” “Runaway Child, Running Wild” “Gloria” “In The Still Of The Night”/”Speedo” “Shout” “I Want A Love I Can See” “My Girl” “Get Ready” Supremes Medley: “You Can’t Hurry Love”/”Come See About Me”/”Baby Love””Since I Lost My Baby “ “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” “Don’t Look Back”/”You’re My Everything” “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You” “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” “(I Know) I’m Losing You””I Wish It Would Rain” “I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)” | Act II “I Can’t Get Next To You” “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” “War” “Ball Of Confusion (That’s What The World Is Today)” “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” “Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are)” “For Once In My Life” “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone”, Pt. 1 “Cloud Nine” “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone”, Pt. 2 “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted” “I Can’t Get Next To You” |
Martha and the Vanellas and the Miracles were probably my favorite Motown recording groups (and Stevie Wonder ahead of even Marvin Gaye among the more “soloish” talent), but it’s hard not to like most of their choruses particularly from the ‘6os ranks. Diana Ross the most overrated, while still good, but Gordy was an obsessive fellow.
Todd, there are scenes in AIN’T TOO PROUD that show how controlling Berry Gordy was. The Temptations wanted to record and release “War” written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong but Gordy nixed it. Edwin Starr then had a Number One hit with “War.”
I probably preferred The Four Tops and The Miracles over the Temptations, but I still like their music. I agree with Todd about Diana Ross. Stevie Wonder did a lot of great stuff but also did a lot of crap like I Just Called to Say I Love You and My Cherie Amour.
I won’t go to this because I’m not fond of the theater. kind of sounds like a cover band with narration. Glad you enjoyed it though.
Steve, I love The Temptations’ music and I learned a lot about the problems that destroyed many of those singers. The Temptations are still a touring group today. Twenty-four different singers have been in the group since in the Sixties.
Love the music, but not sure the show would be for me. Probably my favorite Temptations song is “Ball of Confusion”–which seems more relevant than ever, some 50-plus years down the line.
Deb, “Ball of Confusion” plays a key part in the musical. You would enjoy the music in AIN’T TOO PROUD as well as all the cool dance moves!
This is the music I loved the most. And I wasn’t in Detroit then. It was on the radio all the time and I learned the lyrics from the album covers if not that. I wish they just performed the music though without trying to insert a plot. Although perhaps they need the breaks.
Patti, you would enjoy the music and the story of The Temptations. Complicated lives…great music!
Just look at the list of songs. How could you NOT love it? Yes, I loved the Four Tops but the Temptations were first and they had some great songs. “My Girl” is a classic, one of the most iconic openings ever and easily recognizable by almost anyone. Still kicking myself that we missed this when it was on Broadway. I see they even have Jackie’s favorite, “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” by Jimmy Ruffin, David’s older brother.
I can still remember seeing them at one of Murray the K’s Christmas or Easter shows in the early ’60s, and being blown away by their great dance moves.
Jeff, like you, I grew up listening to The Four Tops and The Temptations. Iconic songs! You and Jackie would love the dance moves in AIN’T TOO PROUD! Right now, most of Buffalo is shut down as Biden is in town.
I liked the Temptations, or did back in the day. But before I started reading this blog I never knew that plays based on the bands was a thing. And now that I know it, to quote Sherlock, I shall try to forget it.
Michael, juke-box musicals are popular. Diane and I enjoyed the musicals about Cher, Tina Turner, ABBA, Carole King, and Billy Joel. We’re waiting for the Bob Dylan musical to tour.
The Dylan one – GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY – is a little different from the others. It is set in the Depression in Duluth, Minnesota. You will sdefinitely want to see it, George.
Jeff, if Diane and I travel to NYC this Summer we’ll try to get tickets to GIRL FROM THE NORHT COUNTRY.
I liked Motown back in the day! I’m no longer fond of Diana Ross since her ego got its own zip code, but most of the rest still resonate well with me! Unless I’m disremembering, Mary Wells was the first Motown singer to have a hit! Jeff will know!
Bob, I’m a big fan of Mary Wells! Mary Wells beat me to the punch! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCUXSdg6PCc
I liked them too, they often were on international radio.
But I didn’t buy any records or CDs – I had other favourites which I just had to have.
Wolf, I had vinyl albums of music by The Temptations, but switched to CDs in the 1980s.
I like them, but probably would prefer 4 tops or Miracles (smokey!!!)
I saw a mini series recently on the temptations, and was surprised at all the conflict., etc. This seems very similar to that
Maggie, Smokey Robinson wrote most of The Temptations’s hits in the Sixties.
Of all the Motown songs, “I Only Have Eyes For You” may be my favorite.
Rick, Motown churned out dozens of classic hits. Love “My Girl” and “See About Me.”