REVIEW: Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations
Seconds after walking into the main auditorium of the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, I knew that it was going to be an emotional evening. The stage had been transformed to the entrance of Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre, from the vantage point of Woodward Avenue.
I entered this world via the Motor City’s Ford Hospital, and Hitsville USA, where all of that classic Motown music was recorded, practically sits in its shadow, even today. For many, many years, I lived and breathed Motown. So I was a little nervous about what Broadway might have done to my beloved Temptations, even after learning that Ain’t To Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations is based on the autobiography of founding member Otis Williams, who “narrates” the production.
I needn’t have worried. Last night was a two and a half hour trip back in time. I laughed and I cried, and much to the probable dismay of those seated around me, I sang and I danced! I dare you to try to listen to that music and not move!
Portraying The Temptations is no easy task. The original quintet, as well as Dennis Edwards (who SPOILER ALERT replaced David Ruffin) were six singing bruthas. But this cast is more than up to the task.
Particularly impressive were Harrell Holmes, Jr., who does a great job replicating Melvin Franklin’s baritone, Jalen Harris, who unbelievably nailed Eddie Kendricks’ heavenly lead vocal on “Just My Imagination,” and Elijah Ahmad Lewis, who got to give us just a glimpse of the force that David Ruffin was onstage, and throughout a troubled life.
Another standout was Amber Mariah Talley as Diana Ross, who’s making her national tour debut with Ain’t To Proud. Miss Ross would have been proud, as Talley perfectly walked the line between performance and parody.
As much as I’d like to say the same for Derek Adams as William “Smokey” Robinson, I can’t. I got the sense that the audience was laughing at his attempts to replicate Robinson faint speaking voice, not with him. I know I was. Luckily, Robinson’s is a minor presence in this version of the story.
Parents should note there’s more than a little profane language in this show, but it’s not gratuitous, and most of it is absolutely needed and well placed.
Motown historians may question some of the “facts” presented in this production. For example, The Temptations in the late 1960s couldn’t claim the moniker “Motown #1 group,” not as long as America’s sweethearts, The Supremes, were on the scene.
Also, Motown purists may take umbrage with a few minor details in this production — the billing of the artists who performed during The Temptations’ first network TV special, for example, or the inclusion of non-Motown songs in the narrative.
Those purists should stick to their 8-track tapes. Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations is a fantastic show, and left this Detroit native singing and dancing all the way out of the theatre, down the street, and back to my car.
I only wished that I could have driven a drop top pink Cadillac, with the wind at my back, on my way back home.
Tickets are quite limited for the balance of Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations’ Sacramento run, through Sunday, November 12. Grab yours, if you can, at BroadwaySacramento.com.
Catch up with freelance writer Michael P Coleman at MichaelPColeman.com.
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