Move Your Feet to The Beat of The Temptations
There’s no doubt about it, mounting a musical integrated with the hits of a legendary band, complete with a back story, is a popular formula. In the category of the ‘jukebox musical’ we’ve seen so many examples of this genre. When you add in great performers who have glorious voices, look sharp in swanky clothes and dance to smooth choreography, you can pretty much bet on bringing in the crowds. And that seems to be the case with “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations.”
“Ain’t Too Proud” chronicles the story of The Temptations, set against Motown and the rise of crossover music on the radio. Now, with a show like “Ain’t Too Proud”, you simply can’t argue with the music. These are songs that are embedded in our brains and hearts, recalling memories of our lives. People in the audience tend to happily sing along with them.
As the story is narrated by Otis Williams, (Derrick Baskin), the founding member and only surviving member of The Temptations, we learn about the early days of the group, the camaraderie, the in-fighting, inflated egos and personal issues. Although some of the original members drop off, the totality of “The Temps” survives. You definitely are rooting for the success of this group as it comes up from the ranks.
The book by Dominique Morisseau could have been made a bit more concise, as the timeline of all the trials and tribulations of The Temptations can serve to be repetitive.
But the performers are the star of this show, as they are all so darn talented. And the music will have you moving, cheering, singing and up on your feet. “Ain’t Too Proud” is directed by Des McAnuff, (who also directed “Summer, the Donna Summer Musical” and the iconic “Jersey Boys”) and is choreographed by the fabulous Sergio Trujillo.
For more theatre news and interviews listen to “Bagels and Broadway with Valerie Smaldone” Saturday mornings 9-10 on WNYM-AM970, online at www.am970theanswer.com, Alexa and podcast. The only theatre and food focused radio show in New York
Valerie Smaldone is a 5-time Billboard Magazine Award winner and is well known for her unprecedented success holding the #1 on-air position in the New York radio market on 106.7 Life-FM, an iHeart station. She has hosted, produced, and created several award-winning nationally syndicated programs featuring in-depth interviews with stars like Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Elton John and Mariah Carey among others. Her radio talk show "Bagels and Broadway" highlighted theatre and food personalities. She is an accomplished interviewer and voice artist heard on commercials, narrations, promos and audiobooks, as well as a sought after live announcer.
Most recently, Valerie produced and directed a film, The Thursday Night Club, featuring pop diva Gloria Gaynor in her movie acting debut. She is one of the creators and producers of a docu-series, Divine Renovation, starring Erik Estrada, on streaming networks soon.
