Name: Ain’t Too Proud
Start: 2023-03-31
End: 2023-09-17
Location: Prince Edward Theatre

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LT: Musicals

Ain’t Too Proud - LON [26469]

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Ain’t Too Proud

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It’s *Jersey Boys* meets *Motown* via *The Drifters Girl* in this Broadway celebration of The Temptations. So yes, [*Ain’t Too Proud*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/26469-aint-too-proud) isn’t reinventing the wheel; it follows the expected jukebox musical beats, while packing in a staggering [number of the band’s hits](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/a-complete-guide-to-all-the-temptations-songs-in-aint-too-proud). But, thanks to that tremendous back catalogue and some dynamite performances, it’s toe-tapping West End entertainment.

Like that Four Seasons bio-musical, we get a narrated rags-to-riches tale that sees the group rise from humble beginnings (in this case the mean streets of Detroit) to chart success, only to succumb to infighting and issues like addiction. *Ain’t Too Proud* also adds racial tension to the mix, whether it’s heated discussion around “crossover” appeal — aka wooing white listeners — or bigots shooting at the tour bus in the Deep South.

However, we have just one storyteller here, and it’s Otis Williams. The only surviving member of the original Temptations, he still tours with a revamped version of the band, aged 81, and he made a touching appearance during the curtain call on press night. Dominique Morisseau’s book is based on his memoir — with mixed results.

Given that the oft-repeated ethos of The Temptations is that the group is more important than any one member, it’s ironic to then have Otis’s perspective so elevated. Naturally, he presents himself as a saint: he’s the eternal peacemaker, and everything he does is for the good of others. He even says that this is a God-given mission — although touring constantly means abandoning (and occasionally cheating on) his wife, who has to raise their son alone.

It’s also puzzling that, given this first-person resource, the tale comes out in such clichéd terms — but that’s perhaps the format, which requires Morisseau to pack in so much material. The sheer (if brutal) efficiency of the episodic storytelling is effective enough, and there are some witty touches in Des McAnuff’s smooth production, like the handling of the band’s many personnel changes. “Sometimes temps also stood for temporary,” quips Otis, as each departing member is whisked off the stage on a rolling platform.

There’s clever use of the songs to capture the mood as well. “Runaway Child, Running Wild” underscores Otis’s criminal youth, “Since I Lost My Baby” accompanies the romantic travails of several band members, and “I Wish It Would Rain” powerfully evokes the grief around both a big personal loss and the assassination of Martin Luther King. 

Most importantly, the performance of these songs is utterly electrifying. The cast perfectly match The Temptations’ polished R&B harmonies, and Sergio Trujillo’s choreography is an inspired combination of the group’s authentic original moves, but with a contemporary update. So you get the synchronised finger snaps, step points, and head wobbles, but everything is faster, the levels are more extreme, and there’s extra swagger, groove, and sensuality. 

The minimal set allows for fast scene changes and keeps the focus on the performers and their fabulous costumes (courtesy of Paul Tazewell) — from The Temptations’ silver suits to the Supremes in slinky, figure-hugging red sequins. Projections add some context, like newsreel footage, and that black-and-white video adds to the sleek monochrome aesthetic. 

Sifiso Mazibuko anchors the show well as Otis, while Cameron Bernard Jones has fun with Melvin Franklin’s velvety bass, Kyle Cox is an endearing Paul Williams, and Mitchell Zhangazha brings firepower to Eddie Kendricks, plus a creamy falsetto. As Al Bryant, Michael James Stewart nails the familiar wail of “Shout”, and Akmed Junior Khemalai is a shrewd operator as Motown boss Berry Gordy.

But the clear standout here is Tosh Wanogho-Maud in a blistering turn as the ultra-talented but fatally screwed-up David Ruffin. From his first appearance, crooning “My Girl”, he’s the ultimate showman — Wanogho-Maud supplying explosive dance moves, soul-piercing vocals, and megawatt charisma. 

He also nails David’s darker side. His father was abusive, and David repeats the pattern by beating up his girlfriend, along with drug-taking and diva antics. It clearly stems from pain and insecurity, though; the tragedy is that he finally finds a family with The Temptations, only to destroy it.

However, Wanogho-Maud’s live-wire performance is so compelling that we miss him whenever he’s not on stage — a problem in the second half. His story doesn’t get enough space, but then nor do any of the issues raised here, including the intersection of art and protest (“Music is colour blind,” bleats their commercially minded white manager), or the spiritual element: interestingly, many of the Temps had gospel roots, and still use that language of faith.

Another issue is that, like *Jersey Boys*, women get short shrift. Otis’s wife is reduced to a nag, the Supremes are objects of desire, and domestic violence victim Tammi Terrell quickly disappears. It’s also hard not to sense the heavy hand of Motown branding: that giant “M” often appears on stage, and though there’s a brief reference to the label’s possibly exploitative contracts, it’s quickly hand-waved away.

So, that admirable attempt to add more heft to a jukebox show is only a partial success. But how can you resist phenomenal performances of “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”, the mighty title number, and many more? Plus get ready for Wanogho-Maud: he’s worth the ticket price alone.

*Ain't Too Proud is at the Prince Edward Theatre. Book Ain't Too Proud tickets on London Theatre.*

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*Photo credit: Ain't Too Proud (Photo by Johan Persson)*

'Ain't Too Proud' review – this Temptations musical has electrifying performances and smooth moves

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Get ready, cause here they come! Read our review of the Temptations musical, *Ain't Too Proud,* currently playing at the Prince Edward Theatre through 2023.

The Prince Edward Theatre opened in 1930, and was named after the then Prince of Wales, who went on to become Edward VIII. In 1978, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s new musical, *Evita*, made a star of its leading lady, Elaine Paige. Paige then starred in *Chess* and *Anything Goes*, both at the Prince Edward Theatre.

The building was completely refurbished in 1992. Bernard Delfont and Cameron Mackintosh now owned the theatre, and spent over £3 million on remodelling the auditorium, improving the acoustics and increasing the size of the stage. The new Prince Edward Theatre was unveiled in March 1993 with the opening of *Crazy for You*, a Gershwin musical transferring from Broadway.

Delfont Mackintosh Theatres Ltd. continue to renovate the theatre between productions, making the faceight-yearemplary and one of the most desirable spaces in the West End.

## Prince Edward Theatre Seating Information

The auditorium has three levels – the Stalls, Dress Circle and Grand Circle. In the Stalls, patrons will find excellent legroom throughout, and a gentle rake throughout the auditorium allows for excellent views. 

The Dress Circle does not offer the same level of legroom, but again offers great views. The last five rows will have their view obstructed by the overhang of the, Grand Circle. 

The Dress Circle loges are a unique feature to this theatre — they take on the form of individual, tiered boxes but with a direct view of the stage rather than the side-on view usually associated with box seats. 

The Grand Circle offers excellent sightlines as the seats are fairly steeply raked.

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Get ready, ‘cause here they come! Relax at an evening of soulful Motown music in the West End. *Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations* tickets are available on London Theatre now.

The *Ain’t Too Proud* musical charts the rise of the “Classic Five” Temptations members: Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and David Ruffin. In 1969, The Temptations were the first Motown act to win a Grammy Award for “Cloud Nine.” However, their private lives were anything but cloud nine.

Away from the spotlight, the quintet dealt with personal illnesses and individual vices, as well as personal and political conflicts that jeopardised their future. Follow the fivesome as they take over the music charts, the Motown scene, and ultimately the world.

*Ain't Too Proud* puts the Temptations on the Broadway map. To date, the Temptations have over 40 studio albums, three Grammy Awards, and a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So who could write a Temptations story about the Detroit-based group? Call in Detroit-based playwright Dominique Morisseau. She previously wrote The Detroit Project, a collection of three plays including the Tony-nominated play *Skeleton Crew.* Now, she immortalises the Temptations on stage.

Motown and The Tempations are hot commodities. So it's no surprise that when *Ain't Too Proud* premiered in California in 2017, the show extended twice due to audience demand. After performances in Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Toronto, *Ain't Too Proud* eventually opened on Broadway in 2019, and picked up 12 Tony Award nominations. [Find out about *Ain't Too Proud* in London.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-aint-too-proud-temptations-west-end)

## What did The Temptations sing?

The *Ain’t Too Proud* musical includes plenty of the number 1 Temptations hits, such as “Just My Imagination,” “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”, and “My Girl.” Add the Temptations songs with Sergio Trulijio’s Tony Award-winning choreography, and the end result is a slick tribute to Motown and 1960s Detroit.

## What characters are in *Ain't Too Proud*?

The *Ain't Too Proud* musical includes the five Temptations members: Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and David Ruffin. Influential figures from the Motown era also appear, such as record producer Berry Gordy, singers Diana Ross, Tammi Terrell, and Smokey Robinson. 

Tickets to *Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations* are available now. Book your *Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations* tickets on London Theatre today.

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Book theatre tickets for Ain't Too Proud in London. Join the Temptations for an evening of soulful Motown music in the West End.

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How did the Temptations walk from the streets of Detroit all the way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Join the Motown group in a story of brotherhood and loyalty.
See the Tony-winning musical complete with songs including "Get Ready" and My Girl." Get tickets to *Ain't Too Proud* at the Prince Edward Theatre today.

Otis Williams is the last surviving member of the original Motown group. He's honoured in the *Ain't Too Proud* musical. Not only did he collaborate with the show’s creatives, but he still tours with the Temptations today. When the show ran on Broadway, it earned 12 Tony Awards, and on Sergio Trujillo the Tony for Best Choreography. Watch out for all the slick moves during the show. 

To date, 33 singers have performed under The Temptations name. Now, five West End actors add to the legacy: Tosh Wangho-Maud, Sifiso Mazibuko, Mitchell Zhangazha, Cameron Bernard Jones, and Kyle Cox.

## What To Watch For:

- *Ain’t Too Proud* reunites director Des McAnuff with Sergio Trujillo. The pair previously collaborated on *Jersey Boys* and *Summer: The Donna Summer Musical*
- Even though this musical focuses on the Temptations, this show isn’t the first time they’ve been recognised on stage. The Temptations' songs also feature in *Motown the Musical*.
- The book writer Dominique Morisseau was born in Detroit. Coincidentally, it’s where The Temptations also formed. Talk about authenticity!
- One of the current Temptations members, Jawan M. Jackson, previously played Melvin Franklin in *Ain't Too Proud* on Broadway. Perhaps one of the West End stars will join the group in due course?

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Get the best prices on theatre tickets for Ain't Too Proud on TodayTix. The electrifying award-winning Broadway show comes to London.

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Get ready, ‘cause here they come! Experience the soulful journey of the legendary R&B band The Temptations. Relive the music that defined an era, and learn the untold story of this iconic group as you watch them dance their way from the streets of Detroit to the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.

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Buy tickets for Ain’t Too Proud at the Prince Edward Theatre in London. Find official theatre tickets to Musicals with Box Office.

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