Are you ready to be taken on a nostalgic ride that will take you back to the iconic decade of the 1960s and 70s? The hit musical “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations” will fulfill your desire for genuine Motown music and will immerse you in a quality production that pays tribute to one of the most influential and enduring groups in the history of American music: The Temptations. You are invited to take part in the story of the Motown band in the eyes of its founding member, Otis Williams. The Durham Performing Arts Center will be the home of the award-winning musical this February, and you are welcome to witness the impeccable story of The Temptations’ rise toward becoming America’s beloved group. Through songs that defined the band’s career, the story of their successes and failures will be told in the most creative ways. So, if you are looking for a special event to transport you to the golden era of Motown, “Ain’t Too Proud” promises an unforgettable experience.
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations
“Dazzling! This show will blow you away.” – Washington Post
“This jukebox musical not only has life, it also has wit, intelligence, while also looking stunning and full of energy music.” – The Daily Beast
“A stirring, high-energy tribute that delivers big.” – The Hollywood Reported
With hits from Temptations like “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” “Get Ready,” My Girl,” “Cloud Nine,” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” the musical is a celebration of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement awardee’s legacy while addressing the challenges and triumphs that defined their remarkable career. It is based on a book by the award-winning American playwright Dominique Morisseau, the same award-winning playwright who wrote the three-act play “The Detroit Project.”
The play revolves around the memoir written by the founder and last surviving member of The Temptations, Otis Williams. From the Motown legend’s foundation in the late 1950s to the 1990s, the musical follows the career of The Temptations. The group’s name is also vital to the theme of the musical, as temptations of fame are also highlighted. In addition, the effects of social and political shifts, group dynamics, and other personal and professional challenges are also examined creatively in the musical. This is done by highlighting each member’s personality and unique talents. It explores the difficulties they encountered as a group, such as interpersonal conflicts, drug misuse, and the dynamic nature of the music business.
By this premise alone, one can say that this is an interesting take on the lives of the Grammy award-winning band. After all, The Temptations is undoubtedly one of the biggest artists of all time. Selling almost 14 million records worldwide, the band has become an icon and trailblazer in the development of Motown music. Aside from winning three awards out of several Grammy nominations, the group holds the record of being the only Motown group to win an Academy Award twice: in 1969 for “Cloud Nine” and again in 2013 for Lifetime Achievement. In 1989, Paul Williams, Otis Williams, Edwards, Franklin, Kendricks, and Ruffin were the six Temptations elected into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. All of these are just a few of the many recognitions the group received in their lifetime. These are a feat every artist can only dream of. But for the group, this is a dream they get to achieve through their music, artistry, and perseverance.
“This jukebox musical not only has life, it also has wit, intelligence, while also looking stunning and full of energy music.” – Daily Beast
Premiering at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre in 2017, Ain’t Too Proud was an instant success. With its “nostalgia effect” that transports listeners back in time to their own or their grandparents’ youths, the musical’s timeless potential was apparent. To say that people liked it is an understatement. After a well-received run in 2017, the production continued to expand across North America. Finally, on February 28, 2019, the much anticipated Broadway debut of Ain’t Too Proud took place, paving the path for the show’s continued success. Nominated for twelve Tony Awards in 2019, it took home the coveted trophy for “Best Choreography.” These commercial and critical triumphs also paved the way for the musical’s National US Tour. The highly anticipated tour opened at the Durham Performing Arts Center in Durham, North Carolina, in December 2021. Although the musical ended its Broadway residence in January 2022, it went on to actively tour some of the best local venues, delighting theatergoers all over the country.
This 2024, the touring cast of the Ain’t Too Proud will be back to where it all started: The Durham Performing Arts Center. Catch their breathtaking performances from February 6 to 11. Directed by two-time Tony Award-winning director and former Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival, Des Mcannuf and choreographed by Tony-nominee Sergio Trujillo, the musical will be played by energetic and talented actors. Michael Andreaus. E. Clayton Cornelius, Jalen Harris, Harrell Holmes Jr., Elijah Ahman Lewis, and Derek Adams, among many others, will give life to the songs of the legendary group. A repertoire of 34 carefully selected songs is expected to be performed in the musical. This includes “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” “Don’t Look Back,” “Just My Imagination,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and “Can’t Hurry Love,” to name a few. These songs were selected for both their authenticity and the “truth” they portray, rather than just their popularity. These songs serve as a poignant narrative, unveiling the inner workings of the group’s members and the profound impact of their highs and lows on the music. As noted by The Rolling Stone Magazine, the musical not only provides a feast for the ears but also offers a profound exploration of how the Temptations’ journey mirrored the times they lived in.
Experience Cloud Nine through the music of the Motown legends this February at the famous North Carolina venue. Tickets for the series of shows from February 6 to 11 are now available. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this musical celebration. Reserve your tickets now by hitting the “Get Tickets” link.