EAST LANSING, MI – The Wharton Center for Performing Arts on the campus of Michigan State University is presenting “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations” through Sunday, June 12, 2022.
This electrifying smash-hit Broadway musical follows Motown legends, the Temptations’, journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The high energy show was a music and choreography journey of those who sang with the Temptations and influenced the group. From the costume designs to the scenic designs, the attendees were transported back to a time when Black musicians were integrating the music scene until present.
The storyline is a moving tribute of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal during a decade of civil and political unrest in America. The audience was both young and old and they were enthusiastic and engaged. Not only was it thrilling and beyond expectation, but it was an educational and historical timeline of the Temptations during times that were changing rapidly throughout their early years. It was a learning opportunity for those in attendance as well.
Otis Williams is the only surviving member of the original Temptations and was played by Marcus Paul James who seamlessly integrated in and out of scenes as the narrator of the show. The show moved at a fast pace, and one would think that it was going to slow down but audience members were utterly dazzled by melodious voices, impassioned dancing and a display of theatrical professionalism.
The play has been nominated for 12 Tony Awards and the winner of the 2019 Tony Award for Best Choreography. Set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Cloud Nine,” “Get Ready,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and many chart-topping hits. This show is a crowd pleaser.
Jalen Harris, who plays Eddie Kendricks, said that it is simply one of his life’s greatest achievements to be able to portray the icon every night in the show. Harris grew up in a very musical family, with a father as a musician. Hearing the classic and timeless mega hits of Motown as a child was a part of his family culture.
Harris said, “I’ll never forget, the first Temptations’ song I sang as a kid was “Get Ready”. The advice I would give to a future Broadway performer is to stay focused and always be prepared. Our industry is so rewarding but also requires much of the individual. Be true to yourself and trust the process you’re in. Lastly, I would say to listen to those who have come before you and paved your way. We stand on the shoulders of those who have a lasting legacy for us, and that is truly an honor to uphold.”
The national tour of “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations” will be showcased in these cities:
East Lansing, MI USA
June 7 – June 12
Wharton Center for the Performing Arts
Madison, WI USA
June 14 – June 19
Overture Center
Kansas City, MO USA
June 21 – June 26
Municipal Auditorium Music Hall
Minneapolis, MN USA
June 28 – July 10
Orpheum Theatre – Minneapolis
Cleveland, OH USA
July 12 – July 31
KeyBank State Theatre
Greenville, SC USA
August 2 – August 7
Peace Center For The Performing Arts
Detroit, MI USA
August 9 – August 28
Detroit Opera House
Dallas, TX USA
September 6 – September 18
Music Hall At Fair Park
St. Louis, MO USA
September 20 – October 2
Fox Theatre – St. Louis
San Antonio, TX USA
October 11 – Oct 16
Majestic Theatre – San Antonio
Omaha, NE USA
October 18 – October 23
Orpheum Theater – Omaha
Denver, CO USA
October 25 – November 6
Buell Theatre
San Francisco, CA USA
November 8 – December 4
Golden Gate Theatre
Salt Lake City, UT USA
Jan 10, 2023 – Jan 15, 2023
George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater
Spokane, WA USA
January 17, 2023 – January 22, 2023
First Interstate Center for the Arts
Seattle, WA USA
January 24, 2023 – February 5, 2023
Paramount Theatre
Memphis, TN USA
March 7, 2023 – March 12, 2023
Tulsa, OK USA
April 4, 2023 – April 9, 2023
Chapman Music Hall at Tulsa Performing Arts Center
Louisville, KY USA
April 11, 2023 – April 16, 2023
Kentucky Center For The Performing Arts
West Palm Beach, FL USA
April 26, 2023 – April 30, 2023
Raymond F. Kravis Center For The Performing Arts
Tampa, FL USA
May 2, 2023 – May 7, 2023
David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
Miami, FL USA
May 9, 2023 – May 14, 2023
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County
Hartford, CT USA
May 30, 2023 – June 4, 2023
Bushnell
Dayton, OH USA
June 13, 2023 – June 18, 2023
Schuster Performing Arts Center: Mead Theatre
Appleton, WI USA
June 20, 2023 – June 25, 2023
Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
Richmond, VA USA
July 11, 2023 – July 16, 2023
Altria Theater
Knoxville, TN USA
July 18, 2023 – July 23, 2023
Tennessee Theatre
Charlotte, NC USA
July 25, 2023 – July 30, 2023
Belk Theater
Houston, TX USA
August 8, 2023 – August 13, 2023
Hobby Center For The Performing Arts
