The Temptations are one of the most popular music groups of all-time. They left a huge footprint on the industry, and now they’ve extended to Broadway. Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations is open at the Imperial Theatre, presenting the catalog of hits such as “My Girl”, “Get Ready”, and the title track “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” It’s a jukebox musical, loads of fun and you’ll catch yourself grooving to the music throughout.
This production focuses primarily on the “classic five” Temps, as well as their future replacements and some other famous Motown names involved at the time (Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, and Diana Ross). Our narrator and anchor of the show is the group’s founder Otis Williams, played by the immensely talented Derrick Baskin (whom I saw in a workshop of William Finn’s Spelling Bee in 2004). Baskin is on stage nearly the entirely show, leading us through the storyline and keeping the narrative clear.
There’s no weak link in the cast, highlighted by the remarkable bass voice of Jawan M. Jackson as Melvin, the energetic James Harkness as Paul, and the silky falsetto Jeremy Pope as Eddie. But the true standout of Ain’t Too Proud is Ephraim Sykes as David Ruffin. Sykes, who you may know from the original cast of Hamilton or from NBC’s Hairspray Live, steals the show as the group’s troubled, yet often lead singer and key ingredient. His dancing is captivating, emphasized by his many splits, and every performance when he’s the lead singer puts a smile on your face. Sergio Trujillo’s choreography is, as always, a delight to watch.
Ain’t Too Proud is remarkably similar to the hit musical Jersey Boys, which shouldn’t come as a huge surprise with Des McAnuff leading as each show’s director. Both tell the story of male singing groups in the 60s, both cycle through familiar hit songs, both touch on tension and tragedies the group faced, both balance keeping you informed and entertained, but most importantly both offer a few hours of a certified good time. Jukebox musicals are never groundbreaking, but as far as the genre comes, this is truly one of the best.