Get Ready! Ain’t Too Proud- The Life and Times of The Temptations is at the Academy of Music through January 21st

photo by Emilio Madrid

You know the songs, but do you know their story? Ain’t Too Proud- The Life and Times of The Temptations takes audiences through the journey of this iconic group, who they were, what they became, and what was going on in the world as The Temptations made their way to the top of the charts. Check out this hit, Tony-nominated musical at the Academy of Music through January 21st.

Founder Otis Williams (who is still part of The Temptations today) narrates the show from start to finish, showcasing their Detroit beginnings to a reunion tour in the 1980s. Actor Michael Andreaus is perfect in the role, with a range of emotions that make the audience really feel for everything that was going on at any given time with the members. Along with a handful of other group members (20+ since the formation), Ain’t Too Proud highlights the times when David Ruffin (Elijah Ahman Lewis), Eddie Kendricks (Jalen Harris), Melvin Franklin (Harrell Holmes Jr.) and Paul Williams (E. Clayton Cornelius) were a part of the music.

Fans of The Temptations will absolutely love this musical and learning about their story. Broadway fans will love the stellar cast list. Everyone in the audience will love the immense talent and vocal range on stage. It’s insane how good they all are, especially together as they classic songs like “The Way You Do The Things You Do”, “Just My Imagination”, “Get Ready”, “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me”, “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”, “I Wish It Would Rain”, “My Girl”, and so many others! There are so many, you know them all! Of course, “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” too.

Ain’t Too Proud was nominated for 12 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The show won for Best Choreography, by Sergio Trujilo, and it’s easy to see why! You’ll instantly be amazed with the moves, which include a couple perfectly executed splits (ouch and wow!). There was a lot of heartbreak and hard times over the course of the Temptations’ journey, but so much hope too. You’ll leave appreciating their music, the members and songwriters, and how hard they worked to make it to the top.