Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations
is 100% On Fire at The National Theatre
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations
Broadway at The National
Jordan Wright
June 18, 2025
Lowes Moore (Eddie Kendricks), Jameson Clanton (Melvin Franklin), Josiah Travis Kent Rogers (David Ruffin), Rudy Foster (Otis Williams), Bryce Valle (Paul Williams) from the National Touring Company of Ain’t Too Proud. (Photo/Joan Marcus)
With hot hits from America’s number one R&B/Soul/Funk/Pop group of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, this bio-musical from the Berkeley Repertory Theatre is a blast from the past jam-packed with 31 of their platinum hits. Told through the eyes of Otis Williams, the group’s founder, the story takes us on a top-of-the-pops journey from the original foursome’s Detroit roots through its heyday under record industry icon, Berry Gordy and songwriter Smokey Robinson. Through the years the group gained and lost members like David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin and Damon Harris.
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations takes us through the headliners’ triumphs and tragedies, telling the stories of their lives and loves through their music. Expect the greatest hits from their extensive catalogue – hits that a generation of us danced to, made out to, and sometimes got married to. Don’t think for a minute that the audience was a bunch of aging baby boomers clinging to fond memories of their teen years. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I looked around to see who was there – who was tapping their toes, mouthing the lyrics and beat-bobbing their heads, and they were all ages. Because you just can’t sit still to this musical – certainly not while watching their highly choreographed, synchronized dance movements these polished showmen were known for.
Jameson Clanton (Melvin Franklin), Josiah Travis Kent Rogers (David Ruffin), Lowes Moore (Eddie Kendricks), Rudy Foster (Otis Williams), Bryce Valle (Paul Williams). (Photo/Joan Marcus)
These were the tunes that backgrounded family BBQs, birthday parties, impromptu dance parties and early discos. Hot hits that were played in cars and sung on street corners where impromptu harmonizers would doo-wop the latest hits. There is joyful spirit in the early music – “My Girl”, “I Can’t Get Next to You”, “If You Don’t Know Me by Now”, “Cloud Nine” and so many more. Eventually though the scene changed with the death of Martin, Jack and Bobby, the Vietnam War and the group’s songs – “I Wish It Would Rain” and “Ball of Confusion” – reflected those politicly fraught days. Just as “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” reflected the psychedelic era. Ain’t Too Proud covers 31 of their chart-topping hits throughout the perils and pitfalls, loves and losses of their massive success culminating with their reunion tour included all seven of the original Temptations. The Temptations went on to be named the “Number One Group in America” and that’s why you can’t miss this exciting show.
The musical is backdropped with terrific period-centric projections by Peter Nigrini of Sponge Bob Square Pants and Amélie fame and choreographed to a gold standard by Sergio Trujillo known for his work on Jersey Boys and On Your Feet. Orchestrations are by the show’s veteran musical director, Harold Wheeler with music directed by the legendary Kenny Seymour. Multiple Tony Award-winning director, Des McAnuff, pulls the threads and it’s as tight as the group’s pegged trousers, sharkskin jackets and the sequin-gowns worn by Diana Ross and The Supremes who make a cameo appearance with Tammi Terrell. Costume designer and multi-Tony Award winner, Paul Tazewell, veteran designer of Hamilton, Suffs, MJ, The Color Purple and other blockbuster Broadway hits.
Reyanna Edwards (Johnnie Mae/Mary Wilson), Rudy Foster (Otis Williams), Jamal Stone (Dennis Edwards), Lowes Moore (Eddie Kendricks), Jasmine Barboa (Diana Ross/Josephine), Jameson Clanton (Melvin Franklin), Bryce Valle (Paul Williams), Kaila Symone Crowder (Paul Williams). (Photo/Joan Marcus)
The only issue I have is why, oh why, were we teased with too brief solos by Jasmine Barboa’s heart-stopping voice on “If You Don’t Know Me by Now”, and Bryce Valle’s beautiful solo tenor on the ballad, “For Once in My Life”. Just when we had goosebumps.
Book by Dominique Morisseau. Based on the book “The Temptations” by Otis Williams with Patricia Romanowski. Music and lyrics from The Legendary Motown Catalog.
With Rudy Foster as Otis Williams; Bryce Valle as Paul Williams; Jameson Clanton as Melvin Franklin; Lowes Moore as Eddie Kendricks; Josiah Travis Kent Rogers as David Ruffin (played by Corey Mekell on opening night); Cedric Jamaal Greene as Slick Talk Fella/Smokey Robinson/Damon Harris; Mikey Corey Hassel as “Gloria” soloist/Interviewer/Delivery Man/Richard Street/Lamont; Robert Crenshaw as Al Bryant; Kaila Symone Crowder as Mama Rose/Florence Ballard/Tammi Terrell; Reyanna Edwards as Johnnie Mae/Mary Wilson; Kerry D’Jovanni as Berry Gordy; Jasmine Barboa as Diana Ross/Josephine; Colin Stephen Kane as Shelly Berger; Jamal Stone as Dennis Edwards.
Scenic Design by Robert Brill; Lighting Design by Ryan O’Gara; Music Direction/Conductor, Eli Bigelow; Sound Design by Jeff Human, Original Hair and Wig Design by Charles G. Lapointe.
Highly recommended! 100% on fire!!!
Through Sunday, June 21st at The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington. DC 20004. For tickets and information call the box office at 202.621.6161 or visit www.TheNationalDC.com.