Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Time of the Temptations is a stunning theatrical production that chronicles the extraordinary journey of the legendary vocal group, The Temptations. The show instantly became a hit because of its magnificent pulsating performances and a riveting genuine narrative of brotherhood, devotion, family, and betrayal. The Broadway production will make a stop at the Orpheum Theatre Omaha for a limited six-night show filled with world-class performances.
Come see the highly-anticipated musical and learn about The Temptations’ astonishing rise from the challenging streets of Detroit to the hallowed halls of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as well as the personal and political disputes that threatened to split the band apart as civil unrest spread across the United States.
“This production refreshingly emphasizes the improbable triumph of rough, combustible parts assembled into glistening smoothness.” – New York Times
“A marvel, a stunner, brimming with joy that comes with such magical music, but painful as to what the cost of success really was.” – David John Chavez, Bay Area Plays
This melancholic coming-of-age tale was written by Dominique Morisseau and is told from the perspective of Otis Williams, the lone surviving member of The Temptations. The production was flavored with the characteristic slick choreography of Sergio Trujillo and directed by Des McAnuff, who won a Tony Award for directing the musical “Jersey Boys.” The result of this collaborative endeavor from these industry-respected people is a two-hour fast-paced, heartfelt storytelling that both long-time fans and newcomers will appreciate.
Moreover, the musical arrangements breathe vitality and excitement into the production. Although the musical numbers dominantly feature songs from The Temptations, songs from other Motown, Soul and RnB artists like The Supremes, Diana Ross, and The Cadillacs were also featured. The musical pieces in the production were carefully curated to blend in smoothly with the narrative and often help tell the story, an effect achieved by creatively dividing up a song and sliding in and out of parts of it. Hit songs, such as “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” “Don’t Look Back,” “Just My Imagination,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and “Can’t Hurry Love,” among many others, were chosen not only based on their popularity, but rather on their genuineness and the “truth” they depict. As The Rolling Stone Magazine pointed out, the soundtrack shows “the inner workings of the group’s members and how their ups and downs informed the music as well as reflected the times they were living in.”
During the prime of their career, The Temptations wanted to use their platform to advocate political change but were stymied. Thus, it was essential for the members of Ain’t Too Proud to release political songs that reflected the group’s experiences growing up in a discriminatory country. Nonetheless, the musical still captures the beauty of the era despite showing this narrative’s facet.
In Ain’t Too Proud, audience members will enter a meticulously plotted narrative that tracks The Temptations from their arduous beginnings to their extraordinary heights and how personal and political tensions threatened the group at a time when the United States was plunged into social unrest. The tumultuous dynamics of the members’ relationships are also depicted in the show. As the series progresses, Otis William’s role becomes more crucial as he serves as the “glue” of the group despite his own personal difficulties stemming from the group’s unfavorable professional conditions. The show drives home a simple but potent message: success requires sacrifice.
“Pretty close to perfection!” – The New York Times
Upon its 2017 premiere at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Ain’t Too Proud received rave reviews and quickly sold out –– thanks to the show’s “nostalgia effect” that reminds audience members of their childhoods or those of their grandparents as they listened to the show’s music.
After a successful run in 2017, the production expanded to more theatres across North America, and on February 28, 2019, Ain’t Too Proud made its long-awaited Broadway debut –– setting the stage for the show’s future success. In 2019, it was nominated for 12 Tony Awards and bagged the trophy for “Best Choreography.” The Broadway run ended last January 16, 2022, after having spanned multiple years of productions. However, the touring production is actively performing, much to fans’ delight.
The touring ensemble will stop at some of North America’s most notable venues, including Omaha, Nebraska’s Orpheum Theatre. Tickets for its October 18 – 23, 2022 run are now available. Click the “Get Tickets” link to reserve tickets for your chosen date.