Everyone probably knows at least one song by The Temptations — whether it’s “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” or any of their other top-charting songs, this Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group continues to inspire and invigorate people with their music. In this dazzling musical filled with electrifying vocals and smooth moves, directed by Des McAnuff, Ain’t Too Proud — The Life and Times of The Temptations tells the extraordinary story of this band of brothers’ rise to fame and all the pitfalls and struggles that come with it.
Based on the book The Temptations by Otis Williams, a founding member, the story is told through his eyes and follows the group from its beginnings in Detroit to their time on the road and the inevitable changes and eventual replacement of members over time. The five main members — the ones who are the most well-known — are the focus throughout: Otis Williams, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, and David Ruffin learn the beauty of brotherhood, the challenges of fame, and how music is the only thing that lives forever.
All the cast members are vocal powerhouses — each member has their own distinct voice while also blending beautifully with fellow members. Whenever The Temptations performed a song, they did so with both reverence and fun, showing the cast’s respect and love for the original songs while also making room for themselves. The range of vocals was also stellar, from Jameson Clanton’s deep baritone as Melvin Franklin to Lowes Moore’s killer high notes as Eddie Kendricks; the musical talent is undeniable.
“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” — Otis Williams quotes this well-known saying when referencing The Temptations, and this mentality holds true for the actors playing these roles as well. From their opening song, all the actors establish personalities that are maintained throughout the performance and the passage of time. Rudy Foster, as Otis Williams, does a spectacular job guiding the audience through the story with raw, emotional deliveries at every turn. Bryce Valle amazes as Paul Williams with stunning movements (Valle is also the dance captain) and exhilarating execution of choreography. Jameson Clanton as Melvin Franklin wows audiences with his beautiful baritone and sharp delivery. Lowes Moore as Eddie Kendricks captures the struggles of loyalty with incredible consistency, much like his high notes. Corey Mekell shines as David Ruffin, embracing his character’s troubled past and powerful voice to deliver a performance that’s deeply driven and makes us want to root for him, even when things go wrong. Clearly, all the actors did their homework — not only on the songs and the history of this group but also on the trials and joys these men endured together.
One of the most exciting parts of this musical is the dancing — the choreography, created by Sergio Trujillo, is fluid, dynamic, and makes you want to jump out of your seat! The actors do an incredible job multitasking between singing and dancing, and the endurance that takes cannot be understated. The choreography also extends into scene transitions, allowing for smooth movements that sweep the audience seamlessly into the next scene. There’s a beautiful balance throughout between the storytelling and songs, which highlights this show’s strength as a jukebox musical for the ages.
Even if you don’t know much about The Temptations, their story of fame, fighting for what’s right, standing up for what you believe in against all odds, and the joy of music is something that still resonates today in a modern way. The timeless music and messages of Ain’t Too Proud — The Life and Times of The Temptations, brilliantly executed by this cast and crew, make it a must-see for all music-loving folks around.
Running time: Two hours and 35 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.
The national tour of Ain’t Too Proud—The Life and Times of The Temptations plays through June 22, 2025, at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington. Tickets ($70–$200) are available online, at the box office, or by calling (202) 628-6161.
The cast and creative credits for the touring production are here.
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COVID Safety: Masks are strongly recommended but not required for all ticket holders. For full COVID protocol, go here.
