Are you a huge fan of the Temptations?! If you are, then you are looking at an excellent winter season! Start your year with a bang by catching this year’s viewing of the highly coveted new musical Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations! The legendary multi-genre vocal powerhouse took over the ‘60s and ‘70s with phenomenal hits, such as “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “I Wish It Would Rain,” and “I Can’t Get Next To You.” The quintet was basically a prolific part of the legendary Motown era, and they’ve been capturing the hearts and minds of music fans across the world and across time! Well, the journey to fame and the legacy of The Temptations are stories worth telling! Hence, the new musical Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations gives viewers insight into pivotal moments in their music and their relentless touring! The show has been deemed a thrilling jukebox musical filled with iconic hits and fan favorites! From January 30th to February 4th, 2024, you can catch this musical at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre! Now, ain’t that grand?!
The Life and Times of The Temptations Tickets
“Dazzling and electrifying!” – The Washington Post.
“Pretty close to perfection” – The New York Times.
The Temptations are a top-notch vocal group that was basically the epitome of the Motown Era. The quintet made waves in the music scene by releasing some of the most beloved staples in the history of music. To this day, their classic hits, “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Just My Imagination,” and “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone,” continue to serenade listeners across the world and garner approximately two billion streams across music platforms, which an average of one million streams per day! The group has released a total of 14 number 1 R&B songs and four number 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits! Moreover, they have earned numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards, and were the first Motown artist to be given a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1989, the legacy of The Temptations was commemorated with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
Now, with these exceedingly outstanding achievements, it was probably not an easy journey for the five original members: David Ruffin, Otis Williams, Paul Williams, and Eddie Kendricks. At one point in time, they were five guys with one dream. That’s why a thrilling musical like Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations provides fans with an in-depth view into what went on behind the scenes. The groundbreaking jukebox musical covers the legendary Motown catalog with a great storyline by Dominique Morriseau! The musical is based on the autobiography The Temptations by Otis Williams.
Fans can look forward to countless The Temptations’ hits, as well a brilliant representation of their favorite members, plus appearances from notable Motown personalities, such Al Bryant, Diana Ross, Tammi Terrell, Johny Mae Matthews and more! The production premiered on Broadway in 2019, followed by a highly-anticipated U.S. tour in 2021. The creative team comprised the fantastic talents of director Des McAnuff, choreographer and Tony Awardee Sergio Trujillo (whose credits include Jersey Boys and Memphis the Musical), scenic designer Robert Brill, costume designer Paul Tazewell, lighting designer Howell Blinkey, and sound designer Steve Canyon Kennedy.
Aside from Broadway and a U.S. Tour, Ain’t Too Proud the musical opened in London’s West End last year. In 2019, the musical garnered numerous accolades, including 11 Tony Award nominations and one Tony Award for Best Choreography. Aside from the Tonys, the musical also received nominations for Drama Desk Awards, Outer Critics Circle Awards, and Drama League Awards. That same year, stage actor Ephraim Sykes, who played David Ruffin in the Broadway production, won Favorite Breakthrough Performance at Broadway.com Audience Awards. The following year, the musical’s recorded album received a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album.
As expected, the story of brotherhood, family, and loyalty has captured the hearts of its audiences. Ain’t Too Proud features pivotal moments as the group goes on an arduous journey of singing on the streets in Detroit and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The musical is an insight into the challenges, struggles, and sacrifices that the members made in order to be named number 1 Greatest R&B Artist of All Time.
The musical was met with rave reviews from fans and critics. Professional theater reviewers have referred to the musical as “dazzling” and “electrifying.” Barbara Schuler from Newsday praised choreographer Sergio Trujillo for his impeccable repertoire. “Choreographer Sergio Trujillo gives the singers slick moves considerably more polished than the originals ever managed, while Robert Brill’s efficient turntable set is highlighted by Peter Nigrini’s projections that provide location and historical context.”
Meanwhile, Ben Brantley from The New York Times said, “This production refreshingly emphasizes the improbable triumph of rough, combustible parts assembled into glistening smoothness.” A comment from Daily Beast’s critic, Tim Teemam, mentioned that “this musical not only has life, but it also has wit, intelligence, while also looking stunning and full of energy.” Ain’t Too Proud, being a jukebox musical, highlights its excellent score.”
“Morriseau’s well-crafted storytelling proves just as important as musical memories.” – BroadwayWorld.
“It has wit, intelligence, while also looking stunning and full of energy.” – Daily Beast.
This 2024, Ain’t Too Proud, the musical will continue its journey across the U.S., including a coveted stop at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre in Rochester, New York. The musical will hold eight performances from Tuesday, January 30th, to Sunday, February 4th, 2024. The touring production has also received wide acclaim from attendees and gave praises to the stellar cast. Expect a thrilling aural and visual soundscape as Ain’t Too Proud showcases a plethora of hits, as well as compelling scenes and heartwarming moments. Aside from great entertainment, attendees at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre can look forward to the venue’s fantastic ambiance. The theater boasts a fully equipped stage with state-of-the-art lights and sound technology, plush seating, and great acoustics. Moreover, guests can also enjoy West Herr Auditorium Theatre’s excellent facilities, easy accessibility, and great customer service.
Experience the amazing lives behind the legend that is The Temptations by catching Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations at West Herr Auditorium Theatre! Enjoy their brightest moments and share the tension of their greatest challenges! It is truly a privilege to see what life was like for one of the most significant music groups of all time! Tickets to their shows from January 30th to February 4th, 2024, are now available through the Get Tickets link!