Leaving the musical, “Ain’t Too Proud: the Life and Times of the Temptations,” which continues at Proctors in Schenectady through Sunday, you feel exhilarated by the music. Indeed, the marvelously performed renditions of songs by this group that dominated the airwaves in the 1960s, 70s and even into the 80s offer splendid entertainment that leaves you in a buoyant mood.
The synchronized movements are mesmerizing as the coordination shown on stage is visually exciting.
There are two and a half dozen songs offered and hits like “Baby Love,” “Just My Imagination,” I Wish It Would Rain” and “Get Ready.” Each sets the musical tone of an era and is performed brilliantly. They are mostly snippets but they set the mood of an era that was both frothy and dark. Added to the catalog of The Temptations are appearances by the Supremes, the Cadillacs and other groups of the period.
“Ain’t Too Proud” is pure juke box musical, and like most shows of the genre it has ambitions beyond being a simple concert. One goal of the creators is to show not only how difficult it is to get to the top of your profession, it also tries to impress how it is even more difficult to stay at the top.
This is a story about how The Temptations were formed by five young, poor African-American men who thought of each other as brothers and vowed to remain brothers. The lesson of “Ain’t Too Proud” is that it is easier to love a working partner when struggling, than it is when you’re a success.
It makes the point that no matter how successful a Black group was, they still had to endure racism, death threats and abuse of all kinds. It also touches on the shameful financial exploitation suffered by young performers because of their lack of education and sophistication.
While these themes enrich the show, they don’t always elevate the experience. While The Temptations did break traditions and removed artificial barriers within the music industry, the dynamics within the group are more interesting than is the suggestion that they influenced society rather that reflected it.
The story is overly-ambitious and tends to take itself a bit too seriously. The role of the group in the Civil Rights Movement and their anti-war sympathies, though probably genuine, seem included more to be politically correct rather than passionate protests.
The book by Dominique Morisseau works best when it concentrates on the inner workings of the group and the hardships of maintaining relationships. While being on the road, temptation became more than the name of the group.
It’s difficult to overpraise the performances. The fine actors capture the magical harmonies of The Temptations and they dance with fury. Most of all they make you care about their personal frailties. Never do they play the victim.
Every performer has a moment that permits them to shine and they positively glow.
The most dynamic individual is David Ruffin, the egocentric lead singer, played by Elijah Ahmad Lewis. Though Ruffin clearly had a dark side, the actor charmingly captures the eccentric mannerisms of the man who was so talented.
Harrell Holmes, Jr. is a calm and loyal presence as Melvin Franklin, otherwise known as Blue.
Paul Williams played by E. Clayton Cornelious is the most congenial of the five. A gentle soul, he was one of the sorriest victims of success as the lure of drugs and alcohol affected him the hardest.
The most contrary is Eddie Kendricks, the guy who spoke out when he perceived the injustice of the industry was threatening their futures. Because he has a charismatic presence, and a voice to die for, Jalen Harris is able to express his contrary opinions without seeming an agitator.
The toughest role in the musical is Otis Williams, the founder of the group and the individual that kept them together. He was the only grownup amongst them, and like every parent figure, he was unappreciated.
His portrayal by Michael Andreaus is likely to suffer the same taken-for-granted fate. His performance holds the show together, yet the accolades will likely go to flashier performances. But be sure, Andreaus is the glue of the production.
Otis Williams always pointed out - it's all about the music, and with "Ain’t Too Proud' you get plenty of that. Yet, the stories of how difficult it was should never be taken for granted. Durability isn’t a gift. It’s earned through talent, sacrifice and dedication. The Temptations had all those attributes and this musical sings their praise. It also provides a great night of entertainment.
“Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” at Proctors, Schenectady through Sunday. For tickets and schedule go to Proctors.org or call 518-346-6204.
Bob Goepfert is theater reviewer for the Troy Record.
The views expressed by commentators are solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of this station or its management.