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Bob Goepfert Reviews "Ain’t Too Proud, The Life And Times Of The Temptations"

Ephraim Sykes, Jeremy Pope, Jawan M. Jackson, James Harkness, and Derrick Baskin in AIN'T TOO PROUD
Matthew Murphy
Ephraim Sykes, Jeremy Pope, Jawan M. Jackson, James Harkness, and Derrick Baskin in AIN'T TOO PROUD

Leaving the new musical, “Ain’t Too Proud: the Life and Times of the Temptations,” which just opened on Broadway, you feel exhilarated by the music offered.  Unless you are of a certain age, you might feel disappointed at not seeing the famous singing group in their heyday.

But, not to worry.   The show put on by an amazing group of actor-singer-dancers inside the Imperial Theatre on 45thStreet in New York City is so good that it feels greedy to ask for more.   Indeed, the marvelously performed renditions of songs by this group that dominated the airwaves in the 1960s, 70s and even into the 80s offers splendid entertainment that leaves you in a buoyant mood.

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” set the musical tone of an era.  Each is performed brilliantly.   They sound great now, and they’re even better when associated with a time or place. And both time and place are established when they jointly perform with other groups from the period, like Diana Ross and the Supremes.

“Ain’t Too Proud” is a 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 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 tells how a group of black singers – no matter how successful, still endured racism, death threats and abuse of all kinds.  It also touches on the financial exploitation suffered by young performers because of their lack of education and sophistication. 

While these themes enrich the show, rarely do they 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 than reflected it.  

The story is told in a disjointed manner with a very vague timeline. It’s overly-ambitious and tends to take itself much too seriously.  Where the unfocused book by Dominique Morrisseau works best is when it concentrates on the inner workings of the group.  

It’s difficult to overpraise the performances.   The actors capture the magical harmonies of The Temptations.  They dance with synchronized energy that is as smooth as is their sounds.   As actors they make you care about their frailities without ever playing the

victim.   Indeed, the performances should make each lead a Tony Award candidate.

The most dynamic is David Ruffin, the egocentric lead singer, played by Ephraim Sykes.  He charmingly captures the eccentric mannerisms of the man who was so talented, yet so disturbed.  Jawan M. Jackson is a calm and loyal presence as Melvin Franklin.  Paul Williams played by James Harkness 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 unity of the group was being threatened.   Casting Jeremy Pope in the role is a brilliant choice.  Because Pope has a charismatic presence, he is able to voice his strong opinions without seeming an agitator.  

Pope comes to the role right off his amazing performance in “Choir Boy.”  His unbelievable singing voice and charisma in both shows label him as a star of the future.

The toughest role in the musical is Otis Williams, the founder of the group and the glue that kept them together.  He was the only grown-up amongst them, and like every parent figure he was unappreciated.  His portrayal by Derrick Baskin is likely to suffer the same fate.  His performance holds the show together, yet the accolades will likely go to flashier performances.

Each actor creates a defined portrait of a piece of the puzzle named The Temptations.  When they come together on stage they are more than the sum of their parts.   They are energy personified.   If only they were as interesting off stage as they are performing.

“Aint  too Proud”  The Life and Times of the Temptations” at the Imperial Theater 45th Street,  NYC.

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.

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