REVIEW: Ain’t Too Proud

Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, premiered last night at the Ordway. This delightful musical transported us through the wonderful story of historical music group The Temptations. The Temptations are among the most successful groups in music history. As someone born in the late 70’s, I grew up listening to their music, but not knowing or understanding the impact of this historical group. Last night I received a magical education of a generation before my time while enjoying the music I knew mostly by heart.

Our narrator for the night was Otis Williams, played by the engaging Rudy Foster. Foster seamlessly moved from narrating the story, to joining the group as a dancer and performer. One moment, during the show, a prop fell off during a set change. Everyone stayed within character and Foster walked across the stage, while delivering his lines, gracefully snagged the prop, and a few moments later, tucked the prop into the baby carriage, to be carried off as the scene ended.

The story of The Temptations captured the attention of the audience; some reliving the history of this memorable group and others, like me, learning something new. The Temptations started as a group in Detroit Michigan in the 1960’s, originally named the Elgins until they were told they needed to change their name. The Temptations quickly rose to fame and with that fame came the draw of having access to whatever was desired. This proved to be too enticing for some members of the group. Ain’t Too Proud shared the painful addictions two original members went thru. David Ruffin, played by Josiah Travis Kent Rogers and Paul Williams, played by Bryce Valle, were so wonderful to watch as they shared the talents and subsequent demons of their character.

The stage set was simple yet smoothly conveyed the passage of time with the use of props and somewhat magical costume changes. There were times when it felt as if you blinked and everyone was in an entirely different outfit. There were three women in the show, Jasmine Barboa, Kaila Symone Crowder and Reyanna Edwards. These three women were constantly changing from a wife, to a mom, to back up singers to even the Supremes. The cast felt bigger and more enriched with these three.

I recommend anyone to see this show while it is in town. Everyone deserves a chance to share in the poginant story of the Temptations. A beautiful moment, towards the end, is when the audience finds out that the Temptations have continued to this day and have shared their success with 27 members over the years. As Otis Wiliams says in the show “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” which is a deep reflection upon the spirit of the Temptations.

Ain’t Too Proud is at the Ordway in St. Paul through October 13, 2024.

Review by Rachel Gorman; photo by Johan Persson