Ain’t Too Proud Takes Fort Lauderdale by Storm: A Spectacular Tribute to The Temptations that Transcends Time and Inspires Generations.

February 8th, 2022

Black History Month could not have started any better this year in Fort Lauderdale Florida at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.  This is the location for the most spectacular production I have seen in years.  After breaking house records at both Berkeley Rep and The Kennedy Center, Ain’t to Proud, The Life and Times of The Temptations written by three time Obie Award winner Dominique Morisseau and directed by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff, and featuring choreography by Tony nominee Sergio Trujillo now brings the untold story of this legendary quintet to cities across America and Fort Lauderdale is blessed to have them until February 20, 2022. Please note you must show proof of vaccination and wear a mask the entire performance, but this is a small price to pay to witness this spectacular display of talent.

If you believe you know the history of this band, please rethink your thought process.  This play will take you on an extraordinary journey of The Temptations from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—how they met, how they rose, the groundbreaking heights they hit, and how personal and political conflicts threatened to tear the group apart as the United States fell into civil unrest.

Leading the cast as The Temptations are Jalen Harris as Eddie Kendricks, Harrell Holmes Jr. as Melvin Franklin, James T. Lane as Paul Williams, Marcus Paul James as Otis Williams, and Elijah Ahmad Lewis as David Ruffin.

The touring company also features Michael Andreaus, Gregory Carl Banks Jr, Brian C. Binion, Reed Campbell, Lawrence Dandridge, Nick Drake, Shayla Brielle G., Treston J. Henderson, Najah Hetsberger, Devin Holloway, Antwaun Holley, Traci Elaine Lee, Brett Michael Lockley, Chani Maisonet, Harris Matthew, Deri’Andra Tucker, and Andrew Volzer.

Featuring a book by Dominique Morisseau, Ain’t Too Proud uses the Temptations’ hits to tell the story of their journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Songs include “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” Man I almost lost my voice last night as I was singing all of these songs my momma use to play when I was a little boy. The musical, which opened on Broadway March 21, 2019, was nominated for 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

The production features scenic design by Robert Brill, costume design by Tony winner Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Tony winner Howell Binkley, sound design by Tony winner Steve Canyon Kennedy, projection design by Peter Nigrini, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, fight direction by Steve Rankin, associate choreography by Edgar Godineaux, music coordination by John Miller, production coordination by Molly Meg Legal, tour resident direction by Brian Harlan Brooks, associate direction by Logan Vaughn, and production stage management by Jimmie Lee Smith.

Listen folks, this show is a must see!  I took my wife and my 14 year old daughter Nina-Simone to opening night.  Nina-Simone made me smile when she said “Dad I really loved this show. Do they have a movie?  I want to watch it this weekend.” I tell you that to say make this a family affair people.  Bring your kids and let them experience the arts and learn history.  In a theater that seat well over two thousand people and was telling the story of The Temptations, the greatest group in the history of Motown Records the diversity was not present.  So, to honor Black history Month take your people to see an amazing production that will spark great conversation and teach the young people that New Edition is not the greatest male group ever.  That title belongs to The Temptations which featured more than 24 members over time and is still relevant today!

Buy your tickets now