If you’re looking for some sunshine on these cloudy winter days, look no further than the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre and Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations. Telling the harrowing journey of the Motown greats from their humble beginnings to barrier-breaking stardom, Ain’t to Proud is part history lesson, part concert, and all passion. Directed by Des McAnuff and with a book by Dominique Morisseau, this stellar National Tour Cast brings the heart of Detroit to the heart of Toronto with this unmissable production.

As a young lady who grew up in Windsor/Essex County, and therefore right across the river from Detroit, the music of The Temptations was a foundational part of my upbringing. It was always on the local radio stations, and I very vividly remember my High School’s Jazz Band performing “Ain’t Too Proud” to great applause. What excited me about this production was that I found that I was still learning a great deal about The Temptations and their music from the show; it goes deep into the personal lives and conflicts between band members which I wasn’t aware of. It was beautifully nostalgic and new, all at the same time; and I know that there were certainly others in the audience having a similar experience.

(L – R) Harrell Holmes Jr., Jalen Harris, Elijah Ahmad Lewis, E. Clayton Cornelious, Michael Andreaus from the National Touring Company of Ain’t Too Proud. Photo Credit: © 2023 Emilio Madrid.

Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is narrated by Otis Williams, the founding, and only surviving member, of the The Temptations. He takes us through the good times and bad, while also highlighting historical events, like the Detroit Race Riots of the 1960’s, happening in the US which had a major impact on the group and their music. From devastating losses to Grammy wins and chart topping songs, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations takes us on the full journey. Punctuated throughout with not only the incredible tunes of The Temptations, but other Mowtown Records greats like The Supremes and Tammi Terrell, you get a more full sense of the music of the time.

(L – R) Brittny Smith, Amber Mariah Talley, Shayla Brielle G. from the National Touring Company of Ain’t Too Proud. Photo Credit: © 2023 Emilio Madrid.

Robert Brill’s scenic design, along with Howell Binkley’s lighting design and Peter Nigrini’s Projection design, make the show dynamic and larger than life. Walking into the theatre to see the screens showing the marquee of The Fox Theatre in Detroit made my heart sing – I saw my first professional theatre production there when I was a wee lass of nine. They’re able to take us around the US and the world with these incredible projections. I also loved the set pieces which were able to come on and off on these sliding floor pieces; it allows such seamless transitions and for actors to seemingly magically appear on stage. It’s such a visually stunning play, and it perfectly matches the energy of the performers.

(L – R) Michael Andreaus, Jalen Harris, Harrell Holmes Jr., Elijah Ahmad Lewis, E. Clayton Cornelious from the National Touring Company of Ain’t Too Proud. Credit: Photo Credit: © 2023 Emilio Madrid.

Sergio Trujillo’s choreography is absolutely masterful; it is perfectly emblematic of the popular dances of the time while also including some of the most impressive splits and tricks I’ve seen. The choreography truly completes the visual story being told, and definitely garners the proper applause and hollers from the audience!

Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations has an absolutely phenomenal cast bringing this story to life. Their voices and dancing make this production the absolute joy it is; you can feel the passion of each and every cast member throughout the show. Michael Andreaus stars as Otis Williams, and without a single moment off stage he is the backbone of the production, as his character was to The Temptations. E. Clayton Cornelious gives a moving and powerful performance as Paul Williams; he exudes all of the charm that Paul was known for. Harrell Holmes Jr. and that amazingly deep voice bring Melvin Franklin to life. I love how he embodies the strong and silent type to a tee, while also knocking our socks off whenever he sings! Jalen Harris and Elijah Ahmad Lewis both give energetic and compelling performances as Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin; their charisma, dance moves, and vocal talent make them unforgettable. I also want to give a shout out to Jeremy Kelsey who plays Berry Gordy, Derek Adams who plays Smokey Robinson, and Amber Mariah Talley who plays Diana Ross for bringing these absolute icons to life. I imagine it must be an interesting experience to bring to life characters who are so well-known while still making them your own, yet this cast does so with grace. These are just some of the extraordinary talent who bring this show to life; they are the reason the whole house is on its feet right at the beginning of curtain call.

National Touring Company of Ain’t Too Proud. Photo Credit: © 2023 Emilio Madrid.

Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations will have you tapping your toes, dancing in your seat, and singing along with The Temptations the whole way home! Full of life’s hardest lessons but also greatest joys, and set to some of the best music around, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is a delight from start to finish. You’ll definitely want to Come See About Ain’t Too Proud, which runs at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre until December 17th. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.mirvish.com/shows/aint-too-proud

Cover Photo: (L – R) Elijah Ahmad Lewis, Jalen Harris, Michael Andreaus, Harrell Holmes Jr., E. Clayton Cornelious from the National Touring Company of Ain’t Too Proud. Photo Credit: © 2023 Emilio Madrid.

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