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Motown Legends Celebrate the Temptations as Ain't Too Proud Opens on Broadway

Otis Williams of the real Temptations, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, and more join the cast to toast the new musical at the Imperial Theatre.

Broadway New York City
An emotional curtain call for the cast of Ain't Too Proud.
An emotional curtain call for the cast of Ain't Too Proud.
(© David Gordon)

Ain't Too Proud — The Life and Times of the Temptations opened at the Imperial Theatre on March 21. Directed by two‑time Tony winner Des McAnuff, Ain't Too Proud features a book by Dominique Morisseau and choreography by Tony nominee Sergio Trujillo.

The musical is described as follows: "Ain't Too Proud is the electrifying new musical that follows The Temptations' extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and unmistakable harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one. The rest is history — how they met, 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. This thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty and betrayal is set to the beat of the group's treasured hits, including 'My Girl,' 'Just My Imagination,' 'Get Ready,' 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone,' and so many more."

Leading the Broadway cast as the Temptations are Derrick Baskin as Otis Williams, James Harkness as Paul Williams, Jawan M. Jackson as Melvin Franklin, Jeremy Pope as Eddie Kendricks, and Ephraim Sykes as David Ruffin. The company also features Saint Aubyn, Shawn Bowers, E. Clayton Cornelious, Taylor Symone Jackson, Jahi Kearse, Jarvis B. Manning Jr., Joshua Morgan, Rashidra Scott, Nasia Thomas, Christian Thompson, Candice Marie Woods, Esther Antoine, Marcus Paul James, Jelani Remy, and Curtis Wiley.