Walking into the Theatre, you are immediately greeted with the Fox Theatre marquee and the words “The Temptations” on a life-like screen. An immediate rush of soul comes at you as the cast launches into “The Way You Do The Things You Do” at the top of the show. From that opening moment, Ain’t Too Proud establishes itself as a kinetic homage to one of Motown’s greatest groups!
This story starts with the heart of the production and the group, Otis Williams, portrayed with great authenticity and emotional weight by Rudy Foster. He made sure to take us through each story and exciting story of each temptation while displaying gratitude and compassion for his old buddies. Through his narration, the story unfolds as both personal memoir and historical epic. Williams serves as the backbone—always trying to hold the group together while doing the best to keep things together in his own life. All while personal tragedies, addiction, and the broader struggle for Black artistry made its way to each member in some way or another.
Corey Markell as David Ruffin is a FORCE. He embodies Ruffin’s charisma, mesmerizing talent, and instability. Markell delivered an astonishing performance of “My Girl” and “I Wish It Would Rain” that left me in awe. Lowe’s Moore as Eddie Kendricks offered that poised and elegant falsetto that we recognize as soon as “My girl” graces our speakers. Jameson Clanton as Melvin Franklin is awesome! Offering great comedic timing and a strong foundation with his low range bubbling under some of the most iconic Temps classics. Bryce Valle’s portrayal of Paul Williams came in as a gentle storm. Telling the story of talent and eagerness to show that he is meant to be on stage. Besides Melvin, Paul seemed to be the most levelheaded Temp, if it wasn’t for the alcohol addiction he fought to put behind him. Valle pulled at my heart strings with his rendition of “For Once in My Life”. I’m certain he made Paul proud.
The staging is a perfect balance of minimalist and magnetic, there aren’t too many moving parts. Robert Brill’s scenic design uses sliding platforms, conveyor-belt themes, and multimedia projections (which I absolutely loved) to evoke time changes and touring life. Peter Nigrini’s projections, combined with Ryan O’Gara lighting, takes the audience from Motown Detroit to the Jim Crow South and historic moments—all with soul and style.
Let’s talk about the choreography! One of the main things that makes you a bonafide Temp is the smooth moves. Sergio Trujillo, winner of the Tony Award in 2019, is a visual highlight. The moves perfectly capture the style constructed by Motown’s choreographer to the stars , Cholly Atkins. The moves are sharp, gliding, and often synchronized to perfection. The orchestration was tight and compelling—Harold Wheeler and Kenny Seymour effortlessly provided the audience with the tunes that we remember and made us feel like we were in the studio during the creation of these hits. The vocal blending of the ensemble and the main cast is especially impressive during ensemble numbers.
This is the second time that Ain’t Too Proud has graced Charlotte’s Belk Theatre and it’s a vibrant, soulful trip and tribute to Black music and its influence on all genres. Anchored by strong performances that include electrifying choreography, and emotional storytelling, it delivers Motown classics we remember and love along with real depth and life stories that are intertwined with being one of the most compelling and iconic groups in history.
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