Be Tempted, Ain’t Too Proud Brings Motown to Life

Run, don’t walk, to get tickets to see “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” now playing at the Ahmanson Theatre.

This pre-Broadway run exploring the Temptations rise to fame follows a string of recent jukebox musicals including “On Your Feet!,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” and “Jersey Boys.”

Based on group founder and last survivor of the original group members Otis William’s 2012 memoir, “Ain’t Too Proud” includes 31 songs and follows the group’s humble Detroit street corner beginnings through their work at Motown with Barry Gordy, The Supremes and Smoky Robinson, race riots, the Vietnam War and drug and alcohol abuse.

Jam packed with Temptation hits including “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and “Just My Imagination,” as well as other Motown hits including “Shout,” “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” and “You Can’t Hurry Love,” the show clocks in at a little bit too long 2 ½ hours.

The story begins in Detroit where narrator Otis Williams (standout performance by Derrick Baskin) recruits Paul Williams (James Harkness), Melvin “Blue” Franklin (Jawan Jackson), Al Bryant (Jarvis B. Manning Jr.) and Eddie Kendricks (Jeremy Pope). The Classic Five emerge after Al is kicked out of the group and replaced by firecracker David Ruffin (the brilliant Ephriam Sykes), full of snazzy dance moves and mic acrobatics.

After being groomed by Motown head Gordy (Jahi Kearse) and with songwriting help by Smoky Robinson, the five rise to stardom and release the group’s biggest hits.

Along the way, other standout performances include Candice Marie Woods as Diana Ross, Rashidra Schott as Josephine, Otis’ wife and Nasia Thomas as Tammi Terrell.

Robert Brill’s set includes a rolling sidewalk and turntable as well as an electronic marquee and projections. Choreographer Sergio Trujillo does a good job of incorporating the group’s smooth signature dance moves and costumes by Paul Tazewell reflect the 60s and 70s groovy style.

Two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff directs the book by Kennedy Prize-winning playwright Doninique Morisseau. Performances run through September 30, 2018.