Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations — A Review of the West End Musical
Image by William King from Unsplash
The hit musical Ain’t too proud is a must-see for all Tamla Motown fans. Primarily focused on the story and music of the Temptations, it also features other great Motown hits including those from the Supremes, Tammi Tyrell, and Jimmy Ruffin.
After winning many awards for its Broadway production and successful United States tour, at last it has opened with a new cast in the West End’s Prince Edward Theatre on Old Compton Street.
Sifiso Mazibuko magnificently narrates the story of the original members’ meeting in the mid-60s, and plays as their founder, Otis Williams. Kyle Cox playing Paul Williams, Cameron Bernard-Jones playing Melvin Franklin, and Tosh Wanogho-Maud playing David Ruffin round out the rest of the cast.
We also meet; Berry Gordy, played by Akmed Junior Khemalai, Diana Ross, played by Holly Liburd, and Smokey Robinson, played by Ryan Carter. All show great sympathy to the atmosphere of the era’s musical scene, and provide a competent background to the central story.
After making their name in Detroit, the Temptations aimed to break through the racial barriers that were still causing problems for Black people in North America. Several attempts on their lives only served to boost their determination. It wasn’t until their hit single, “My Girl”, shot up to number one in the charts that they finally felt accepted by the mainstream.
The show takes us through the friendships and tension between the singers, who regard each other as brothers. Audiences become immersed in the group dynamics and — such is the strength of emotion portrayed — soon ally themselves, their sympathies, and their frustrations with one or another of the characters.
Kyle Cox stole the show with his enigmatic performance as David Ruffin.
He has a natural connection with the audience and portrays Ruffin as a larger-than-life character. He brings a cheekiness and humorous touch to his role that another actor might have been less kind in, as David Ruffin’s behaviour was the cause of many problems for the group.
And his vocal capabilities are second to none. With a raspy, rich quality, he hits high notes with ease whilst tackling complicated musical arrangements with an obvious enjoyment. One feels he has to keep a reign on himself, as if he could quite happily have sung more forcibly and with more flourish than the role calls for.
The group fired Ruffin after he had let them down one too many times. Their breaking point came when he attended a show of his then-girlfriend, the daughter of Dean Martin, when he should have been performing at a gig with the Temps.
He never came to terms with leaving the group. He would occasionally turn up unannounced on the stage of a Temps concert to snatch the microphone from the new lead, Dennis Edward, played by Posi Morakinyo, and take over the singing.
The show’s comic scene depicting this interaction sends the audience into fits of laughter while the two characters perform a well-orchestrated display of microphone swapping — not unlike a Tom and Jerry skit.
Throughout the two-and-three quarter hour performance, we hear 31 hits by the Temptations, such as “My Girl”, “Just my Imagination”, “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me”, and “I Wish It Would Rain”.
All are sung with exacting precision to the original score, while all the performers display their signature smooth dance moves, flashing the appropriate pastel-coloured nylon suits with wide lapels and bell-bottoms.
Be prepared to have your heart swell to the galaxy-rich bass tones of Cameron Bernard Jones and the sweet melodic high notes of Mitchell Zhangazha. The harmonies are flawless and quite literally give you goosebumps.
The musical director, Matt Smith, has arranged a magnificent score for his talented orchestra, and rightly received a thunderous round of applause when the back curtain rose for final bows. It was an absolute joy to watch.
Well deserving of all its awarded accolades, Ain’t Too Proud is a masterpiece of entertainment. It takes you to the highs and the lows of the music industry in the sixties: the drugs and the egos, the fashion and the dance moves.
Come, watch, and expect to be moved to tears as your writer was to the encore’s opening guitar riff of “My Girl”. Tissues are not provided.
Looking for more reviews? Try these:
- The Brothers Osborne at Birmingham’s O2 Academy Theatre – Country Rock Concert
- Music Review: “Throwback” by Roy Shakked – Alt-Pop Album
- Amazed By History: My Take on Concrete Cowboy – Western Film based on the real history of Black Cowboys
- The Black Swans of Harlem, a Book Review – Biography of five pioneering Black ballerinas from Harlem
Perri Dodgson
Perri Dodgson was born into an RAF family, which meant travelling extensively and receiving a disjointed education. Her first job was a layout designer for a publishing house, then for twenty years she worked in the care sector, looking after the elderly and mentally ill. Now retired and living in Wellingborough, England, and after joining a writing group, she discovered the joy of writing. She has had features published in magazines and online literary magazines and been ‘highly recommended’ in a national competition. She also explores interior design and embroidery. Currently she is researching for her book which will be a biography.
Related posts
Image created on Canva