“Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” musical is on tap at the Detroit Opera House in August.
Broadway In Detroit’s recently released first national tour of “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life And Times of the Temptations, the new Broadway smash hit musical, debuted at the Detroit Premiere at the Detroit Opera House on Tuesday, August 9.
The eagerly-anticipated musical, running now through Sunday, August 28 is a part of the legendary musical group’s 60th anniversary season.
The show, which was packed out on Wednesday, August 10, features the Grammy winning songs and Tony winning moves that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Released in 1966, The Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” song from the “Gettin’ Ready” album is brought to life in a new way through the musical.
Nominated for 12 Tony Awards, “Ain’t Too Proud” tells the sometimes-tumultuous story of brotherhood, family, loyalty and betrayal, as the group’s personal and political conflicts put their bond to the test during a decade of civil unrest in America.
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 and being voted the greatest R&B group of all time by Billboard Magazine in 2017. 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.
Harris Matthew, who plays Dennis Edwards in the show, told the Michigan Chronicle on the red carpet on Wednesday, August 10, that it’s a “fantastic feeling” to be back in Motown where the musical legends started something bigger than themselves.
“It’s an honor to be performing on this legendary stage in the city,” Matthew said just before the start of the show. “We’re just ready to bring it home — it’s been a long time coming. “I love playing the icon, the legend that is Dennis Edwards. He sings my favorite songs, ‘Cloud Nine,’ ‘Papa Was a Rolling Stone’ — it’s truly a pleasure. I feel like we’ve grown so much as a cast as a community and sharing this story every night is something that brings me great joy.”
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.
Written by three-time Obie Award-winner Dominique Morisseau, directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Des McAnuff (“Jersey Boys”) and featuring the Tony-winning choreography of Sergio Trujillo (“Jersey Boys,” “On Your Feet!”), “Ain’t Too Proud” launches their first national tour to over 50 cities across America.
Jalen Harris who plays Eddie Kendricks in the musical, told the Michigan Chronicle previously that performing in one of the greatest boy bands of all time in R&B history is “like a dream come true.”
“I was born in the 90s but understanding the music of The Temptations and what it means to my culture and what their legacy means is, is very important to me as well,” he said, adding that he is looking forward to the upcoming show. “To perform a show in Detroit is a full circle [moment] for a lot of people with this project.”
One local attendee told the Michigan Chronicle that attending the show brings back memories for her and she appreciates the opportunity to see the show.
During the event, Otis Williams, the only living original group member left, was applauded after the show and received with a warm standing ovation while on stage.
He told the crowd that seeing the show brought tears to his eyes.
“Tears started running down my eyes,” he said to the crowd, adding that he appreciates the performances and the crowd for their constant support. “I love you.”
For more information, visit www.AintTooProudMusical.com and the tour’s social media channels at AintTooProudMusical.com, twitter.com/AintTooProud, facebook.com/AintTooProudMusical, and instagram.com/AintTooProudMusical.
Performance times for Ain’t Too Proud – The Life And Times of the Temptations, appearing at the Detroit Opera House, at 1526 Broadway, in Detroit are:
- Tuesday through Saturday evening performances at 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday evening performances at 7:30 p.m.
- Special Open Caption performance on Sunday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m.
For group sales (10 or more) email broadwayindetroitgroups@theambassadors.com or call 313-871-
1132.
Tickets(starting at $35) are available at Ticketmaster.com,
charge by phone (800) 982-2787, and in person at the Fisher Theatre Box Office.
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