AIN’T TOO PROUD Musical at Muny Theater Review

(L-R) Nick Rashad Burroughs, Jawan M. Jackson, Elijah Ahmad Lewis, James T. Lane, Daniel Yearwood as the Temptations in the Muny's AIN'T TOO PROUD. Photo credit: Philip Hamer. Courtesy of the Muny

– By Cate Marquis –

The Muny’s “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations” is hit-packed celebration of one of pop music’s greats, The Temptations. This story of The Temptations, the greatest of Motown greats, begins, and ends, with founder Otis Williams (James T. Lane), who also serves as narrator for the musical.

“Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations” is based on Otis Williams’ book “The Temptations,” with music from their Motown catalog. Marcia Milgrom Dodge directs, with choreography by Rickey Tripp.

The story begins in Detroit, where young Otis Williams is a poor boy on the mean streets. A early run-in with the law changes his direction, towards music, a forming the first of several singing groups, until he puts together that magical combination, the magical five who became the famous Temptations: Otis Williams, Paul Williams (Daniel Yearwood), Melvin Franklin (Jawan M. Jackson), Eddie Kenricks (Elijah Ahmad Lewis), and David Ruffin (Nick Rashad Burroughs). The first act covers that process, as well as the group’s partnership with the legendary Motown producer Berry Gordy, and just as legendary songwriter Smokey Robinson.

The musical is also a story spanning decades, of friendship, ambition, conflict, heartbreak and the toll of constant touring. And most of all music.

“Ain’t Too Proud” is all about the songs, the hits and the dancing singers who wowed audiences and topped charts for years.

Even if young audiences might not know the story or the musicians, they still likely have heard the at least some of the hits, such as “Shout,” “Get Ready,” “My Girl,” “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” and the title’s “Ain’t Too Proud.” The hits keep on coming, not just those of the Temps, but others of their time, like the Supremes’ “Baby Love” and Edwin Starr’s Vietnam War era hit “War,” originally recorded by the Temps but not released because it was though too controversial by the label.

The songs and the singers are outstanding, along with the choreography, one of the Temp’s signature sides. Costumes are also knock outs, and the acting is strong, but the music is the real focus. The sets are pared down to a large one on a rotating turntable for scene changes, and screens and flats, along with a few props. The focus stays on the music, and the performers.

This show is the big musical treat of the Muny’s season, a delight that needs little more to enhance it. It is wonderful, just the way it is.

“Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations” is musical delight, on the Muny stage in Forest Park through Aug. 2, 2026.

© Cate Marquis