‘Ain’t Too Proud’ opens new Broadway season
They were one of those groups that, when you hear one of their songs come on the radio – or these days Youtube – you have to stop down and listen. Many of us grew up with their legendary songs. But they performed in a style that still spans all age groups. Funny thing about amazing music, it simply has to be heard. That’s why it’s amazing.
And you can not only hear classic songs such as “My Girl” (co-written by another legend, Smoky Robinson), “Just My Imagination,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and many more in Casa Manana’s presentation of “Ain’t Too Proud” – another of their biggest hits. The musical runs Sept. 11-20.
The Temptations hit the top of the charts with 42 top 10 hits, 14 of which reached number one. But “Ain’t Too Proud” is much more than an evening enjoying some of the best rhythm and blues/soul music from the Motown library. It tells the inspiring/moving and often sad true story of The Temptations – five men who followed their dreams from the streets of Detroit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The production takes audiences through the tale of how the Temptations met, became famous, and how personal and political conflicts threatened to tear the group apart.
Curtis Wiley stars as the founder of The Temptations and the show’s narrator, Otis Williams. Wiley made his Broadway debut in the Original Broadway Company of “Ain’t Too Proud” and has also performed in the national tours of “Jersey Boys” and “The Lion King.”
Wiley is well known by audiences of The Reid Cabaret Theatre at Casa Mañana, as he has made several appearances in shows such as “A Solitary Man: The Music of Neil Diamond,” “Aretha: The Queen of Soul,” and “Live at the Apollo.”
Starring alongside Wiley are: Justin Showell as Paul Williams. Zion Middleton as Melvin Franklin. Tyler Hardwick as Eddie Kendricks. Tymothee Harrell as David Ruffin. Braxton O. Johnson as Al Bryant. Kayla Marshall as Johnnie Mae/Mary Wilson. JD Houston as Motown Founder Berry Gordy. Lawrence Dandridge as Smokey Robinson/Damon. Candice Woods as Josephine/Diana Ross/Mama Rose. Gabrielle Rollins as Tammi Terrell/Florence Ballard. Zach Sutton as Shelly Berger. Ron Baker as Dennis Edwards. Deshawn Thomas as Lamont/Richard Street.
Director/choreographer Gerry McIntyre is making his return to Casa Mañana after directing and choreographing other great shows such as “Hairspray,” “The Color Purple,” “Smokey Joe’s
Cafe,” “Spamilton” (a spoof of “Hamilton”) and “Grease.” He has received widespread acclaim for choreographing the Berkshire Theatre Group’s production of “Godspell.”
Music Director Jonathan Smith played in the Broadway production of “Ain’t Too Proud” and was also music director for its first national tour. Among his other Broadway credits are co-creating the Tony and Grammy-nominated “Swing!” as well as “Jersey Boys” and more.
Ain’t Too Proud ticket prices start at $39 and can be purchased by visiting www.casamanana.org. Tickets are also available at the Casa Mañana Theatre Box Office, 3101 West Lancaster Avenue in Fort Worth.
Performance dates and times are as follows: Friday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m. (preview performance). Saturday, Sept. 12, 2 and 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, 2 and 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, 2 p.m. (this performance includes ASL interpretation).
