By: Amanda Meade-Tatum

After breaking records previously at the Ahmanson theater, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations returns once again to Los Angeles with a remarkable cast and story that will swipe you off your feet. The musical follows The Temptations’ striking musical journey highlighting the group’s failures and successes with musical numbers honoring their memorable dance moves and harmonies that rose them to the top charts. The musical explores themes of brotherhood, betrayal, legacy, and family.

Someway or Somehow we all been introduced to the Temptations, either by hearing one of their hits on the radio or hearing a new rendition of a beloved classic. The musical decides to take the same formula as previous jukebox musicals, using the artists music to tell its story and engaged its audience. Some might even compare the jukebox musical to Jersey Boys, as the structure of the story and direction feels very similar.

What works the best for the jukebox musical is the pace of the story and how it’s music supports the story. In the duration of the musical , their is a lot to cover but what is helpful are the engaging transitions that help the story move in a positive light. The production includes lustrous choreography by Sergio Trujillo that is irresistible and will have audiences clapping or dancing in their seats. Sadly, the jukebox musical goes the cheap route and uses words of locations on big screens to transfer audiences to locations. The lack of sets does a disservice to the production and causes a bore at some points. At some points, there is an actor on stage alone with nothing else, and it feels quite strange. The lighting design overcomes the sets which for jukebox musical is very common

The production benefits from its talented actors that put their foot forward to honor the legendary group. They focus to deliver sharp performance which do not disappoint.

Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations delivers a story of hope and desire which is relatable with the music of The Temptation at the center of it all. Also, the story speaks to the dreamer and uses its characters to show failure and success. The best gift you can give anyone is a musical ride to the life and times of The Temptations.

To buy tickets to Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations click here!