[rating=4]I graduated high school in June of 1960. At the same time, a group of young men in Detroit were forming a singing group that would eventually become The Temptations. Their story is very similar to many of those that started with Motown in Detroit Michigan. Yes, we think of Detroit as the auto city, but in reality it is also the city that brought us some of the best known and most loved vocal groups and probably where Rhythm and Blues became what it is. These five men with great vocal ranges and solid movement changed music. In the story being told in  “ain’t too proud” The Life and Times of The Temptations, now on stage at The Cadillac palace Theatre as part of the Broadway In Chicago season, you truly get to experience the story of these performers as it unfolded.

“ain’t too proud” was written by Dominique Morisseau and the music of course is from The Legendary Motown Catalog. It is based on the book written by Otis Williams with Patricia Romanowski. The choreography ( which is stunning) is by Sergio Trujillo and the direction by Des McAnuff. An impressive evening of great music along with a history lesson is waiting for you.

What started out as five vocalist/dancers, which started as The Elgins, underwent change after change with players leaving, others taking their place and the addition of others and over the years, in spite of all the changes, has been a steady group that has thrilled generation after generation. Looking over the filled seats in the theater, I saw every age group possible. Let me tell you, I was not even close to the oldest and sitting next to me were teens who seemed to know every song during this almost three hours of hit after hit. There were many times where the audience clapped along with the singers and I guarantee that there were times that many audience members were “tempted to stand and dance along- the evening was indeed a lovefest as well as a look at a group that came from nothing and brought joy to America during a crazy period in our history( the 1960’s were indeed crazy times)- I know, I lived thru it!

The “Classic 5” were David Ruffin ( Elijah Ahmad Lewis), Melvin Franklin (Harrell Holmes Jr. . who has the deepest voice you will ever hear- perfect for the harmonies), Otis Williams, the man who started the whole thing ( deftly handled by Marcus Paul James), Eddie Kendricks (Jalen Harris) and Paul Williams (James T. Lane).

As time went by , we see the changes in the men, their lives and their desires. In the early days, Al Bryant ( a wonderful vocalist Brett Michael Lockley hits notes that almost defy gravity) and during the course of two acts we meet many others who swing in and out. We learn that Kendricks and Ruffin go out on their own, but are in many ways tied to the Temptations and come back. We also get a look at The Supremes during their hey-day and I must say that Deri’ Andra Tucker almost made you feel that Diana Ross was on the stage. Hats off to Traci Elaine Lee (Mary Wilson) and Shayla Brielle G (Florence Ballard). these ladies are also a major part of the ensemble taking on additional roles. Berry Gordy  was played to perfection by Michael Andreaud and Smokey Robinson by Lawrence Dandridge, who later became  Damon Harris.

The song list is impressive and could fill a full page, so I will just list some of them: “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”, “Cloud Nine”, “Gloria”, “Runaway Child”, “Running Wild”, “Pappa Was A Rolling Stone”, “My Girl”, “In The Still Of the Night” and many many more. If you are a lover of R & B, this is a show designed for you. If you are into biographies , you will enjoy it. There is one thing that we need to pay attention to while watching this powerful show. Back in the 60’s, TV was still new and dance shows were on in the afternoon and Saturday. If you look closely you will see that our country was divided on race- the performers were African American, but the kids dancing and in the audience were white. This is 60 plus years ago, and we are still trying to find our way.

“ain’t too proud” will continue at The Cadillac Palace Theatre located at 151 West Randolph Street thru – Jun 5, 2022