The Fabulous Fox Opens Its Season
With the Life Story of the Temptations

by Pat Lindsey

   Ain’t Too Proud–The Life and Times of the Temptations is the season opener at The Fabulous Fox this week. It covers 62 years of the chart-topping quintet’s musical history from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in just 2-1/2 hours.
Anyone older than 30 should be familiar with the group that gave us great Motown hits such as “My Girl,” “Cloud Nine,” “Just My Imagination,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted.” In all, the group had 42 Top Ten hits with 14 of them reaching #1. Otis Williams is the founder and only survivor of the group. Those of us who grew up with The Temptations in the 60’s and 70’s remember them for their stylized harmony, synchronized dance moves, and sometimes second billing to The Supremes.
In somewhat the same vein as Jersey Boys, Beautiful, and Motown the Musical that preceded it, Ain’t Too Proud uses the music and the Otis Williams character to tell the story of the 25 artists who were members (at various  times)  of The Temptations during its long lifespan. They not only shared a brotherhood, but they dealt with internal and external adversaries that split them into different directions, as well as personal struggles, death and grief. For the most part, this show is fast-paced and high energy and only slows down for those moments of grief.

The casting of this show seems quite perfect. Marcus Paul James does a magnificent job of portraying Otis Williams, singer and narrator. Elijah Ahmad Lewis is excellent as David Ruffin, the lead singer of the group who becomes a prima donna and drug addict. James T. Lane gives a believable performance as Paul Williams, the unhappy member of the group who commits suicide. Harrell Holmes Jr. as Melvin Franklin is a standout with his deep bass voice. His character later dies from rheumatoid arthritis. And Jalen Harris as Eddie Kendricks slows the action once again when his character dies from lung cancer.
Thirty-one musical numbers are performed by an outstanding orchestra under the brilliant direction of conductor Jonathan “Smitti” Smith. The music and well-developed characters combined with precision choreography by Sergio Trujillo create an emotional and entertaining evening of theatre.
For some, it will be a trip down memory lane. For others, it will be an electrically-charged evening of great music. For everyone, it will be a reason to stand up and cheer a talented cast that tells a good story.
   Ain’t Too Proud to –The Life and Times of The Temptations is being performed now through Oct. 2 at The Fabulous Fox. Tickets are available through Metrotix, call 314-534-1111 or visit The Fox box office.

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