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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you haven\u2019t had the wonderful opportunity to take in one of Broadway\u2019s sizzling setups of the day, \u201cAin\u2019t Too Proud\u2026The Life and Times of The Temptations\u201d, then you\u2019d better get dressed and skedaddle on down to the KeyBank State Theater. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yeah, yeah\u2026I know that you\u2019ve undoubtedly seen the well-put together movie about the lives of the legendary Temptations on the made-for-television movie that first aired on NBC November 1st and 2nd 1998. Yet and still, this stupendous stage production digs even deeper into the behind the scenes action and gives us the REAL DEAL HOLYFIELD on these harmonious homies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This time we find out that Otis Williams, founder of the group and one of the \u201coriginal classic five\u201d that made it big in 1965 with their smash hit, \u201cMy Girl\u201d, was sent to a juvenile detention center at the age of 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
It was upon his release that he hears a song by a spectacular singing group, The Cadillacs, and it changed Otis\u2019 mind forever. No longer would he spend his days robbing people and stealing off with others\u2019 goods, he now longed to sing. Badly. Thus,the production is seen through the eyes of Williams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the earliest doo-wop arrangements by super producer, Smokey Robinson, through to the soul-stirring and roof-shaking sides by Stormin\u2019 Norman Whitfield, the cast gave all that they could muster up. The singing was beyond belief. It was a herculean task to handle the physical parts as well. The singing and dancing never stopped during the 2 hour and 30 minute theatrical thriller. There was a short intermission that allowed you enough time to catch your breath.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It appeared that the cast enjoyed bringing this tale to life. They were all smiles and I caught them looking at one another with satisfaction on more than one occasion. There were other acts on the show that helped boost the level of excitement even higher. There were cameos by The Supremes, The Contours, David Ruffin, Tammi Terrell and 32 songs from the depths of our musical memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The audience is let in on a romance between Temptations member Melvin Franklin and Mary Wilson of the Supremes. We\u2019re given a peek inside of the torn relationships with the various women that they either dated or married. I learned that the song, \u201cWar\u201d that was a huge success recorded by native Clevelander, Charles Hatcher, under the name Edwin Starr, was actually written and aimed at The Tempts. Unfortunately, Motown mogul and founder, Berry Gordy didn\u2019t want to get involved in message music during the tumultuous Civil Rights era. They allowed them to record \u201cBall of Confusion\u201d as a concession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By play’s end you have traveled back into the times and lives of the 25 men who have been members of this Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominated group. You experience the joys and the pains that it took to reach the highest plateau there is to reach in the world of music. You feel every note, spin and split that catapulted these guys out into the universe of radio stations around the globe. In short\u2026.you were<\/em> a Temptation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Go see the play !! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Ray Robinson If you haven\u2019t had the wonderful opportunity to take in one of Broadway\u2019s sizzling setups of the day, \u201cAin\u2019t Too Proud\u2026The Life and Times of The Temptations\u201d, then you\u2019d better get dressed and skedaddle on down to the KeyBank State Theater. Yeah, yeah\u2026I know that you\u2019ve undoubtedly seen the well-put together movie … <\/p>\n