Review: AIN'T TOO PROUD National Tour Comes To Ft. Lauderdale

National Tour of AIN'T TOO PROUD - THE LIFE and TIMES of the TEMPTATIONS is captivating Broadway's Musical Lovers. The Temptations moves and music is magnified. The iconic smooth moves choreographed by Tony Award winning Sergio Trujillo are executed brilliantly by this glorious cast. Those who may have seen the Broadway production might notice there is no turn table, but the staging and choreography still achieves the same scenic beats, and most likely cut touring cost.

Without offering spoiler alerts for each character, its' best to say the book spotlights the trials and tribulations of each of the original Temptations, from debauchery, relationships, health issues and egos.

For the hardcore Broadway fans that follow James T. Lane (Kiss Me Kate, The Scottsboro Boys, A Chorus Line) you will fall madly in love with his portrayal of Paul, who was one of the last originals of the core members. His life trials are a master class for future artists and theater lovers to use as a guide, for the obstacles one takes on as an entertainer.

]The audience is compelled to applaud his final exit, for his personal brotherhood and dedicated life as a Temptation. As the other core members journeys are exposed, James' applause sets up the audience reactions for each of the original Temptations, as they play out the legacy they all left, being one of the most important musical groups in our life time.

Direct from Broadway company are Marcus Paul James as Otis Williams and Elijah Ahmed Lewis as David Ruffin. Each delivering their outstanding Broadway performances nationally.

There are many cast highlights including James T. Lane as Paul, Jalen Harris as Eddie Kendricks, and Harrell Holmes Jr. as Melvin Franklin. The men as an ensemble are incredible, each achieving the unique vocals of the iconic talents that brought us life changing music.

The Women ensemble are just as spectacular, Deri'Andra Tucker playing Diana Ross shines as the iconic superstar. One of the most powerful numbers in this production comes from Najah Hetsberger as Josephine.

The touring company also features Michael Andreaus (Berry Gordy), Gregory Carl Banks Jr (Lamont), Brian C. Binion (Swing), Reed Campbell (Shelly Berger), Lawrence Dandridge (Smokey Robinson), Nick Drake (Swing, Dance Captain), Shayla Brielle G. (Mamma Rose, Florence Ballard, Tammi Terrell), Treston J. Henderson (Swing), Najah Hetsberger (Josephine), Devin Holloway (Richard Street), Antwaun Holley (Swing), Traci Elaine Lee (Johnnie Mae, Mary Wilson), Brett Michael Lockley (Al Bryant, Norman Whitfield), Co-Assistant Dance Captain), Chani Maisonet (Swing, Co-Assistant Dance Captain), Harris Matthew (Dennis Edwards), Deri'Andra Tucker (Diana Ross, and Andrew Volzer (Assistant Stage Manager, Swing).

Featuring a book by Dominique Morisseau, Ain't Too Proud uses the Temptations' hits to tell the story of their journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Songs include "My Girl," "Just My Imagination," "Get Ready," and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone."

The direction from Des McAnuff is superb, as well as Sergio Trujillo's choreography, both are magnified to parlay this true life story to perfection. The iconic smooth moves are embellished with intricate modern moves that were surely inspired by The Temptations themselves.

What is obvious from Best Choreography Tony Award win and standing ovations is that audiences expect more today and accept the embellished production teams vision. The costumes, historic performances, life and times are captured, catapulted and cleverly delivered, bringing audiences to their feet, in respect to the music that brought a nation together, during some of our most difficult political division.

AIN'T TOO PROUD - THE LIFE and TIMES of the TEMPTATIONS is sure to warm your heart and leave you singing some of the biggest hits in our lifetime. It proves music can unite us all with common ground. The Temptations legacy lives on eternally.

For tickets visit https://ainttooproudmusical.com//

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