Ain’t too proud: the story of The Temptations comes to DeVos Hall

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

“Ain’t Too Proud: The Story of the Tempetations” rolls into Grand Rapids this week for eight performances. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)

The story of The Temptations is a “complicated” story, said Detroit native and award-winning playwright Dominique Morisseau.

“The Temptations went through a lot as a group, not only to form, and to finally make a hit as a group, but to also be the face of integration in the nation when the nation was not favorable to that,” said Morisseau in a TV interview before “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations” opened on Broadway in 2019.

After a successful run, including a Tony for best choreography and a bevy of nominations, the show is on tour, including a stop this week for eight performances at DeVos Performance Hall as part of the current season for Broadway Grand Rapids.

Critics call it an “electrifying” musical that follows The Temptations’ journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Motown capitalized on the group’s signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies of Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin.

Opening night is Tuesday (March 29) with shows through Sunday.

They scored an incredible 42 Top 10 hits with 14 reaching No. 1.

They also did it at the time of civil unrest, which was a challenge considering they had their own issues of “figuring out who they (were) and normal growing up, ego things,” Morisseau told TV host Steve Adubato.

Musicians were used to bring the nation together, she added.

Fans will love the show with the legendary quintet’s signature hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and so many more.

It’s a show for fans of all ages, said Morisseau, who graduated from the University of Michigan with a BFA in Acting.

“Generations can come see this show together,” Morisseau said.

“That’s what’s really exciting and special to me. We’re introducing them to a new generation, and we’re invoking the spirit of the people that came and grew up with them. They’re reliving a beautiful past.”

As for staying true to Detroit, she said: “I brought out all the good feelings of my hometown on that stage, and that’s a victory.”

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.