Theatre Review: Ain’t Too Proud To Beg Electrifies Broadway
In some ways, Ain’t Too Proud To Bed went into the Broadway Musical race with a grand benefit: The ENTIRE Catalogue of The Temptations. These Motown legends were known for their theatricality; their ability to choreograph emotions into their bodies and voices. Thus, naturally, the music soars, but it is their tragedies that will end up sinking into audiences.
No progress comes without sacrifice; the problem is that, for The Temptations, they would give up everything for fame and money, except their inner demons. Derrick Baskin plays Otis; the soul/ structure of the group, and the narrator of Ain’t Too Proud To Beg. Baskin plays Otis Williams like a solid heart that becomes a strict, father figure for his fellow bandmates. Through him they formed a family, and as the musical progresses, you see The Temptations was a safety net for David Ruffin, Melvin franklin, Paul Williams, and Eddie Kendricks. A place where they could always return, despite the many personal issues that pushed them away.
Directed by Des McAnuff and a book by Dominique Morrisseau, Ain’t Too Proud To Beg follows a Jersey Boys format. Interweaving music and their life’s stories to build a celebration of love. These men may have riled each other’s anger, but their loyalty, forgiveness, and laughs persevered even until some of their tragic deaths. Thus, the musical does not fall into “cookie-cutter” tropes or attempts to add buoyancy to these men’s lives. They were Southern men in the 60’s. Hence, racism, drugs, and childhood traumas run rampant in this musical, and allows The Temptations’ music to feel like relief for both the audience and its characters. These actors absolutely capture the high energy, irresistibly charm, and God-loving vocal riffs that made The Temptations must-see concert.
Ephraim Sykes plays David Ruffin and THANK GOD! Ruffin is the most controversial Temptation, in part, because of his physically abusive nature towards Motown darling Tammi Terrell, his addictions, and the fact that he was so charming. Sykes plays Ruffin like a man that could make The Devil likable, which is perfect because you get the feeling Ruffin’s tragedy is that he always stayed promising, but did not have the emotional stability to fully manifest himself. Still, his brothers stand beside him. Jeremy Pope as Eddie Hendricks is fiercely compassionate and charismatic; seeing brotherhood as an override of any business woes. Naturally, Otis balances him, and Jawan M. Jackson’s noble Melvin and James Harkness’ sweet Paul follow suit. The latter two emanate a kindness to their characters that reverberates through the many woes they suffer personally.
As the second act begins, The Temptations roster begins to change, and you, oddly admire, how much they fought to keep the band going. Saint Aubyn as Dennis Edwards is hilarious, and like Ruffin ADORES the spotlight. Yet, for The Temptations, money and fame exacerbated their personal issues rather than healed them. Each of these men came from poor, prejudiced backgrounds, which made praise and luxury feel as necessary as water. Soon, Christian Thompson comes in as Damon Harris and E. Clayton Cornelious as Richard Street, and you realize the Temptations were a symbol for the constant soul of music, and how it helps us fight through life’s crushing ways. Thus, as they sing and perform, the dynamic choreography of Sergio Trujillo, you are riveted by their resilience.
There are three things Ain’t To Proud To Beg proves about The Temptations; they could perform like no other, loved each other like no other, and lived lives that no other could match. With a set that appeared like a moving theater thanks to Robert Brill’s design and Howell Binkley’s lighting, the musical felt fulfilling in explaining that, in the end, your best and worst choices only matter to how much you were loved through them. These men were so loving and lovable, they felt destined to become The Temptations. Thus, get ready to dance, laugh, and cry as you experience their legacy in Ain’t To Proud To Beg. Located at the Imperial Theatre on249 WEST 45TH STREET NEW YORK, NY 10036. Click Here To Buy Tickets.
