‘Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations’ @ Bass Performance Hall (Performing Art Fort Worth)
Photos by Joan Marcus and Bass Performance Hall
—Rickey Wax
Under the warm glow of the marquee stands a towering image of The Temptations. The stage is set, we wait for That Sound—and as the music swells we are transported into a world of rhythm, soul, and the unrelenting pursuit of greatness.
Playing at Bass Performance Hall this week, the national touring company of Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations is presented as part of Performing Arts Fort Worth’s “Broadway at the Bass” series.
Based on the book The Temptations by founding member Otis Williams with Patricia Romanowsk—book by playwright Dominique Morisseau and lyrics from the legendary Motown catalog—this electrifying musical, directed by Tony-winner Des McAnuff, takes audiences on a journey through the trials and triumphs of one of Motown’s most legendary groups.
Fun fact: Motown was originally called “Hitsville U.S.A.” and operated out of a house in Detroit. Berry Gordy, the label’s founder, turned his small home into a recording studio, and the living room became the control room. The house is still there.
Ain’t Too Proud opens with a striking image: The Temptations at the peak of their career, standing atop a grand stage with a “SOLD OUT” sign glowing in the background. But success didn’t come easy. Otis Williams (played with depth and sincerity by Rudy Foster) steps forward to narrate, taking us back to the beginning, where his dream of forming a vocal group started.
The journey is not an easy one. We witness Williams’ relentless drive as he cycles through lineup changes, always in pursuit of the perfect blend of voices. Finally it comes together: the deep and resonant bass of Melvin Franklin (Jameson Clanton, whose performance is both commanding and heartfelt); the silky falsetto of Eddie Kendricks (Lowes Hendricks, effortlessly embodying the role); the smooth sound yet troubled soul of Paul Williams (Bryce Valle gives a layered and emotional performance); and of course, the electric presence of David Ruffin (portrayed by Josiah Travis Kent Rogers with undeniable charisma and fiery energy). Ruffin, a childhood friend of Otis, brings star power to the group with his undeniable stage presence and vocal prowess, but his personal demons create turbulence within the band.
The chemistry among the cast members is undeniable, capturing both the magic of The Temptations' harmonies and the weight of the struggles they endured. From their meteoric rise to the deep personal conflicts that threatened to tear them apart, the story is one of persistence, loss, and the high cost of fame.
Alcoholism, drug addiction, and domestic violence loom over their talent and success, making it clear that life behind the velvet curtain is far from glamorous. As much as they are a brotherhood, the pressures of the industry and personal choices often put them at odds. Romantic relationships, too, add another layer of complexity, causing additional strain on an already fragile foundation.
The heart of the show lies in its music—each number a time capsule transporting us through decades of sound. Showstopping performances of “My Girl,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” “Just My Imagination,” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” had the audience swaying in their seats. Thanks to the stellar choreography of Sergio Trujillo, every move, spin, and synchronized step was a testament to The Temptations’ signature style. The crisp, sharp suits—crafted with meticulous detail by costume designer Sue Makkoo—added to the authenticity, bringing to life the suave, polished image the group was known for.
Yet, amidst the fame, personal sacrifices were made. Otis’s own journey of ambition and responsibility takes a turn when his son Lamont (played by Mikey Corey Hassel) confronts him with words that linger while on he’s the road: “The only thing you can rewind is a song.” It’s a gut punch of a line, a reminder that while we can relive moments through music, time itself (time with family especially) is fleeting.
The show also reminds us of a staggering truth: over the years, The Temptations saw a total of 27 different members come and go. Through all of it—the breakups, the betrayals, and the losses—the dream remained. And they didn’t just survive; they became legends.
In the end, Ain’t Too Proud is more than a jukebox musical. It’s a celebration of music, ambition, and the cost of chasing greatness. It’s a show that reminds us to hold onto the moments, the people, and the memories that shape us because, like a song, life plays on whether we’re paying attention or not. The Temptations achieved their dreams, but at what cost? As Otis Williams takes his final bow, the message is clear: pursuing greatness is admirable, but remembering to live along the way is just as important.
WHEN: February 11-16, 2025
WHERE: Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce Street, Fort Worth
WEB: basshall.com
