Go See 'Ain't Too Proud' The Life and Times of THE TEMPTATIONS

Give the holiday gift of theater this year with the toe tapping, hands clapping "Ain't Too Proud" now at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. You will recognize all of their Grammy winning songs in this fun Tony winning sensation.

The musical begins in the streets of Detroit, where Otis Williams (direct from Broadway company, Marcus Paul James) travels down the wrong path filled with crime and gangs. After 6 months in Juvenile Hall, he is a changed young man, appreciating his newfound freedom.

After seeing 'The Cadillacs', an American doo-wop group from Harlem who changed the world of music during the early 1050s and 1960s, Otis has an epiphany to become a singer and form his own musical group. Recruiting some friends that included Eddie Kendricks (played by the talented Jalen Harris), mesmerizing bass singer Melvin Franklin (played by Harrell Holmes Jr.), Paul Williams (played by the charismatic James T. Lane) and baritone sensation Al Bryant (brilliantly performed by Brett Michael Lockley), they all electrify the stage with their singing and unique dance moves, thanks to choreographer Sergio Trujillo.

The book is by Dominique Morisseau, and music and lyrics from The Legendary Motown Catalog, tell the story that includes songwriter, record producer and record executive Barry Gordy. He initially assigns songwriter Smokey Robinson to help this new singing group achieve stardom topping the music charts.

Unfortunately, Bryant's volatile and unpredictable personality forces Otis to ask him to leave. Needing one more singer, Otis recruites his neighborhood friend and golden voice David Ruffin (from Broadway's cast, soulful voice Elijah Ahmad Lewis) to join. His unique voice as the lead singer helps The Temptations rack up Top 10 hits with their famous songs "My Girl" and Ain't Too Proud to Beg". Sadly due to his unreliability, drug use and violence with women, Ruffin is asked to leave the group.

Speaking of women, the stars in this musical also include Shayla Brielle G. (performing as Mama Rose the groups first manager). She brings the audience to their feet, clapping furiously in appreciation for her amazing vocal strength and range.

I couldn't take my eyes off Amber Mariah Talley as the sensational Diana Ross in The Supremes. Her subtle glances and gestures towards Barry Gordy allude to their romantic interest. The Supremes were the he most successful Motown act in the 1960s. They became the top charting female group in U.S. chart history, and the best-selling girl groups of all-time. Traci Elaine Lee plays Mary Wilson beautifully, as one of the other founding members of The Supremes. Najah Hetsberger is wonderful as Josephine and Shayla Brielle is terrific as the young Tammi Terrell. We learn in this show the tragic ending of Terrell at a very young age. This cast of women rock the house with their poise and musical range.

Throughout the two hours and 35 minute show (with an intermission), the audience embraces The Temptations brotherhood, while learning about their family, witnessing their loyalty and betrayal. Unfortunately their personal and political conflicts threaten to tear the group apart as the United States falls into civil unrest.

These performers are as good as the actually group who celebrated an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits, with 14 reaching number one. Listening to "Just My Imagination," "Get Ready," and "Papa Was A Rolling Stone," will put you in a festive mood and appreciate the music and moves The Temptations brought to the world. It's one of the best Christmas gifts you can give to a loved one.

Des McAnuff directed this stellar touring company also featuring Michael Andreaus, Gregory Carl Banks Jr, Brian C. Binion, Reed Campbell, Lawrence Dandridge, Treston J. Henderson, Devin Holloway, Antwaun Holley, Kyshawn Lane, Brett Michael Lockley, Harris Matthew, Andrew Volzer, and Nazarria Workman.

The Temptations were instrumental in attracting white audiences to black rock and roll performers. They were voted the greatest R&B group of all time by Billboard Magazine in 2017 for their musical contributions and achievements.

The show opened on December 15 and runs through January 1, 2023. Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. No Monday performances.

Ticket Prices: $40 – $155 (Ticket prices are subject to change.) Go online at CenterTheatreGroup.org, or call Audience Services at (213) 972-4400. You can also go in person to the Center Theatre Group Box Office 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A., CA 90012