Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations

This summer, The Muny continues its celebrated 108th season by bringing one of Broadway’s most acclaimed musicals to Forest Park. Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations will make its long-awaited Muny premiere July 27 through August 2, featuring an all-star cast, powerhouse creative team, and the unforgettable music that defined a generation.

Presented by Moneta, the Tony Award-winning musical tells the extraordinary true story of The Temptations, chronicling their rise from the streets of Detroit to international superstardom. Filled with timeless Motown classics including “My Girl,” “Get Ready,” “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me),” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” the production explores the triumphs, struggles, brotherhood, and personal sacrifices behind one of music’s greatest groups.

Performances begin nightly at 8:15 p.m., immersing audiences in a pivotal chapter of American music and cultural history through dynamic choreography, unforgettable harmonies, and emotionally rich storytelling.

A Star-Studded Cast Leads the Muny Premiere

The Muny has assembled an exceptional company of Broadway veterans to portray the legendary members of The Temptations:

  • James T. Lane as Otis Williams
  • Nick Rashad Burroughs as David Ruffin
  • Jawan M. Jackson as Melvin Franklin
  • Elijah Ahmad Lewis as Eddie Kendricks
  • Daniel Yearwood as Paul Williams

“This sensational cast will bring incredible artistry and energy to The Muny stage,” said Mike Isaacson, The Muny’s Artistic Director & Executive Producer. “Audiences will feel the power of The Temptations from the very first note.”

Meet the Cast

James T. Lane as Otis Williams

Returning for his sixth Muny production, James T. Lane brings an impressive résumé spanning Broadway, London’s West End, national tours, and regional theatre. His Broadway credits include A Wonderful World, Chicago, Kiss Me, Kate, King Kong, The Scottsboro Boys, and A Chorus Line. Beyond the stage, Lane served as choreographer and recurring actor on The Amber Ruffin Show and earned a 2023 Audelco Award for his acclaimed one-man show, Triple Threat.

Nick Rashad Burroughs as David Ruffin

Broadway favorite Nick Rashad Burroughs is known for standout performances in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Kinky Boots, and King Kong. He received a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Goddess at The Public Theater and previously appeared at The Muny in Dreamgirls. Burroughs is also an award-winning recording artist.

Jawan M. Jackson as Melvin Franklin

Few actors know this role better than Jawan M. Jackson. He originated Melvin Franklin in both Motown: The Musical and Ain’t Too Proud on Broadway before joining The Temptations themselves as the group’s bass vocalist in 2022. A Grammy nominee for the Ain’t Too Proud cast recording, Jackson has also appeared in Sparkle, The Get Down, Your Monster, and Songs for Littles with Ms. Rachel.

Elijah Ahmad Lewis as Eddie Kendricks

Award-winning performer Elijah Ahmad Lewis has built an impressive career on Broadway, national tours, television, and the recording industry. His credits include Ain’t Too Proud, Motown: The Musical, The Wiz, and appearances with artists including SZA, Usher, Ariana Grande, Madonna, and Cissy Houston. Lewis is also a recipient of the NAACP Arts and Culture Award and recently released his album ENERGY AND LOVE.

Daniel Yearwood as Paul Williams

Daniel Yearwood arrives at The Muny following Broadway performances in Hamilton, Sweeney Todd, Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, Once on This Island, and Ink. His additional stage work includes Grand Hotel, Monte Cristo, Rolling Thunder, In the Heights, and Newsies.

An Award-Winning Creative Team

Leading the production is an accomplished creative team featuring:

  • Director: Marcia Milgrom Dodge
  • Choreographer: Rickey Tripp
  • Music Director & Conductor: Darryl G. Ivey

The production also features scenic design by Edward E. Haynes Jr., costumes by Gail Baldoni, lighting by Rob Denton, sound by Joshua Hummel, video by Kevan Loney, wigs by Kelley Jordan, and associate choreography by Nasha Harris Santiago.

Additional casting will be announced.

The Music That Changed America

More than a jukebox musical, Ain’t Too Proud tells the story behind the voices that helped define the Motown era.

Audiences will experience beloved classics including:

  • “My Girl”
  • “Get Ready”
  • “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)”
  • “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”

The production explores not only the group’s meteoric rise but also the personal conflicts, changing social landscape, and political tensions that shaped their journey.

Featuring a book by Dominique Morisseau, the musical is based on The Temptations by Otis Williams with Patricia Romanowski, with music and lyrics drawn from the legendary Motown catalog by arrangement with Sony Music Publishing.

Experience a Muny Premiere

As a proud media partner, Delux Magazine is excited to celebrate The Muny’s presentation of one of Broadway’s most electrifying musicals. Whether you’re a lifelong Motown fan or discovering The Temptations for the first time, Ain’t Too Proud promises an unforgettable evening of world-class performances, legendary music, and powerful storytelling under the stars.

Performances run July 27 through August 2, with curtain at 8:15 p.m. nightly.

Season 108 at The Muny also features Hairspray, Shrek The Musical, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific, Disney’s Newsies, Meet Me In St. Louis, Something Rotten!, and Lionel Richie.

Tickets, group sales, accessibility information, and content notes are available through www.muny.org

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