“A review of this show would not be complete without recognition of not only the extremely talented cast, but of the band, directed by Kenny Seymour, that filled the Roda Theatre with what can only be described as true Motown sound. Coupled with a state-of-the-art projection system designed by Peter Nigrini, with sets and lighting…
Read moreNot just your imagination: ‘Temptations’ musical rocks
Berkeley Rep’s world premiere musical, which opened Thursday, Sept. 14, under the direction of Des McAnuff, makes songs resounding clarion calls from their opening beats — the teasing jazz piano riff of “I Can’t Get Next To You,” the ache-filled strings soaring over gentle guitar thrums in “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me).” Richly…
Read moreReview: New Temptations musical throbs to life at Berkeley Rep
A propulsive new musical driven by group founder Otis Williams’ life story, “Ain’t” is making its world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre with its eyes on Broadway. Directed by a master of the genre, Des McAnuff, of “Jersey Boys” and “Tommy” fame, this ambitious Motown biography throbs with grit and groove. We learn the backstory…
Read moreOfficial trailer: Ain’t Too Proud
Working on this show has been such a great experience. The music is great, the musicians are amazing, the cast is fantastic and the creative team is top notch. This show is a must see! Book by Dominique Morisseau Music and Lyrics from The Legendary Motown Catalog Music by arrangement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing Orchestrations…
Read moreWhy new Temptations play is NOT a ‘jukebox musical’
“People always say I make musicals for people who hate musicals and there is some truth to that.” – Des McAnuff True indeed! I never liked musicals. I think way too many of them are corny. I once saw a musical where a singer was at a train station , waiting on her train to…
Read moreNew Temptations Musical AIN’T TOO PROUD Extends at Berkeley Rep
I’m happy to be a part of this amazing show and amazing cast! Come see it if you are in the Bay Area! Due to an overwhelming demand, Berkeley Rep has announced that the world premiere musical of Ain’t Too Proud-The Life and Times of The Temptations will extend for two additional weeks. Originally scheduled…
Read moreSleeping In
One of the benefits of being away from “home” and being a full time musician and working on a musical is the ability to get rid of the alarm clock. Waking up at the perfect time (10:00AM) is glorious. It’s even better when it’s quiet and sunny when you open the windows. Ahhhh…a preview of…
Read more“Ain’t Too Proud” – The Temptations Musical in rehearsal
This is a sneak peak into the show I’m working on at the Berkeley Rep Theater now. We open on September 15, 2017. Come out and see us!
Read moreAin’t Too Proud
I just started working on a really good new show. It’s called – “Ain’t Too Proud” —The Temptations Musical. It is penned by Dominique Morisseau and directed by Des McAnuff. The show features music and lyrics from the Motown catalog with orchestrations by Harold Wheeler. Expect to hear such hits as “My Girl,” “Just My…
Read moreAin’t Too Proud
I’m working on a really amazing workshop of a new musical based on the story of the Temptations being produced in conjunction with the Berkeley Rep Theater. It is going to be so good!
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