“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 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 moreLiving Legends – Otis, Shelly at Ain’t Too Proud
Smiles after the first two previews of “Ain’t Too Proud.” It’s great to have the legendary Otis Williams and longtime Temptations manager (since the 60’s) Shelly Berger watching a musical recreation of their life. Otis is the man in the cool ass black and white jacket. Shelly is the older gentleman in the middle…
Read moreBehind The Scenes: Dominique Morisseau and Otis Williams – “Ain’t Too Proud” – The Temptations Musical
Our first preview is tomorrow. I can’t WAIT! I am beyond ready for the first show because its been 7 1/2 weeks of rehearsal and tech. I’m done rehearsing. Seriously…I want to get this show up and running. I am looking forward to hearing the response from a live audience. We’ll see tomorrow night!
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!
Read moreNew Musical
One of the best things about my job is the creative process. Watching people create new songs, invent new choreography, direct lighting, etc…it’s fascinating. I just started working on a new project. The show is being produced in conjunction with the Berkeley Rep Theater and we are rehearsing here at Second Stage in Times Square…
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