Review | ‘Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations’ at Berkeley Rep

“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…

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Not 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…

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Review: 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…

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Lively, fast-paced, but poignant, ‘Ain’t Too Proud’ stuns at Berkeley Rep

It’s hard to make it through the second act without tearing up, as the fame takes a large toll on each member of the “Classic Five,” visibly changing the demeanor of those the audience has grown to love. The individual members deliver powerful exit songs as tensions between them worsen. Yet the musical is never…

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Official 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…

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