What do you do when you’re a boy child and all you want to do is sing? Especially when you’re in Detroit, not rich and having trouble convincing mom that this is a good idea?
The 1960s and ‘70s saw the rise of many new musical styles and stylists, starting with doo-wop, meandering through the Motown sound, psychedelic soul and adult contemporary. Along the way, new female groups like the Supremes added to the rich musical output of the time.
San Diego Civic Theatre is hosting “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations” through Sunday.
The story starts with Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams, church choirboys, who added Keil Osborne and Wiley Waller and started a doo-wop group, calling themselves the Cavaliers. These guys accompanied their vocals with dance-like moves and hand motions that had them in constant motion.
By 1964, with what became known as the “classic five” lineup, “The Way You Do The Things You Do” came out and became the Temptations’ first Top 20 hit that April.
Producer Smoke Robinson liked the sound of a newcomer – David Ruffin, with whom the Temptations became international stars. But then Ruffin became demanding and more problems arose.
Are you getting the gist? The Temptations had an up-and-down career, but that isn’t the point.
Why not? Because the group is now the subject of a touring musical-historical show called “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations,” and is onstage at San Diego’s Civic Theatre through Sunday.
The show reflects the group’s chaotic history, which annoys an old fogey like me, who like things a bit more logically presented. But the show itself, taken as it is, offers boundless energy, wonderful singing and unending dance moves that will at least amuse and probably thrill you.
Don’t even try to keep track of the history. Just enjoy the heck out of the singing and dancing of the likes of actors Michael Andreaus (Otis Williams), E. Clayton Cornelious (Paul Williams). Elijah Ahmad Lewis (David Ruffin) and Jalen Harris (Eddie Kendricks).
And don’t forget the most excellent Supremes: Amber Mariah Talley (Diana Ross), Mary Wilson (Traci Elaine Lee), Florence Ballard (Shayla Brielle G), who are terrific in their own ways.
Aside from the actors, kudos to Director Des McAnuff for keeping the whole shebang going and to all the behind-the-scenes folks like Robert Brill, who did the scenic design Howell Binkley for the lighting, Steve Canyon Kennedy for the sound, choreographer Sergio Trujillo and the many behind-the-scenes folks who make the show work.
The opening night crowd loved it, and if you remember those decades fondly, you will too. By the way, some of the Temptations are still singing.
The details
“Ain’t Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations” plays through January 8, 2023 at San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., Downtown.
Shows Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 6 at 8 p.m.; Jan. 7 at 2 and 8 p.m.; Jan. 8 at 1 p.m.
For tickets contact Ticketmaster (https://www.ticketmaster.com/discover/arts-theater)
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