Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Motown purists might have a variety of feelings about Sergio Trujillo's choreography, which is not the chill vibe of the real band. I'd just note that the needs of a musical are different and the dynamic physicality of the piece is, in my view, one of its assets. Obviously, that also applies to these iconic songs, although I have to report that the sound mix on Wednesday at the Cadillac Palace was disappointing, heavy and on the top, lacking in bass, poorly attuned to the theater's natural acoustics and inclined to muffle not only the lyrics but some of the dialogue. This is a common problem with tours, where a standard sound package has to suffice for many venues, but this one needs some additional fiddling with the knobs. And more volume to boot."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...While some might be tempted to dismiss jukebox musicals as bad - a genre that frequently receives (often legitimately) scorn for haphazardly stringing together songs in lieu of a real plot -in the case of "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations" they would be remiss. The show is simply a gem; a high-energy crowd-pleaser delivered by the hardest-working cast anywhere."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...But there's also a story-more or less, but mostly less-surrounding that music. And in Dominique Morisseau's book, the story of the Temptations is perfunctory, superficial, and offers little insight into neither the artists themselves nor the tumultuous historical context that surrounded and informed their art."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...Broadway In Chicago's first National Tour of Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is here, and its show-stopping thrilling performance brings that Motown magic you don't want to miss! It's magnificent! This Tony-winning Broadway musical, now playing at the Broadway Cadillac Palace Theatre, is an exhilarating blast from the past that will have you dancing in your seat."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...I graduated high school in June of 1960. At the same time, a group of young men in Detroit were forming a singing group that would eventually become The Temptations. Their story is very similar to many of those that started with Motown in Detroit Michigan. Yes, we think of Detroit as the auto city, but in reality it is also the city that brought us some of the best known and most loved vocal groups and probably where Rhythm and Blues became what it is. These five men with great vocal ranges and solid movement changed music. In the story being told in "ain't too proud" The Life and Times of The Temptations, now on stage at The Cadillac palace Theatre as part of the Broadway In Chicago season, you truly get to experience the story of these performers as it unfolded."
WTTW - Highly Recommended
"...Who could possibly have imagined that any cast of actors/singer/dancers, circa 2022, could gather on stage and capture to perfection every note, every move, every twist of emotional chaos, and every bit of the sensational ensemble magic of The Temptations, that legendary and enduring group of Motown masters of the 1960s?"
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...Following successful runs on Broadway, both before and after the shutdown, Ain't Too Proud has come to the Cadillac Palace for a two week engagement. The show tells the story of the Temptations, from their formation in 1950s Detroit through their rise to fame in the 60s and 70s, all through the lens of the incredible music they made."
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...That drumbeat hits and then you hear a voice like no other-"I know you wanna leave me but I refuse to let you go!" The Temptations were like no other sound that had come out of the Motor City and it hits my soul just like it did back in the day. This is the music that spoke to the heart of America with optimism and songs of love. This music was also the soundtrack through some of the darkest days in the 20th century. Ain't Too Proud-The Life and Times of the Temptations is directed by Tony Award winner Des McAnuff and written by Dominique Morisseau, based on the memoir by the last original Temptation, Otis Williams. Choreography is by Sergio Trujillo and music is from the Motown catalog. This is the real deal with all of the stories of how it went down."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...Race to get your tickets. Please do not be tempted to skip this short superb First National Run of The Life and Times of the Temptations. This is a not to be missed Broadway Smash Juke Box Musical with Tony Award-Winning Choreography and Grammy hit songs. We are all so familiar with the toe-tapping soulful songs and smooth synchronized dance moves, but not the heartfelt both triumphal and tragic backstories of the rise from the mean streets of Detroit to Motown Magic."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"..."Get ready! Get Ready!" It took about half a note at the top of "Ain't Too Proud" for the audience to show its unalloyed affection when the stunningly versatile and talented cast first appeared as The Temptations. This supersonic super-sonic musical journey through the lives and hits catalog of the Motown mega-group is riveting fun."
