APPLETON, Wis. — Earlier than One Route, NSYNC and Backstreet Boys, The Temptations reigned supreme on this planet of boy bands.
Now, the Motown marvels are shining vivid on a Broadway tour.
“Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Occasions of the Temptations” follows the unique 5 males behind the melodies as they embark on the street from Detroit to the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame. The Tony nominated musical options Temptations tunes together with “My Lady,” “Simply My Creativeness,” “Get Prepared” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”
The present is heading to the Fox Cities Performing Arts Middle from June 20 to 25.
Michael Andreaus performs Otis Williams, the group’s chief, and solely surviving member of the unique group. We caught up with him earlier than the present.
Nationwide Touring Firm of Ain’t Too Proud. Credit score: © 2021 Emilio Madrid.
Spectrum Information 1: What drew you to “Ain’t Too Proud?”
Andreaus: Motown feels prefer it has all the time been part of my life; for so long as I can keep in mind, I’ve been listening to Stevie and the Jackson 5, The Temptations. After I came upon I had the chance to be part of this present, it actually was a dream come true as a result of these are guys I grew up listening to, attempting to repeat their strikes and stuff after I was youthful. Getting an opportunity to be part of this group — our model of this group — eight instances every week, it’s past wonderful.
Spectrum Information 1: Inform us about your tackle Otis Williams within the present.
Andreaus: He’s the final surviving member of the unique group of The Temptations. The story is definitely informed from his perspective, from his reminiscence. The occasions are based mostly off a e book that he wrote about The Temptations. I’m within the distinctive perspective that I’m not solely a member of The Temptations within the present however I’m additionally the one which’s narrating the present.
Spectrum Information 1: Have you ever ever met Otis Williams?
Andreaus: I’ve, sure. I’ve met him a number of instances. Throughout our rehearsal course of he got here and shared some tales in regards to the street and what it was prefer to work with the blokes. He’s been out to see the present like 4 or 5 instances. He really received to see me be him for the primary time in Nashville earlier this yr. That was an thrilling expertise; it was slightly nerve-wracking, you understand you’re taking part in somebody and so they’re watching you — you wish to just remember to do them justice. He was very gracious and loved [the show]. He’s informed us each time that he loves when he will get the possibility to return out and see us. I’ll take that as a highest praise.
Spectrum Information 1: What are a few of these tales that he informed you?
Andreaus: Actually, it was simply what it was prefer to tour. One of many issues that we contact on within the present is a few of the struggles that they went by way of within the south within the ‘60s, once they have been attempting to develop their model and develop their viewers base. A few of these conditions have been sort of precarious. There have been instances they have been really shot at whereas they have been out touring and travelling the nation.
The entire tales weren’t like that. A number of [what he talked about was] his relationship with every of the unique guys and the way a lot he loved working with them and the way a lot he loved being the chief of the group… As a result of he was accountable for the group persevering with to go it doesn’t matter what, he spent a number of time watching folks and getting a way of, “You recognize, this individual might be about performed. This individual might be able to go on and do different issues.” These sorts of relationships — being a pal to them, but in addition being their chief — is a fragile stability generally however he’s performed job at it, as a result of they’re nonetheless going sturdy in the present day.
Nationwide Touring Firm of Ain’t Too Proud. Credit score: © 2021 Emilio Madrid.
Spectrum Information 1: Sadly, a number of the racism and violence that the unique males confronted remains to be prevalent in the present day. Can you communicate on the cultural significance of the present in 2023?
Andreaus: It’s really disheartening that there’s nonetheless some relevance. A few of the issues that The Temptations needed to undergo touring by way of completely different areas of the nation, or generally even in their very own yard at house, it’s undoubtedly parallel to in the present day. Issues have actually gotten higher for the reason that ‘60s. I believe if we strategy it from the facet of appearing like we’ve arrived, or that we’ve performed all the work that we have to do, then we’re lacking the purpose.
Seeing a present like this and seeing what these males went by way of — and realizing that they’re simply males, they’re simply younger males who occurred to be very gifted and put into nice positions to succeed, however they’re nonetheless simply males — seeing them undergo this and realizing that timeframe, after which realizing that issues like which might be nonetheless occurring in the present day, I hope, is a get up name to folks. Regardless of how large you might be, regardless of how well-liked your music is or what doorways that you just assume you’ve walked by way of, there’s all the time nonetheless slightly little bit of a wrestle whenever you’re a Black individual or an individual of shade on this nation. There’s all the time going to be slightly little bit of a barrier that you just nonetheless must undergo. I hope that in some small means, we may help amplify these points, convey a few of these issues to mild and make folks conscious that it’s nonetheless one thing that must be mounted. It’s nonetheless one thing that should change.
Nationwide Touring Firm of Ain’t Too Proud. Credit score: © 2021 Emilio Madrid.
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