The Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes long, including a 15 minute intermission. This jukebox musical follows the story of The Temptations, one of the most successful R&B groups of all time, as they rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. With electrifying choreography and unforgettable songs, Ain’t Too Proud takes audiences on a high-energy musical journey through the group’s catalog of hits. Keep reading to learn more about the show’s length, story, cast, songs, and more.
Quick Answer
The total run time for Ain’t Too Proud on Broadway is about 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 15 minute intermission. The main show itself is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Show Length Breakdown
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the show length:
- Act 1: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Intermission: 15 minutes
- Act 2: 1 hour
- Total Run Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Most Broadway musicals are between 2 and 3 hours long, including an intermission. At 2 hours and 30 minutes, Ain’t Too Proud falls right within this typical range.
What is Ain’t Too Proud About?
Ain’t Too Proud tells the inspiring true story of The Temptations, the legendary music group known for hits like “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.” The show follows the group’s journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, focusing on the lives and motivations of its five main members:
- Otis Williams
- Eddie Kendricks
- David Ruffin
- Melvin Franklin
- Paul Williams
It traces their difficult path through the evolving landscape of Motown, R&B, soul, pop, disco, and funk music. Despite challenging dynamics within the group, they persevered to create a slew of chart-topping hits during the 1960s and beyond. Ain’t Too Proud captures the highs and lows behind the music in this moving story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal.
Main Characters
As a jukebox musical, Ain’t Too Proud features over 20 of The Temptations’ most famous songs. The main characters bringing the group’s story to life are:
- Otis Williams – Founding member of The Temptations and the central narrator of the musical. Played by Marcus Paul James.
- Eddie Kendricks – Original member known for his unique falsetto singing voice. Played by Jalen Harris.
- David Ruffin – Lead singer during the height of their success in the late 1960s. Played by Elijah Ahmad Lewis.
- Melvin Franklin – Bass vocalist and one of the group’s co-founders. Played by Jelani Remy.
- Paul Williams – Original Temptation and talented choreographer. Played by James T. Lane.
Musical Numbers
Some of the biggest Temptations hits featured in Ain’t Too Proud include:
- “The Way You Do the Things You Do”
- “My Girl”
- “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”
- “I Wish It Would Rain”
- “Cloud Nine”
- “I Can’t Get Next to You”
- “Just My Imagination”
- “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”
The show weaves these unforgettable tunes together with the group’s story into an electrifying musical experience. Many critics have praised the Broadway cast’s outstanding vocals and dynamic performances.
Behind the Scenes Creatives
In addition to the cast, the show features creative work from:
- Dominique Morisseau – Book writer
- Des McAnuff – Director
- Sergio Trujillo – Choreographer
- Peter Nigrini – Projection designer
- Robert Brill – Scenic designer
- Howell Binkley – Lighting designer
Their creative vision brings the story of The Temptations to life on stage through vivid projections, lighting, and dynamic choreography.
Show Background
Here are some key facts about the development and run of Ain’t Too Proud on Broadway:
- The musical premiered at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre in 2017.
- It opened on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre on March 21, 2019.
- The show features a book by Dominique Morisseau.
- Des McAnuff directed the Broadway production.
- As of October 2023, the show is still running after over 1,500 performances.
- It was nominated for 12 Tony Awards in 2019.
Thanks to positive reviews and strong ticket sales, Ain’t Too Proud continues its successful Broadway run as an audience favorite.
Show Length FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the show’s length:
How long is the intermission?
The intermission is 15 minutes long.
Are there any content warnings?
The show contains adult language, drug references, and sexual content. It may not be suitable for younger audiences.
What time does the show start and end?
Showtimes vary by day of the week. Evening shows typically start at 8pm and run until around 10:45pm including intermission.
Is the show appropriate for children?
Most recommend the show for ages 12 and up due to mature content.
How long is the Broadway version compared to the touring production?
The Broadway and touring productions are both 2 hours and 30 minutes long.
Conclusion
With electrifying musical performances and the incredible true story of one of history’s greatest R&B groups, it’s no wonder Ain’t Too Proud is a hit with audiences. At around 2 hours and 30 minutes, the show’s run time remains under 3 hours including an intermission, which is typical for most Broadway musicals. After over 1500 performances, Ain’t Too Proud on Broadway continues to entertain crowds with the timeless music and journey of The Temptations.