AIN'T TOO PROUD is the electrifying new musical that follows The Temptations' extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and unmistakable harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one. The rest is history — how they met, the groundbreaking heights they hit and how personal and political conflicts threatened to tear the group apart as the United States fell into civil unrest. This thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty and betrayal is set to the beat of the group's treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and so many more.
Rudy Foster (Otis Williams) is on “Cloud Nine” to be making his national tour debut with Ain’t Too Proud! Regional: Sister Act (Eddie), Hair (Claude), Les Misérables (Enjolras), Beautiful (Lead Drifter), Ragtime (u/s Coalhouse). Shout out to Mom & Dad, Kris, and everybody Black! Let’s GROW and let’s GLOW! @rudy_the_star
Josiah Travis Kent Rogers (David Ruffin), fresh off his stellar turn as Seaweed in Hairspray, is thrilled to play David Ruffin in the 2nd national tour of Ain’t Too Proud. Honored and humbled, his raw acting, powerful vocals, and dynamic energy promise an unforgettable performance. @therealjosiahrogers
Lowes Moore (Eddie Kendricks) is from Money Earnin’ Mount Vernon, New York, and an alum of Occidental College. Lowes is thrilled to be making his National Tour Debut with Ain’t Too Proud! Recent Credits: Boy Band Evolution (Guest Entertainer), “My Big Fat Blonde Musical” (TV miniseries), Much Ado About Nothing (Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse), Hairspray (Glendale Center Theatre), Pulse of the City (Hollywood Fringe). Love and gratitude to God, my family, friends, and mentors. @lowesiii
Bryce Valle (Paul Williams). Coming from a 5-year career as a singer for Carnival Cruise Line, Bryce is honored to make his national tour debut with the cast of Ain’t Too Proud. Sharing the music that shaped him as a performer is immensely humbling. “Light ain’t always loud. You know it’s there.” - Michelle Williams IG: @brycevalle
Jameson Clanton (Melvin Franklin) is overjoyed to be making his National Tour debut! TGBTG! Regional: Beautiful (The Fireside Theatre), Elf (Broadway Palm), The Color Purple (North Carolina Theatre), Jesus and Miracle of Christmas (Sight & Sound Theatres). Thanks to Dad, Jamesha, and Patrick for their unending love and support. IG: @jamesonclanton. For Mama.
Jasmine Barboa (Ensemble, Josephine/ Diana Ross) is excited to be a part of the Ain’t Too Proud team for her first National Tour! This is dedicated to my closest friends and family, who always encouraged me to dream and for ten-year-old Jasmine, who I do everything for to make her proud. @ja33i
Tiffany Beckford (Swing) is thrilled to be joining the company of Ain’t Too Proud! Professional credits: American Girl Live! In Concert (National Tour), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, SC), The Prom (Clear Space Theatre Company, DE). Love always to her support system! tiffanybeckford.com, IG: @tiffanybeckford_
Cai Campbell (Swing) is floating on “Cloud Nine” as a part of this company. Thank you to the casting, creative, and production teams for the opportunity. Credits include: Rent (National Tour), Hairspray (National Tour), Kinky Boots (ACT of CT). Lots of love to Rey, friends, and family for their unwavering support.
Robert Crenshaw (Ensemble, Al Bryant / Norman Whitfield). First National Tour! The proud St. Louis native gives thanks to God, his family, friends, and community for their support and guidance. Recent: Eubie (The Black Rep), portrayed Gregory Hines and won The St. Louis Theatre Circle Award for Best Choreography. Directed and produced The CVPA Relief Showcase! @_robertcrenshaw
Kaila Symone Crowder (Ensemble, Tammi Terrell / Mama Rose / Florence Ballard) is from Monroe, NC. Recent credits: Little Inez on Hairspray National Broadway Tour 23-24. Performing is my “whoosah” moment from life. I strive to be great within each aspect of my craft, but not perfect. I just love sharing the gift that God gave me.
Kerry D’Jovanni (Ensemble, Berry Gordy) (He/Him/Beyoncé) is honored to be joining the ATP family. Previous credits: Pretty Woman National Tour, Kinky Boots, Celebrity, MSC & Holland America Cruise lines, Dreamgirls International Tour, & Smokey Joe’s Cafe. “Love and gratitude to my mom, my chosen family and cat for their unwavering love and support.” @kerryjules
Reyanna Edwards (Ensemble, Johnnie Mae/ Mary Wilson) is excited to make her national tour debut in Ain’t Too Proud! Regional credits: Little Shop of Horrors (Virginia Theatre Festival), Dreamgirls (Dominion Entertainment). She holds a B.A. in Theatre and Performance Studies from Kennesaw State University and is a LINK Program Class 6 alum. Dedicated to my mom with all my heart. @reyannaedwards
Cedric Jamaal Greene (Ensemble, Smokey Robinson / Damon Harris) is honored and blessed. A Native of Boston, Mass., Cedric is a worldwide performer. Tours: Swing/Dance Captain in Dreamgirls. Lindy Hop in Swing (Norwegian Gem). Theater: Dreamgirls, Scottsboro Boys, Cabaret, Memphis, A Chorus Line. TV: “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” (Disney Cruise Line). Much Love to my Fam, Work Light Productions, and Whitley Theatrical. @cedric.g
Mikey Corey Hassel (Ensemble, Richard Street / Lamont) National Tours: Mean Girls, Tina (Australian Premiere), Hairspray (Australia and U.S.). Regional: Joseph (Joseph), Ronnette (Little Shop), Pepper (Mamma Mia!), Richie (A Chorus Line). Mikey dedicates his performance to his mother, Crystal, and his teacher, Michael Elliot. Ball State University. HCKR Agency. Black Lives Matter. Philippians 4:13 @_mikeycorey_
Max Herskovitz (Ensemble, Shelly Berger) is truly just happy to be here! Credits: Life Goes On? (Jon, World Premiere), Grease (Kenickie, RCL), and Taco Bell (Guy Eating Chalupa, Participating Locations). Huge thanks to Brian at HKA, The Homies, and his wife (!!) Rachel, through whom all things are possible. 2 bugs, 2 babies, 4ever.
Bernell Lassai III (Temptations Standby) (they/them) is thrilled to debut in the National Broadway Tour of Ain’t Too Proud! Credits: Man of La Mancha (Riverside Theatre), Kinky Boots (Paramount Theatre), The Tempest (Oak Park Theatre Festival), Memphis (Porchlight Music Theatre). Graduate of Webster Conservatory. Represented by Gray Talent Group. @Lassai_
Corey Mekell (Swing). Born in Birmingham, AL by way of Atlanta, GA, the young tyrant is an emerging artist captivating a sea of fans along his impressive journey. Relocating to Los Angeles, he’s worked with Disney’s star Raven-Symoné, written for Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, sang background for Jason Derulo & R&B Superstar Omarion.
Zion Middleton (Swing) is elated to be making his national tour debut! To God be the glory! Elon MT ’23. Zion is indebted to his family, friends, and teachers who have supported him. Recent: A Strange Loop (Thought 6), and Jesus Christ Superstar (Caiaphas). Special thanks: HCKR, Mom, Gg, and Caleb. @thezionmiddleton
Jamal Stone (Ensemble, Dennis Edwards) is completely overjoyed to be joining the Ain’t Too Proud National Tour! A VERY special moment because this was Jamal’s first Broadway experience. WHAT?! Some of his most favorable works include: Shane Oman/Aaron US in Mean Girls, Angel in RENT, and Sebastian in TLM. ENJOY THE SHOW :)
Robert J Valderas III (Swing). From Dallas, TX. Robert is extremely grateful to make his national tour debut in ATP! He would like to thank God for this incredible opportunity, his family, his wonderful girlfriend, WLP, and Whitley Theatrical! I love you E. We did it!
J’Khalil White (Swing) originally from St. Louis, Missouri is excited to join this production of ATP. Honorable Credits: Beauty and The Beast (2022), Dreamgirls (2022), and Hairspray! (Royal Caribbean 2023) Thanks his family and his agent Brian at Hell’s Kitchen Agency, for their undying support and love. Instagram/Facebook: @iamj.khalil
DOMINIQUE MORISSEAU (Book Writer) is the author of The Detroit Project (a three-play cycle): Skeleton Crew (Atlantic Theater Company), Paradise Blue (Signature Theatre) and Detroit ’67 (The Public Theater, Classical Theatre of Harlem and NBT). Additional plays include Pipeline (Lincoln Center Theater), Sunset Baby (Labyrinth Theater), Blood at the Root (National Black Theatre), and Follow Me to Nellie’s (Premiere Stages). She is also the Tony®-nominated book writer on the Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud—The Life and Times of the Temptations (Imperial Theatre). TV/film projects: She most recently served as co-producer on the Showtime series “Shameless.” She’s currently developing projects with Netflix, HBO, and A24, and wrote the film adaptation of the documentary Step for Fox Searchlight. Awards include Spirit of Detroit Award, PoNY Fellowship, Sky-Cooper Prize, TEER Trailblazer Award, Steinberg Playwright Award, Audelco Awards, NBFT August Wilson Playwriting Award, Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama, Obie Award (two), the Ford Foundation Art of Change Fellowship, and was named one of Variety’s Women of Impact for 2017–18 and a recipient of the 2018 MacArthur Genius Grant.
OTIS WILLIAMS (Original Temptation/Author of The Temptations/Executive Producer) is a five-time Grammy® Award-winning singer, and a songwriter, author, producer, and executive producer, born in Texarkana, Texas and raised in Detroit. Recognized as the founding and sole surviving original member of The Temptations, one of the most prolific musical institutions of all time. Williams, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, rose to superstardom after the group released the Grammy® Hall of Fame mega-hit “My Girl” in the ’60s. Today, The Temptations are one of the greatest brands worldwide and their presence across multimedia platforms has never been more vivid. Williams’ life story was originally chronicled in his critically acclaimed autobiography, Temptations, and then sourced for the Emmy® Award-winning television miniseries “The Temptations,” which he co-produced and is still on air or streaming every day somewhere in the world. Now, Williams’ personal story is the source for the Broadway theatrical release, Ain’t Too Proud and he serves as an executive producer. Named the #1 R&B Artists of All Time (Billboard), The Temptations throughout their evolution, have released countless chart hits, many American masterpieces. The Temptations are celebrating their 60th anniversary with a global concert tour, and Williams executive produces, writes, and sings for a new TEMPTATIONS 60 album, coming next year.
SONY/ATV MUSIC PUBLISHING (Music Licensing), established in 1995, is the world’s leading music publisher. It owns or administers more than 3 million copyrights, including those of EMI Music Publishing and iconic music catalogs such as Leiber & Stoller, Mijac Music, Motown, and Famous Music. In addition, it represents the copyrights of such legendary artists as The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Carole King, Queen, The Rolling Stones, Sting, Hank Williams, and Stevie Wonder. Its contemporary roster includes The Chainsmokers, Drake, Calvin Harris, Lady Gaga, P!nk, Ed Sheeran, Sia, Sam Smith, Taylor Swift, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams.
SERGIO TRUJILLO (Choreographer). Sergio’s Broadway credits include On Your Feet (Tony Award® nominee, Outer Critics Circle/Astaire Awards), Memphis (Olivier/OCC Award, Drama Desk/Astaire Award nominations), Jersey Boys (Drama Desk/OCC/Greenroom/Dora nominations), Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Chita Rivera Award), A Bronx Tale (Chita Award nomination), The Addams Family, Next to Normal, Hands on a Hardbody (Drama Desk nomination), Leap of Faith (Drama Desk nomination), Guys and Dolls (Astaire Award nomination), and All Shook Up. Director/ choreographer credits include Arrabal (American Repertory Theater—Elliot Norton Award), Gloria Estefan on Broadway (Minskoff Theatre), Flashdance: The Musical (national tour), and White Noise (Royal George Theatre). Other theatre credits include Invisible Thread (Second Stage Theater, Astaire Award nomination), Carmen: An Afro-Cuban Musical (Olney Theatre—Helen Hayes Award nomination), Freaky Friday (Signature Theatre), and The Wiz (La Jolla Playhouse). International credits include Tarzan (Disney), Peggy Sue Got Married (West End), and The Sound of Music and West Side Story (Stratford Festival).
DES McANUFF (Director) is a two-time Tony Award®-winning director and former Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival. Broadway: Summer, Doctor Zhivago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls, Aaron Sorkin’s The Farnsworth Invention, Jersey Boys (Tony® and Olivier Awards for Best Musical), Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays (Tony Award® for Best Special Theatrical Event), Dracula, the Musical, How to Succeed..., The Who’s Tommy (Tony® and Olivier Awards for Best Director), A Walk in the Woods, Big River (Tony Awards® for Best Director, Best Musical). Selected New York: Fetch Clay, Make Man (NYTW). Opera: Faust (Met, ENO). Film: Cousin Bette (director), Rocky and Bullwinkle (director), The Iron Giant (producer, BAFTA Award), Quills (executive producer). He is also Director Emeritus of La Jolla Playhouse, where during his tenure as Artistic Director, he staged more than 35 productions of classics, new plays, and musicals. Under his leadership, the Playhouse received the Tony Award® for Outstanding Regional Theater. Raised in Canada, he was a part of the Toronto alternative theatre scene in the 70s. While at Stratford, he directed multiple productions including A Word or Two, The Tempest, and Caesar and Cleopatra (all starring Christopher Plummer), Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Twelfth Night (starring Brian Dennehy), ...Forum, As You Like It, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet. In 2006, he received the prestigious Julia Hansen Award for Excellence in Directing and in 2011, he was honoured with a doctorate from Ryerson University where he attended the Theatre School. In 2012, he was awarded Canada’s esteemed Governor General’s National Arts Center Award and the Order of Canada.
Effective Date: January 1, 2020
Your privacy is important to us. To better protect your privacy, we provide this Privacy Policy explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used.
This Privacy Policy applies to all information collected or submitted on the AIN’T TOO PROUD website. On some pages, you can register to receive materials via the Internet. The types of personal information collected on these pages may include the following: Name and Email Address.
When you register for the AIN’T TOO PROUD mailing list to receive updates, we use the information you provide about yourself only to complete that request. We do not share this information with outside parties except to the extent necessary to complete that request. We use return email addresses to answer the email we receive. Unless the same email addresses have been used to register for the AIN’T TOO PROUD mailing list, such addresses are not used for any other purpose and are not shared with outside parties. We use non-identifying and aggregate information to better design our website and to share with advertisers. For example, we may tell an advertiser that X number of individuals visited a certain area on our website, but we would not disclose anything that could be used to identify those individuals.
A cookie is a small piece of information sent by a website or its service provider that is saved on your hard drive by your computer's browser. Almost all websites utilize cookies to one extent or another. The AIN’T TOO PROUD website uses its cookies along with various ad retargeting and tracking. Users receive cookies from these partners when they visit torchsongbroadway.com and/or when they visit one of partner advertisers' websites. Partners only collect information for the use of serving retargeted ads, advertising purposes and custom audiences. Any partner found in violation of this policy will immediately be removed. Finally, we never use or share personally identifiable information provided to us online in ways unrelated to the those described in this Privacy Policy.
The Google Analytics tracking code used on this site allows AIN’T TOO PROUD to track Google Analytics Demographics and Interest Reporting. This data allows a better understanding of who our users are and how converting and non-converting users differ. These demographic and interest categories are also used to target ads on the Google Display Network. Using Ads Settings (https://www.google.com/settings/ads), users can opt-out of Google Analytics for Display Advertising and customize their Google Display Network ad settings.
To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy and ensure the correct use of information, we put in place reasonably appropriate physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online. Should you elect to register for the AIN’T TOO PROUD mailing list, your email address will be stored within a third-party communication system – MailChimp. Though MailChimp's servers are located in the United States of America. MailChimp has stated that it is committed to achieving compliance with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which requires that all data subjects be notified within 72 hours of discovery of a data breach.
This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date set forth above. We reserve the right to amend this Privacy Policy at any time, so please review it frequently. If our information practices change, we will post an updated Privacy Policy here. You can tell if the Privacy Policy has changed by checking the revision date that appears on this Privacy Policy. Any such change will be effective immediately upon posting, and your continued use of the AIN’T TOO PROUD website or provision of information to us signifies your acceptance of any such change. Use of information that we gather is subject to the Privacy Policy in effect at the time of use.
Should you have other questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please send us an email us at [email protected].