Every day is opening night.

Press Contact:
Rick Miramontez / Aaron Meier / Gerilyn Shur / Briana Sanchez
rick@omdkc.com / aaron@omdkc.com / gerilyn@omdkc.com / briana@omdkc.com
212 695 7400

Urban Press and Marketing for Ain’t Too Proud:
It Is Done Communications / Linda Stewart
ljstewartprpro@aol.com
205 229 5234

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, PLEASE

“AIN’T TOO PROUD — THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS”
ANNOUNCES COMPLETE BROADWAY CASTING
AS THE TONY AWARD^®-WINNING MUSICAL
PREPARES TO REOPEN IN A GALA PERFORMANCE
ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 AT THE IMPERIAL THEATRE

New York, NY (September 1, 2021) – Today, complete casting was announced for Broadway’s Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations, as the Tony Award^®-winning musical prepares to return to the Imperial Theatre (249 West 45^th Street) with a gala performance on Saturday, October 16.

Leading the cast of Ain’t Too Proud as The Temptations are Nik Walker as ‘Otis Williams,’ James Harkness as ‘Paul Williams,’ Jawan M. Jackson as ‘Melvin Franklin,’ Matt Manuel as ‘David Ruffin,’ and Jelani Remy as ‘Eddie Kendricks.’ The Broadway cast also features Esther Antoine, Saint Aubyn, E. Clayton Cornelious, J. Daughtry, Tiffany Francés, Taylor Symone Jackson, Jahi Kearse, Darius Jordan Lee, Jarvis B. Manning Jr., Morgan McGhee, Joshua Morgan, Aaron Patterson, Christian Thompson, Sir Brock Warren, Correy West, Drew Wildman Foster, Curtis Wiley, and Candice Marie Woods.

Production b-roll of Ain’t Too Proud can be downloaded HERE with full permission granted for use.

Tickets are on sale now via www.ainttooproudmusical.com, www.telecharge.com, by calling 800 447 7400, or at the Imperial Theatre box office starting Monday, September 20.

The musical, which opened on Broadway on Thursday, March 21, 2019 and was nominated for 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical, brings the incredible true story of the greatest R&B group of all time to the Broadway stage. With a Tony Award nominated book by Dominique Morisseau, Ain’t Too Proud features an iconic score made up of The Temptations’ legendary songs. Two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff directs, with Tony Award-winning choreography by Sergio Trujillo.

Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, which won the 2019 Tony Award for Best Choreography, 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.

The creative team includes Tony Award nominee Robert Brill (scenic design), Tony Award winner Paul Tazewell (costume design), Tony Award winner Howell Binkley (lighting design), Tony Award winner Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Drama Desk Award winner Peter Nigrini (projection design), Drama Desk Award winner Charles G. LaPointe (hair and wig design), Steve Rankin (fight direction), Edgar Godineaux (associate choreographer), John Miller (music coordinator), and Liz Caplan (vocal supervision). Orchestrations are by Tony Award recipient Harold Wheeler with Music Direction and Arrangements by Kenny Seymour. Production Stage Manager is Molly Meg Legal and casting is by Tara Rubin Casting, Merri Sugarman, C.S.A.

The first national touring production of Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations will launch this fall and visit more than 50 cities coast-to-coast, including a homecoming to The Temptations’ roots in Detroit.

The Grammy Award^®-nominated Ain’t Too Proud Original Broadway Cast Recording is available from Universal Records on CD, vinyl, and streaming. For more information, please visit: https://ume.lnk.to/AintTooProudBroadwayCastPR

Broadway Safety Protocols

Broadway is committed to providing healthy and safe facilities for audiences, performers, and staff.

All Broadway theaters will require vaccinations for audience members, as well as performers, backstage crew, and theatre staff. Masks will also be required for audiences inside the theater, except while eating or drinking in designated locations.

Guests for all performances through Sunday, October 31 will need to be fully vaccinated with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine in order to attend a show and must show proof of vaccination at their time of entry into the theater with their valid ticket.

Exceptions are being made for children under 12 and people with a medical condition or closely held religious belief that prevents vaccination. These guests must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance start time.

For more information, please visit: https://www.telecharge.com/siteinfo.aspx?siteinfotype=helpfaq

BIOGRAPHIES

Nik Walker (Otis Williams) is an actor/writer/unqualified NYU professor/wicked thankful to be back on this stage. Broadway: Hamilton (as Burr), Motown, Peter and The Starcatcher. TV: “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: SVU.” Podcasts: The Chaos Twins, Little Justice. “Love to God, Mom, Sarah, the Alpha Dogs, House Buckets, G-D Stevie, & Stewart Talent.” Nik dedicates his performance to America’s sweetheart, Jordan Fisher – mainly cuz Jordan bet him that he wouldn’t do it, and that was the dumbest bet he could’ve made. @nikkywalks.

James Harkness (Paul Williams). AEA, SAG/AFTRA. Thankful to be returning to Broadway with Ain’t Too Proud! As a Broadway veteran (Beautiful, Chicago, Guys & Dolls, The Color Purple, Aida), a Handy Award Best Director nominee, an award-winning choreographer as well as film/TV credits. The significance of this moment is fully understood. Continued gratitude to our incredible creative team and Tara Rubin. Thank u Dave. Love you Mom! @ijamesharkness. Don’t give up.

Jawan M. Jackson (Melvin Franklin) is a native of Detroit, MI. who made his professional debut starring in the original cast of Broadway’s Motown: The Musical. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Jawan successfully helped implement a program for high school students who had a passion for acting and the arts. He’s excited to continue that journey working with youth to keep the arts in education. @jawanjackson. 1 Timothy 4:12.

Matt Manuel (David Ruffin) is elated to be returning to Ain’t Too Proud. “I cannot wait to be back with my brothers, doing what I love, and telling a story that began in my hometown of Detroit!” Matt made his acting debut in the tour of Motown: The Musical and was a contestant on “American Idol.” After this whirlwind of a year, he is ready to use his talents to amplify those Black voices that often go overlooked.

Jelani Remy (Eddie Kendricks). A New Jersey native who is blessed to be a Temp!  Credits include Disney’s The Lion King (Simba), Disney’s High School Musical (Chad), Disney’s High School Musical 2, Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Off-Broadway), The Apple Boys (Jack), ANJOU, Chita Rivera Award nominee. Thanks to God, my family, AEA, and DGRW. @itsjelaniremy “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Esther Antoine (Swing, Dance Captain) Broadway debut! Tours: Matilda, Catch Me If You Can. Regional: The Wiz (Arkansas Rep), Candide (New York City Opera), Ain’t Too Proud (Berkeley Rep). To God be the glory! To dad, family, friends, ATP creatives, Di’Mon Brown, JCMI, Sue Samuels – thank you! I love you all! @1_estherantoine.

Saint Aubyn (Straight Talk Fella/Dennis Edwards/David u/s, Fight Captain) is an artist who strives to entertain his audience with hopes that they leave each and every performance feeling fulfilled. Broadway: Beautiful. Regional/Tour: Smokey Joe’s Cafè (20^th anniversary tour). Film: Admissions. TV: Co-host of the Salute THEM Awards with Loni Love and Yo-Yo. Also sharing the stage with Miss Patti Labelle. @iamsaintaubyn.

Clayton Cornelious (“Gloria” Soloist/ Interviewer/Delivery Man/Richard Street). Ain’t Too Proud marks E. Clayton’s eighth Broadway show! Broadway: Wonderland, Beautiful, The Scottsboro Boys, A Chorus Line, The Music Man, Kat & The Kings, and The Lion King. West End: Sammy Davis Jr. in The Rat Pack. National tours: Kinky Boots, Sister Act, Jersey Boys, Dirty Dancing, The Goodbye Girl, and The Wiz. Proud graduate of Point Park University, and dedicates this show to his father, MC. @eclaycorn.

Daughtry (Swing). Native of Bartow, FL. Graduate of Bethune Cookman University. Member of Anthony Brown and Group Therapy. Proud son of Sharon Holloway. I am happy to be here and to God be the glory for the great things he has done!

Tiffany Francés (Josephine). Broadway debut. Hails from Detroit, MI., and studied Music Theatre Performance at Western Michigan University. Lover of jazz and anything that serves her community. She would like to thank her loving parents, Tanya and Paul, for always supporting her dreams, and her family, friends, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. @tiffanyfrances_.

Taylor Symone Jackson (Johnnie Mae/Mary Wilson) is ecstatic about making her Broadway debut at the Imperial Theatre! Regional: Ain’t Too Proud (Berkeley Rep), The Wiz (Oregon Shakespeare Festival). TV: “Born to Dance,” “My Parents, My Sister, and Me,” “The Game,” and Instacart-Budweiser commercials. Thanks to friends, family, and the Most High! @taylorsymonej.

Jahi Kearse (Berry Gordy). An ATL native. Broadway: Holler If Ya Hear Me (Palace Theatre), Baby It’s You! (Broadhurst Theatre). Off-Broadway: The Total Bent, The Fortress of Solitude (The Public). Jahi is a proud alumnus of the Freddie Hendricks Youth Ensemble of Atlanta and Tri-Cities High School VPA. @jahikearse.

Darius Jordan Lee (Lamont, Paul u/s, Melvin u/s). Broadway debut! Off-Broadway: Clueless The Musical. Regional: The Scottsboro Boys, Fences, West Side Story, Dreamgirls. TV: “The Last O.G.,” “Modern Love,” “Power Book II: Ghost,” “SNL.” BFA: Montclair State University. He gives glory to God, and love and thanks to Mom, AC, family, friends, Tara Rubin Casting, and everyone at ATP! Psalms 37:4. @dariusjordanlee.

Jarvis B. Manning Jr. (Al Bryant/Norman Whitfield) is a native of Houston. Graduate of HSPVA, AMDA NY. He is an Ain’t Too Proud world premiere, OBC member, and honored to portray Al Bryant and Norman Whitfield. This is dedicated to Ma’, Da’, Shay, Chubby C, Journey Journ, and his angels Rev. Holiday and Barbs. Thank you God!  Chi Talent Management.imdb.me/jarvisbmanningjr. www.brainartphotography.com.

Morgan McGhee (Mama Rose/Florence Ballard/Tammi Terrell) is overjoyed to return home with her ATP family! Native of Baton Rouge, LA., and graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) and Clark Atlanta University. She would like to thank her Dad, and ultra-supportive family and friends. For my guardian angel, Terry. @morgan.eli.

Joshua Morgan (Shelly Berger). Broadway: Les Misérables. Off-Broadway: Stiff. Regional: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Arena Stage, Theatre Under the Stars, Folger Theatre, Triad Stage, Olney Theatre Center, amongst many others. TV: “FBI” (CBS), “Lincoln” (NBC), “Law & Order: SVU,” “Paterno” (HBO). BFA: University of North Carolina School of the Arts. @jmorganarts.

Aaron Patterson (Swing) is a recent graduate of Boston Conservatory (BFA Musical Theatre ‘21). Some Regional credits include Choir Boy (SpeakEasy ‘19), Parade(Moonbox ‘19 Elliot Norton Award Winner) Aaron is overjoyed to be making his Broadway debut. To Tracy, Lance, and his entire family, Thank you! To God be the glory.

Christian Thompson (Slick Talk Fella/Smokey Robinson/Damon Harris, Paul u/s, Asst. Dance Captain). This mixed race, multi-hyphenated artist from Fort Lauderdale, FL. is OVERJOYED to be back! Select credits: Dez in Skeleton Crew (Marin Theatre/Theatreworks), Benny and u/s Roger in Rent (National Tour/Japan), and Tap Brother 2 in After Midnight (Inaugural Cast Norwegian Escape). BFA from Penn State. @christianthompsonactor.

Sir Brock Warren (Swing) is a multidisciplinary artist. Favorites credits: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (tour), Paradise Square, The Harder They Come, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, The Wiz, Dundu Dole, and the film In The Heights. Sir Brock would like to thank his family and friends for their undying love and CTG for their support. @only1sirbrock.

Correy West (Otis u/s, Paul u/s, Eddie u/s, Swing). Broadway: Nice Work If You Can Get It, South Pacific. Tours: Love Never Dies, Anything Goes, 42^nd Street. NY: Showboat (Lincoln Center), The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, The Right Girl (Susan Stroman). Various regional: Oliver; …Spelling Bee; Shrek; Smokey Joe’s Cafe; Kiss Me, Kate; Guys and Dolls; The Producers; Hairspray; Dreamgirls. @correywest.

Drew Wildman Foster (Swing, Resident Director). Broadway: Doctor Zhivago, Sunset Boulevard, Summer. West Side Story (national tour/Hollywood Bowl).  Regional:  D.C. and Orlando Shakes, MUNY, Asolo Rep, Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, and Dallas Theater Center. Education: Juilliard (Houseman Award). Husband to Jesse and father to Rafael.

Curtis Wiley (Otis u/s, Paul u/s, Eddie u/s, Swing). Big musical credits include Diner: The Musical, The Lion King, and Jersey Boys. Select NYC credits: The Total Bent (The Public Theater); Rothschild & Sons; Pageant: The Musical, The Great Society, King Lear (EPBB); The Wild Party (Columbia Stages). Curtis is an alumnus of Sundance Theatre Institute, Wig Out.

Candice Marie Woods (Diana Ross). Broadway: Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can, Women on the Verge…, Nice Work If You Can Get It, The Book of Mormon. Tours: Dirty Dancing, Legally Blonde. Regional: Smokey Joe’s Café. International: Dreamgirls; Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert. They send thanks to family and friends for their never-ending love and support.

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