Ain't Too Proud Officially Heading to Broadway — Page 2

It’s hard to believe what I’m reading here. I saw the show in DC and absolutely loved it. It’s non-stop entertainment, with a book that’s anything but awful. It’s an interesting story, and while it relies a bit on narration, so did Jersey Boys. So far the show has broken box office records at the two venues it’s played, and my guess is there’s a reason for that.

It will be interesting to see what the LA critics think of it after it opens tomorrow night at the Ahmonson

My prediction is that it will garner a Best Musical nomination and might, repeat MIGHT, be a strong contender for the Tony.

This is a very, very good musical, and I enjoyed every minute. I saw it three times in Berkeley. It got very strong reviews overall in the bay area, and set records at the venue. Derek Baskin the lead is incredible.

incredible, stunning performances, amazing choreography and costumes, some of the worlds best music ever, a solid book (for a biopic) and a lot of heart, sweat and soul.

give this one a chance, folks-especially if you like soul and motown musical. its infinitely better than Motown was, and I think its nearly as good as Beautiful and much better than any biopics ive seen except for Beautiful and Jersey Boys....

My way too early prediction tony-wise is nominations for best: musical, director, choreography, sound, costumes, supporting actor (the ruffin character) lighting and design. and (gasp) raisedonmusicals is right it could win best musical, but I think hadestown probably has that locked if its opening this season

Hard to believe this is worse than Summer. But, at least, Summer has Summer's songs.

I saw it at the Berkeley Rep, so I can't comment on the changes since then. Some of the criticisms are fair, and Ain't Too Proud had a disappointing book and too many songs, leaving little room for a compelling story. The lead character, while well acted, is kind of a bore. And it's a paint-by-numbers jukebox musical that left me somewhat disappointed that it didn't try to be more than that.

But taken on its own terms, it's a very entertaining show. The songs, performances, and choreography are all first-rate, and Ehpraim Sykes runs off with the musical for a while as a compelling David Ruffin. My wife and 18-year-old daughter loved it.

The Imperial doesn't seem like the best choice for the show, as I think it would have been better off in a smaller venue. My prediction here is worth nothing, but my guess is that it turns out to be a modest success. It has a decent chance at a couple of Tonys, especially for choreography, and it's enough of a crowd pleaser to overcome what I assume will be mixed reviews to do well on word of mouth.

ggersten said: "bdn223 said: "I guess Tina officially isn’t transferring this season now.
Add to that I think if we called the 2017-2018 the season of the theme park musical , 2018-2019 is officially the season of the jukebox. We already have Head over Heels, and The Cher Show, now Ain’t to Proud, Jagged Little Pill looks likely to transfer, King Kong was originally supposed to be a jukebox, if the Crazy for You revival opens that would make it 5. Am I missing any others that are circling Broadway at the monent?"

Moulin Rouge could open this season. But will that be considered a movie adaptation or a jukebox musical?"

Both, technically.

I find jukebox shows more of an issue than movie adaptions. Who cares where the idea comes from? Just make it a great musical with a good book that isn't the screenplay on stage and great score.

cryan71 said: "Great show! It will run for years. Don't listen to the bitter queens."

I guess I am one of the bitter queens. I saw this Wednesday night. I had fun. But it is a mediocre and very forgetful show. The book meanders. And I didn't find the story very compelling. Sure the music is good. but it isn't enough. Also found a couple of the leads to be bland and some of their voices a little tired. The theater was half empty, But the crowd that was there was very appreciative ( and very chatty).

bwaylinds said: "This is playing near me in Los Angeles and tickets are available for $39 on today tix. Worth it?"

Only if they are laying you $39 and you’re a complete masochist.

Miles2Go2 said: "Ain’t Too Proud somehow feels like Motown: The Musical redux, at least to me. "



Same.

RippedMan said: "This will 100% be a hit, but man, this season doesn't do much for me as a musical theater actor. Same as last season. I guess Broadway really is turning into movie adaptions and juxebox shows. You'd think after Hamilton, DEH, The Band's Visit, Book fo Mormon, Spelling Bee, Light in the Piazza, Come From Away, Fun Home, we might get some exciting shows that are either new or adaptions of things that aren't money grabs (like Pretty Woman), but alas...."

Not really sure what makes you come to the conclusion it will be a hit. I’ve already forgotten most of the show . And besides it being mediocre at best ; on Wednesday night the theater was half empty and most people that were there were comped or heavily discounted.

One of my best friends was in one of the tryouts for the show. I told him, like most of you, I didnt see the point since we already have Motown. He says that the main difference and why this show is better is because it's gritty and gives you the full truth, whereas Motown is Berry Gordy's "everything was always good and i didnt do any wrong" version of the story.

Didn't realize this was part of the Ahmanson's 2018-19 season so I have tickets to this. Curious as to how I'll like it because I'm not very familiar with the Temptation's music. I am however a big fan of Ephraim Sykes so I'm excited to see him in this.