I saw the show Friday night in Toronto.
I can see this running the same amount of performances as Motown in the original run (738 per.) I wouldn't be around for more that 2 seasons, but not close as quickly as some think.
I say that it is better that Motown or Summer, but not as good as Jersey Boys. I think that part of the problem for me, is that I keep thinking I've seen this before, especially in Jersey Boys. You know the same director is behind the two shows. I wonder if the shows were flipped and Ain't Too Proud came out when Jersey Boys did if I would feel the same way.
The audience ate this up! They are all into the show. They love the music, and can't get enough of it.
I was extremely impressed with the set design, lighting, and projections. They used all three very wisely in the story telling. Des McAnuff is a genius in creating stage pictures. They are the absolute best I have seen in a while. Being in the balconey. there were so many times were the staging could have been taken a photo of and used as art to sell and/or tell the story. I loved it!
I definaly think that Derrick Baskin will be in contention for the Tony Award for Best Actor. He won't win especially with some other great male roles coming up, I know he will get at least a nomination because the whole show is on his back. He carries the whole show. I believe he is never off stage for more than 10 seconds, if at all.
Like others pointed out, the book is the weaker part of the show. The dialogue is very basic. Nothing overly special. There were parts that dragged on, and can be cut. Like, do we need three 60 second songs to show Diana Ross and the Supremes, or can we just get away with 45 seconds of Stop in the Name of Love? the Supremes are only there for the line "but the real stars of Motown were...enter The Supremes" to sing 3 cute versions of their songs. Or, the sing "War" (What is it Good For?", was suppose to be a Temptations song, can we not say that in one like of dialogue instead of having the cast sing it for 30 seconds, and then having some dialogue.
I will say its a great time out. I enjoyed my time. Its not going to change the world like "South Pacific", or "Oklahoma", but its an enjoyable night in the theatre to relax, and have fun. If juxebox musicals aren't you thing, than pass on it. Although, the men playing the Temptations are all very good, and it was a pleasure to see them all.