Ain't Too Proud

Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations
Broadway Musical

Imperial Theatre | April 28, 2019

David Ruffin:
I'm the one sellin' the records. They're comin' to see me.
Otis Williams:
They're comin' to see the Temptations.
David Ruffin:
Ain't nobody comin' to see you, Otis! You wish you could work it the way I do, but you can't! Because there is only one David Ruffin. And without him, the Temps ain't nothin' but a group in SEARCH of a David Ruffin. Matter of fact, I been thinkin'. We should call the group David Ruffin And The Temptations. Yeah, that sound good to me. Y'all beggin' me not to leave you. [sings] "And I refuse to let you go." Yeah, David Ruffin And The Temptations. Whatcha think?

David Ruffin, played by the sexy and talented Leon Robinson, was a WHOLE MOOD!!! Yo, I can't tell y'all how many times I've watched The Temptations miniseries. When it aired over two nights on NBC, my family recorded it on VHS and we watched it soooo much that it's like I wrote the script myself! My sister and I used to act out every scene! She loved Eddie Kendricks, and I loved David Ruffin and Paul Williams.

"For once I can say, this is mine you can't take it... as long as I know I got love, I can make it."

We would pretend that I was Mama Rose and she was Blue.

"Melvin, come on up from behind that tree, and zip up that jacket!"

There are so many quotes from this movie that I still use today...

When someone goes back for more food and ain't brought shit to the cookout - "This is your third, right?" - Mama Rose

When I'm running late for something important or talking shit back to someone when I KNOW I'm in the wrong - "Oh what, you ain't gon just fine me .50 cent?" - Al Bryant

True Story:

I actually said that to Chaz, who played Al Bryant, when I met him while we were waiting in line to pay for groceries at Whole Foods in Columbus Circle.

"Oh what, you ain't gon just fine me .50 cent?

He both laughed, made small talk, then I asked for a picture, and he happily obliged.

What's divinely ironic is that we met almost 8 years ago to the day.

Look at God!

I digress... back to the quotes!

When I score a deal, receive acknowledgment about a finished project, or level up in life - "Pecos Kid. Bang. Pecos Kid. Bang. Yeahhh, Pecos Kid. Bang. Bang." - Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin

When someone tries to steal my shine or attempt to do something better than me - "You wish you could work it the way I do, but you can't! Because there is only one David Ruffin!" - David Ruffin

When my friend claims she's cool after a night out drinking, but I know she needs to sit her ass down somewhere - "Falling down drunk doesn't get better in 45 minutes." - Shelly Berger

When my drunk friend tries to convince me she's good, and wants to order another round - "Look, I'm straight, man. Can't you see I'm straight?" - David Ruffin

When the crew wants to hang out, but I want to know who's going, what's happening, and how long I'm expected to stay - "In that case, I ain't gon be there." - David Ruffin

HAHAHAHA! Yeah, it's one of my favorite movies! So when I learned it was coming to Broadway, you already know I had to add it to my calendar. #SundayFunday

The musical is phenomenal! The cast is so talented, and they did an awesome job! It felt like I time traveled back to Detroit in the 1960s and 70s as I watched them sing and dance. I was singing along and bopping in my seat the entire time! If you're a HUGE Motown fan like myself, then I highly recommend going to see this play. You will not regret it! I already want to see it again! #BlackExcellence

Check out pics and footage below!