Temptations musical explores timely themes of sacrifice and strength
‘It reminded us how little we’ve progressed,’ director says of civil rights movement
TORONTO — The Canadian makers of a new Temptations musical say they’re frequently reminded of how pertinent its story, set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, remains in the current political climate.
“Ain’t Too Proud — The Life and Times of the Temptations,” part of the Mirvish Productions 2018-19 season, is a jukebox musical on the surface. But Torontoraised choreographer Sergio Trujillo says its deeper themes came to a head during previews last year in Berkeley, Calif.
Trujillo was on his way to a technical rehearsal one afternoon when he ran into crowds gathered for anti-hate demonstrations in the city.
“Here we are living in our show, which really revisits that period,” he said of the civil rights era. “Yet it reminded us how little we’ve progressed.”
Those experiences are something director Des McAnuff hopes to capture in “Ain’t Too Proud,” which runs at the Princess of Wales Theatre from Oct. 11 to Nov. 17 ahead of its Broadway debut next year. The play finds its footing in the same nostalgia as his previous work on “Jersey Boys,” but ultimately strives to portray the perseverance of the soulful fivesome from Detroit.
The Temptations rose to fame during a tumultuous period in America’s history, delivering a succession of Motown classics that include “My Girl” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.” Playwright Dominique Morisseau, who is based in Detroit, zeroes in on the ups and downs of the group, including the dramatic ego clashes and one member’s alcoholism.
Mirvish’s latest season also features “Dear Evan Hansen,” which begins March 5, 2019. It marks the first production of the Tony-winning best musical outside the United States.
Other shows in the lineup include a new take on “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’’ Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation of the comedy “School of Rock,” and the Broadway musical version of the film “Waitress,’’ scored by Sara Bareilles.
Zany farce “The Play That Goes Wrong” and “The Last Ship,” which features Sting playing a role in the production he wrote music and lyrics for, round out the main stage productions.
Rousing success “Come From Away” plans to extend its Toronto stay by moving to the Elgin Theatre for shows beginning on Feb. 5, 2019.
Among others on the menu this year are several “bonus” Mirvish shows, including another round of “The Book of Mormon” and “The Sound of Music.”
There’s also acrobatic spectacle “Reversible,’’ from the Quebec company The 7 Fingers, and the return of “Bat Out of Hell,” Jim Steinman’s musical based on the work of Meat Loaf. The production will rev its engines in Toronto from Oct. 16 to Nov. 4 before peeling out for a 19-city North American tour.
The off-Mirvish season will include “Oslo,” “Next to Normal,” and “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” which is a co-production with the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre.