Venue: Ogunquit Playhouse, Ogunquit Maine
This past Saturday evening June 13th, 2026 I attended the performance of Ain’t Too Proud, a broadway show about the musical group The Temptations. With no reservations I can say this show was a knockout in every way – interesting, fun and full of energy.
First a quick note about the Ogunquit Playhouse. This venue is intimate but not lacking in style and grace. A fancy art deco playhouse it is not, but in its simplicity it rises to its own heights. The seats are comfortable, sight lines are clear from every corner and the sound is top notch. This is the second modern era rock and roll musical I have seen at the playhouse and I must comment that the sound system is top notch. As a musician I am a bit sensitive to the sound. I have attended show in other venues where the sound is not as good. Sometimes it can be a time issue, too much bass or shrill highs. On occasion the voices of the actors can be unclear. In my experience I believe that the Ogunquit Playhouse provides perhaps the best sound of any theater venue where I have seen a show.
The show itself was an almost three hour rhythm and blues juggernaut that took the audience through the history of The Temptations from the point of view of Otis Williams, the prime founder and leader of the band. Williams, who was played by Charl Brown, acted as narrator as well as historical figure in the history of the band. For those like I who are familiar with the music but not so much the band history, the show fills in many details both high and low.
A second major character in the story is David Ruffin, played by Josh Marin, the lead singer for the first part of the band’s biggest hits. David Ruffin was a gifted singer who seemed to allow stardom to take over his life. Marin plays him with a passion that make Ruffin almost larger than life. As with life in general, no great achievement comes without some challenges and tragedy. Be prepared for sadness amid the triumph.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the music and the plot. Director Gerry McIntyre put this cast into a place where they could shine in almost every moment. The finale was a roof raising singalong that lived up to the Temptations legacy. The entire audience leapt to their feet and clapped and sang along to the end.
This show was the last of the run and as always that makes for just a bit of extra excitement. Final nights bring just a small bit of extra emotion and energy to each part. The Ogunquit Playhouse organization once again brought a world class show to this wonderful small town in Maine.
Cheers!
JohnnyO Ozelius
