A magical combination of classic songs and mind blowingly talented performers leaves theatre goers begging for more.
Perfection is a rare commodity but there are times when the right ingredients come together and create a flawless work of art. The Temptations were the greatest vocal group of all time. With their close harmonies they turned great songs into classics. Teamed with the legendary Tamla Motown label it was a dream ticket. This exhilarating production tells their story and how they became the soundtrack to our lives.
We begin in Detroit as teenager Otis Williams (Sifiso Mazibuko) is hustling to form a new vocal group. He is a fine baritone but looking for a bass to pin down the sound of his new group. Mel Franklin (Cameron Bernard Jones) is dubious but relaxes when his mama said he could join. They soon add second baritone Paul Williams (Kyle Cox). But they were still missing that hint of stardust. Enter Eddie Kendricks (Mitchell Zhangazha) the tenor with sweet falsetto style vocals, and David Ruffin (Tosh Wanogho-Maud) as the charismatic third baritone. With the newbies on board they had distinctive lead vocalists and the hits started to roll. ‘My girl’ was a billboard chart topper but storm clouds were gathering on the horizon. David Ruffin had let fame and drugs go to his head. In contrast Paul Williams struggled with the lifestyle and had a drink problem. A change of line-up and producer didn’t stop them recording a string of classics.
A complex narrative is distilled to showcase the songs and omits detail that could easily work as a standalone play. But it has to be about the songs and the hits just keep on coming. Even for non-fans there will be at least one song to be loved and cherished. Whether it’s the soulful ‘Just my imagination’, socially aware ‘Cloud nine or the unashamedly funky ‘Get ready’ there will something to get the feet tapping. A brief interlude featuring the Supremes seemed superfluous and the one hit they had with the Temps (‘I’m gonna make you love me’) was only briefly reprised.
The Temptations represent a landmark in popular music and a benchmark for those who followed them. The songs are a masterful celebration of life and love. They articulate our deepest feelings – hearts being broken and slowly mending, roller-coaster love affairs and painful break ups. The drama of the human condition is captured in glorious detail and there have been no finer exponents than the Temps. The real tragedy is that the show has now completed its run. We should all be counting the days until it returns.
Music & Lyrics: Smokey Robinson, Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong and the Motown family of songwriters.
Book: Dominique Morisseau
Director: Des McAnuff
Choreographer: Sergio Trujillo
Musical Director: Matt Smith
Vocal Arrangements: Kenny Melrose
Review by: Brian Penn
Playhouse Pickings 