Ain’t Too Proud—The Life and Times of The Temptations

Opera House

Don’t miss the electrifying new musical about “the greatest R&B group of all time.” With their signature dance moves and harmonies, The Temptations rose to the top of the charts, and their moving story still resonates five decades later. The show features such iconic hits as “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and many more.

NOTE:  If a performance is sold out, check back or call the Instant Charge Office at 202-467-4600 for availability. A limited number of $45 rush seats will become available at the box office window on the day of each performance. Limit 2 per person.

Feb. 13 - 18, 2024

Production Information

  • Genre

    Theater

  • Price Range

    $45.00 – $179.00

  • Runtime

    2 hours, 30 minutes, including intermission

  • Most enjoyed by

    Ages 13 and up

    Contains minimal adult language and references.

  • Presenting Sponsor

    Altria

  • View Digital Program 

Program

Ain’t Too Proud—The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying, new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts, creating an amazing 42 top-ten hits with 14 reaching number one.

Nominated for 12 Tony® Awards and the winner of the 2019 Tony® for Best Choreography, Ain’t Too Proud tells the thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal, as the group’s personal and political conflicts threatened to tear them apart during a decade of civil unrest in America. 

Written by three-time Obie Award winner Dominique Morisseau, directed by two-time Tony® winner Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys), and featuring the Tony®-winning choreography of Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, On Your Feet!), the unforgettable story of this legendary quintet is set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and so many more.

Recommended for age 12 and up.

Full Creative Team:

Book by Dominique Morisseau | Music and lyrics from The Legendary Motown Catalog | Music by arrangement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing | Orchestrations by Harold Wheeler | Music direction & arrangements by Kenny Seymour | Choreographed by Sergio Trujillo | Scenic design by Robert Brill | Costume design by Paul Tazewell | Lighting design by Howell Binkley | Sound design by Steve Canyon Kennedy | Projection design by Peter Nigrini | Hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe | Fight direction by Steve Rankin | Directed by Des McAnuff

Additional performance details


Performance Timing: 2 hours, 30 minutes with one intermission

Recommended for ages 13 and up. The show contains minimal adult language and references.


Note: This performance includes haze and smoke effects, a brief moment of flashing light, and a gunshot sound effect.

Ain't Too Proud is

“Dazzling! This show will blow you away.”

Peter Marks, The Washington Post

Available as Part of a Subscription

Consider a Theater Subscription 

Subscribing to a Kennedy Center Theater package provides you with the Best Seats, Maximum Flexibility, and Exclusive Savings!

Group of 20 or more? Group Sales offers special terms and discounts for most performances.

Sponsors

The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation

Help Theater Thrive

Support the Kennedy Center's Theater program.

Terms and Conditions

All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.

All ticket prices are subject to change based on demand. Purchase early to lock in prices and the best seats!

You May Also Like

Back to the Future: The Musical

Jul. 23 - Aug. 11, 2024

Great Scott! Back to the Future, the beloved, cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical with its destination set for Washington, D.C., in 2024. When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself... back to the future.

Dixie’s Tupperware Party

May 15 - Jun. 2, 2024

Dixie Longate is the fast-talking, gum-chewing, ginger-haired Alabama gal who is bringing your grandma’s Tupperware party into the 21st century. Filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, audience participation, and a little bit of empowerment and homespun wisdom, Dixie’s Tupperware Party leaves your heart a little bigger and your food a little fresher.

  • MyTix
  • Student Rush

Millennium Stage (In-Person and Livestream)

Only Make Believe: Marvelous Mickey Circus Star!

Thu. May 16, 2024

Only Make Believe performs interactive and accessible theatre for children in hospitals, care facilities, and schools dedicated to serving children with disabilities. Now is your chance to experience a rare public performance! Step under the Big Top into the magical world of the circus.

Sold out with limited availability

Millennium Stage (In-Person and Livestream)

Livestream - The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout

Sat. Jun. 1, 2024 7:30 p.m.

Watch a FREE livestream of The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout. Join Nona Hendryx, Abby Dobson, Toshi Reagon, Joel Thompson, Carlos Simon, Courtney Bryan, Troy Anthony and more as they take you on a sonic melodic quest to “The Gathering.”