Mary Wilson Reigns Supreme at the Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations Opening Night

Of course the story of the Temptations, the R&B group topping the charts with hits like “My Girl,” and yes, “Ain’t Too Proud,” would have to acknowledge the girl groups of the era. As the Temps rose to fame, so too did The Supremes, and in the glorious musical Ain’t Too Proud at Broadway's Imperial Theater, they do get their cameo singing a medley of their hits. Rivals and perhaps romantic interests, the Supremes had their own dramatic story, limned by the hit musical Dreamgirls, but here they round out the men’s tale of collaboration, friendship, beautiful sound, and the business of making music for black men in America. As part of Dominique’s book, Mary Wilson gets a bit more than a shout out, and there she was in the audience on opening night, not minding a bit that the history is tweaked. On that, Mary Wilson “ain’t too proud.”

At the after party at Gotham, she took the red carpet and was available to all, for the truth and for selfies. Larger than life, her hair in a bouffant flip, Wilson greeted names. And the performers, names. A touring performer herself, Mary Wilson will take residency at the Café Carlyle this coming May.

When asked if he studies The Temptations’ moves, Otis told me
no. A fabulous choreographer did. That would be Sergio Trujillo, providing the great joy of this show--

Regina Weinreich

Graphic Design: Salpeter Ventura