Broadway in Fort Lauderdale is thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale for the First National Tour of Ain’t Too Proud – The Life And Times Of The Temptations. The new Broadway smash hit musical will play in Fort Lauderdale at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Tuesday, February 8, through Sunday, February 20 as part of the 2021-2022 Broadway season.
Featuring the Grammy winning songs and Tony winning moves, Ain’t Too Proud is the electrifying new 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 unmistakable harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one and being voted the greatest R&B group of all time by Billboard Magazine in 2017. The rest is history — how they met, the groundbreaking heights they hit, and how personal and political conflicts threatened to tear the group apart as the United States fell into civil unrest. This thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal 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.
After breaking house records at Berkeley Rep, The Kennedy Center, CTG’s Ahmanson Theatre, and Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre, Ain’t Too Proud opened on Broadway in March 2019, where it continues to play to sold-out audiences and breaking the Imperial Theatre’s box office record.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Brett Michael Lockley (Al Bryant, Norman Whitfield) for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
At what age did you begin performing?
I actually began performing at the age of 8 years old. I started out as a dancer.
What was your first paid gig?
I was very fortunate enough to perform in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in Branson and Phoenix. I was 11 years old at the time. It really changed the trajectory for me.
When did you know performing would be your career?
From that first experience it was eye opening, and made me understand I could do this as a career, but once I got to High School I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life.
You did many national tours, including “Motown: The Musical,” how does Ain’t Too Proud differ from Motown?
Motown covers many different artists that came through Motown and focuses on how Barry Gordon created Motown, whereas Ain’t Too Proud is focused solely on this groups journey for the streets of Detroit to what they are even today as one of the best groups in the history of R&B.
Other than this one, what has been your favorite role so far?
I had a really good time playing Richie in A Chorus Line. That show is a huge staple in the theater community, and to play a character that has gone through a lot of the same things I have gone through is empowering.
What’s your fantasy role (a role you haven’t played but want to)?
I have always loved Lola in Kinky Boots. I love the show and I have seen it on Broadway a few times, I saw the tour and I have seen it regionally. I love the show and specifically the character of Lola. The range that character shows would be so exciting to play and would be a blessing in my life.
What did you do/accomplish during the pandemic?
I took care of my body and rested a lot as I had been working quite a bit. I also stayed very active and went to the gym several days a week. I also got into photography and did photo shoots in my New York City apartment. Basically, I tapped into other sides of my creativity that I was not able to do while I was touring.
Describe yourself in three words?
Creative, caring and responsible.
What should our readers expect from this touring company of “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life And Times Of The Temptations”?
When you come to see the show, you will not be disappointed. The talent in this show is truly insane. I am working with some of the most talented entertainers I have ever worked with. The story and the choreography are just amazing. I can promise you will live the theater singing these songs and wanting to listen to these songs, and you will tell your friends to go and see this show.
For more information on Brett, you can follow him on Instagram.com/brett.lockley
Tickets are available at browardcenter.org, at the Broward Center AutoNation Box Office, 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33312, or by calling 954.462.0222. Orders for groups of ten (10) or more may be placed by calling 954.660.6307. Ticket prices start at $32.50*.
All guests age 2 and up must wear a suitable face covering while inside the theater. In addition, all guests age 12 and up must provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test or proof of full vaccination status.
For more information, please visit AintTooProudMusical.com.
