APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) — The musical Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations rolls into Appleton at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center on June 20; following the Juneteenth holiday.
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S. on June 19, 1865. But discrimination against Black Americans persisted far into the future.
Ain’t Too Proud follows the journey of The Temptations as they navigated their career, brotherhood, betrayal, and looming conflict which jeopardized the group and their success during 1960’s America.
Harrell Holmes Jr. plays The Temptations member Melvin Franklin in the Ain’t Too Proud national tour.
“They had to deal with such a tumultuous time in the 60’s where the county was still divided,” said Holmes. “Being in the south, touring and being shot at, and performing to segregated crowds…”
Juneteenth remembers battles of the past and present, but it’s also a time of celebration; something that’s reflected in Ain’t Too Proud.
“The show is full of energy, it won the [2019] Tony Award for best choreography,” said Holmes. “We really try to pay homage to those classic moves, and the hits.”
Last Juneteenth, the cast made a lift every voice and sing video.
Ain’t Too Proud will be at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center June 20-25. For more information, and to buy tickets, click here.
