ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Broadway music "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations" isn't just about the bonds that made the group well known, but more so musical icons. Bryce Valle plays Paul Williams and describes the show as a community.
"I think the biggest theme of the show is and I say it a couple of times the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and I think that really is a testament to the feel and the impact that the Temptations have had throughout the years, because there've been over 24 Temptations, but the impact that they've had as a group means more than just one individual and one person," says Valle.
Valle's reflection captures the heart of "Ain't Too Proud." The Temptations were more than a collection of talented individuals, they were a force of unity that left an undeniable mark on music history.
Valle himself steps into the shoes of Paul WIlliams, one of the first five founding members of the group, whose story is both triumphant and tragic.
"He was the original choreographer for the Temptations, so he made up all the dance moves. He was the dancer of the group, he loved to groove, he loved visuals, all of that. And you kind of see how the positive and negative effects of becoming an icon, becoming famous and becoming big in the music industry, you kind of see how that took a toll on him and his personal life," explains Valle.
Williams' role as the group's dancer brings additional laters to the story, with choreography playing a huge part in their rise to fame.
"Body language is one of the biggest forms of communication outside of words, and so when you take physicality and how you use that to communicate to people, you use that through choreography as well, and it's such a huge form of communication, and storytelling," shared Valle.
Popular songs in the performance include "My Girl," "Just My Imagination," "Get Ready," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," and tons more.
The show leans heavily into the physical storytelling, making it clear that the dance moves were more than just a part of the performance, they were part of the Temptations' identity.
From the emotional highs of their hits to the challenges they face behind the scenes, "Ain't Too Proud" tells the story not only about a group of legendary performers but of men who fought to stay together, both on and off stage.
"Ain't Too Proud" will take the stage at the Clemens Center for two nights on Thursday and Friday Septmeber 19 and 20th. Tickets are available, and details about them can be found by clicking here.
The Clemens Center is located at 207 Clemens Center Pkwy, Elmira, N.Y. 14901.