METRMAG Spotlight On: Cedric Jamaal Greene of "AIN'T TOO PROUD" at the Hanover Theatre (Worcester, MA.)
(Cover Photo: CEDRIC JAMAAL GREENE headshot from the musical "AIN'T TOO PROUD" coming to the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA. beginning November 8, 2024. Photo Credit: Johan Persson)
By Kevin T. Baldwin
METRMAG Reviewer
# 774-242-6724
METRMAG Spotlight On: Cedric Jamaal Greene of the musical "AIN'T TOO PROUD" coming to the Hanover Theatre
The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts
Presents the Tony Award®-Winning
"AIN'T TOO PROUD - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS!"
Music and Lyrics by The Temptations
Book by Dominique Morisseau
Basis: The Life and Songs of The Temptations
Performances:
November 8, 2024 through November 10, 2024
(Contact Box Office for Exact Times)
Presented at the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester.
TICKETS:
For More Information: 877-571-SHOW (7469) info@thehanovertheatre.org
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COVID 19 PROTOCOLS
Contact Venue for Most Updated COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Information.
METRMAG Spotlight On: Cedric Jamaal Greene of the musical "AIN'T TOO PROUD" coming to the Hanover Theatre
Smokey Robinson is coming to Worcester as played by Boston native CEDRIC JAMAAL GREENE in the latest National Tour of "AIN'T TOO PROUD" the Temptations musical coming to the Hanover Theatre.
Not only portraying pivotal figure “William ‘Smokey’ Robinson, Jr.” in the Temptations’ musical saga, GREENE also plays the youngest member of the Temptations’ line-up, Damon Harris, who replaced founding member Eddie Kendricks.
Some of GREENE's regional and Off-Broadway credits include working in the shows “A Chorus Line,” “Dreamgirls,” “Cabaret,” “Memphis the Musical” and “The Scottsboro Boys.”
GREENE also served in the role of dance captain in the national tour of “Swing the Musical.”
Originally from Boston, this will not be GREENE's first time performing on the Hanover Theatre stage.
“I have been to the Hanover before,” GREENE says. “A long time ago, around 2012-2013, I performed in ‘Hooray for Hollywood’ with Spirit Productions.”
Now, GREENE returns to the Hanover Theatre with his appearance in "AIN'T TOO PROUD - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS" which will also serve as a homecoming as GREENE reunites with family.
“My family was always very supportive of my decision to become a performer,” GREENE recalls. “Most of my family is made up of athletes and, while what I do is a different form of athleticism, they were always supportive in every way.”
While difficult to get together with family while on the road performing, GREENE states that during the tour’s stop in Worcester, GREENE will be able to see them.
“They’ll be coming while I am there at the Hanover,” GREENE says. “I also have family in other cities, and they got to see me, as well. Plus, with the holidays we’ll get a little break and I always love coming home to Boston.”
Studying at the University of the Arts and receiving a BFA in Dance Performance, GREENE has amassed extensive experience and is a triple threat as a singer/dancer and actor.
GREENE recalls the very first time performing before an audience.
“My first time was in school and on a professional level because it was at the community of the performing arts high school (at the Boston Arts Academy), and it was in front of all my peers which made it easier.”
What solidified GREENE's intent to continue to pursue performing as a profession and is there a role which served as a pivotal moment for GREENE as an actor?
“I would say this one (in 'AIN'T TOO PROUD'),” GREENE says. “This one has been preparing me and continues to prepare me for whatever my future endeavors are.”
(Photo: The CAST of the musical "AIN'T TOO PROUD" coming to the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA. beginning November 8, 2024. Photo Courtesy tour website)
"AIN'T TOO PROUD" is a musical based on the legacy of the legendary Temptations with its book by Dominique Morisseau.
It follows the Temptations' 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.
The 2019 Broadway smash opened to rave reviews and seemingly endless accolades.
But then, in March, 2020, like theatres all over the world, the show was forced to suspend production due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The show would return to Broadway in 2021 where it would conclude its run in 2022 before moving onto tour.
Nominated for 11 Tony Awards "AIN'T TOO PROUD" would pick up the award for Best Choreography by Sergio Trujillo.
And now it makes its way to the Hanover Theatre in Worcester.
(Video: Promo for the musical "AIN'T TOO PROUD" coming to the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA. beginning November 8, 2024. Photo Courtesy tour website)
Before seeing the script or being cast in this latest tour, how familiar was GREENE with the Temptations or their story?
“I was familiar with the music more so than the story,” GREENE says. “My family grew up around this music which was reflective of their time. I remember the movie 'The Five Heartbeats' (which is based on the Temptations) playing on BET and seeing. That movie especially provided me with good insight, as well.”
After "AIN'T TOO PROUD" launched on Broadway, GREENE did get a chance to see the original production.
“I got to see it with my oldest childhood friend from daycare,” GREENE recalls. “We went to see the show and watched it together, and I said. ‘I so want to be in this musical one day’…and here we are, four years later and I’m on the national tour.”
GREENE describes the casting process for "AIN'T TOO PROUD."
“I saw a casting notice on the Actors Access platform. I put in for what they were casting and the casting director contacted me. I did two combinations and sang one of the songs from the show.”
From there, GREENE received a call back and was asked by the director to read the “sides” for the character of “Smokey Robinson.”
“I read and was asked to take my voice up an octave,” GREENE says. “Then, after I didn’t hear anything for a week, I got called back for a final audition to be seen by the director and choreographer. I was with the final company members where we did some dance combinations. Then I sang, read the sides and not long after they offered me the role.”
In the story of "AIN'T TOO PROUD," GREENE doubles as the legendary Smokey Robinson (who, in addition to his own storied career, wrote the iconic “Get Ready” for the Temptations), and also Temptations’ alum Damon Harris.
Besides applying dance skills, GREENE describes the approach taken for each character played in the show.
“For ‘Smokey’ – I approach him based on the information I read on him,” GREENE explains. “Smokey Robinson IS Motown (literally, as co-founder with Berry Gordy of “Motown Records”) and I approach it from an ‘old school’ standpoint. Smokey has a ‘light’ voice so I approach my singing in a very light way.”
After being cast and as the rehearsal process began, GREENE describes some of the challenges faced trying to present each of the two people portrayed as the actual persons they were and not simply as fictionalized characters.
“First, let me say Sergio (Trujillo) is just great. It is not easy to rehearse and be rehearsed by a Tony Award-winning team. As an artist, you always put pressure on yourself because you always want to do well, especially in front of these people.”
GREENE emphasizes the above with “Everything counts."
"You want to be remembered by these people, you know, for future projects," GREENE explains. "And sure, that puts lots of pressure on us but, as artists, we all need to rise to the occasion. We lead with our talent with nothing to prove and everything to share.”
How familiar was GREENE with the backstories of Smokey and Damon before being cast?
“I wasn’t familiar with Damon, who was the youngest Temptation and replaced Eddie Kendricks – but I learned from the process,” GREENE explains. “Damon could match Eddie because he studied Eddie. So, learning that helped and prepared me for playing Damon.”
"AIN'T TOO PROUD" has a tremendous score and is filled with so many memorable tunes that Hanover Theatre audiences will most likely recognize instantly.
However, does GREENE have a personal favorite song from the show?
“I do. When Eddie sings ‘Just My Imagination’ I am not on stage but I do the dance moves back stage because it helps me with my Damon Harris debut.”
GREENE describes the tour environment, working alongside this particular cast and creative team.
“Everyone is very supportive of one another and the cast is filled with incredible energy,” GREENE says. “Everyone wants to carry the legacy of the Temptations in this Broadway musical. Also, we recognize that this is a huge moment for us as we see what this show has done for some of our peers and how the show helped them in becoming their own artists. That inspires all of us because we aspire to be just like that.”
GREENE hopes audiences at the Hanover Theatre will not only “learn something they didn’t know before about Motown the Temptations and more,” but will also, “have fun, walking away with their spirit now full of their legacy.”
"AIN'T TOO PROUD" plays five performances at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester from November 8th until November 10th.
So, to lift from the iconic Smokey Robinson, “Get Ready” for some great moves, great songs and great times.
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Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)
@MetrmagReviews
@Theatre_Critics
ABOUT THE SHOW
Nominated for 12 Tony Awards® and the winner of the 2019 Tony Award® for Best Choreography, this electrifying smash-hit Broadway musical follows THE TEMPTATIONS' extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
"AIN'T TOO PROUD" is a jukebox musical that follows THE TEMPTATIONS' profound career and musical legacy.
With their signature dance moves and unmistakable harmonies, THE TEMPTATIONS rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hitswith14 reaching number one.
The show features the creation of the band, 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.
Set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,”
"AIN'T TOO PROUD" tells the unforgettable story of the legendary quintet that Billboard Magazine named "the greatest R&B group of all time." (STAGEAGENT)
For More Information: 877-571-SHOW (7469) info@thehanovertheatre.org
BUY TICKETS
ABOUT HANOVER THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Worcester Center for Performing Arts is a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which owns and operates The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
HANOVER THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
2 Southbridge Street
Worcester, MA. 01608
877-571-SHOW (7469)
