Fort Worth, Texas – The beloved Casa Mañana Theatre is kicking off its 2026‑27 Broadway season with the acclaimed musical Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations. The production runs from September 12 through September 20, with a preview on Friday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.
Local performers bring Motown history to life
Veteran stage actor Curtis Wiley stars as Otis Williams, the group’s founder and narrator. Wiley, a Fort Worth favorite from the Reid Cabaret Theatre, made his Broadway debut in the original Broadway company of Ain’t Too Proud and has toured with Jersey Boys and The Lion King. He is joined by a talented ensemble of regional performers:
- Justin Showell as Paul Williams
- Zion Middleton as Melvin Franklin
- Tyler Hardwick as Eddie Kendricks
- Tymothee Harrell as David Ruffin
- Braxton O. Johnson as Al Bryant
- Kayla Marshall as Johnnie Mae/Mary Wilson
- JD Houston as Berry Gordy
- Lawrence Dandridge as Smokey Robinson/Damon
- Candice Woods as Josephine/Diana Ross/Mama Rose
- Gabrielle Rollins as Tammi Terrell/Florence Ballard
- Zach Sutton as Shelly Berger
- Ron Baker as Dennis Edwards
- Deshawn Thomas as Lamont/Richard Street
The show weaves the Temptations’ rise—from Detroit streets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—through their timeless hits such as “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.” Audiences will also hear the group’s 42 Top Ten hits, 14 of which reached number one.
Creative team adds local flair
Director‑Choreographer Gerry McIntyre returns to Casa Mañana after successful runs of Hairspray, The Color Purple, and Grease. His choreography has earned Ovation and Joe A. Callaway nominations, and he recently choreographed the Berkshire Theatre Group’s production of Godspell. Music Director Jonathan Smith, a former Broadway performer and music director of the national tour, brings his experience from shows like Jersey Boys and the Tony‑ and Grammy‑nominated Swing! to the production.
Tickets, dates and accessibility
Tickets start at $39 and are available online at www.casamanana.org or at the Casa Mañana Box Office, 3101 West Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth. Performances are scheduled as follows:
- Friday, Sept. 11 – 7 p.m. (preview)
- Saturday, Sept. 12 – 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 13 – 2 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 17 – 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 18 – 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 19 – 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 20 – 2 p.m.
All shows include American Sign Language interpretation, ensuring the performance is accessible to the deaf and hard‑of‑hearing community.
Casa Mañana’s community mission
For more than 65 years, Casa Mañana has been a cultural cornerstone in Fort Worth, presenting professional Broadway and children’s theatre to a diverse audience. Each year the theatre reaches nearly 110,000 patrons and educates over 45,000 schoolchildren through its Children’s Theatre program. The upcoming “Ain’t Too Proud” run continues the theatre’s commitment to enriching the city’s artistic life while honoring a musical legacy that resonates across generations.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
