Ain’t Too Proud or Tina?

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 11/18/19 at 7:34pm

Question is as stated. Going with a crowd in January during a time where lots of shows are closed, so these are 2 strong options potentially especially for my family and cousins. Yes, this is a family trip.

Beside the point, I know this crowd enjoys a good jukebox musical. Which is the better one to see currently? Prefer a fun time over good story, want the music, the hits, high energy just good time. Likely seeing Hadestown on this trip so will need a breather in terms of thought. Anyways, both seem good to me but trying to decide between one or the other as I can likely catch both on tour someday as well. Price is luckily not a matter in this as I am be treated to these tickets (yay for family vacations? When all the kids are now adults? Anyways...)

Any input as always is helpful and appreciative. I look forward to all your thoughtful responses as always, likely wont be buying for a week or two. Thanks in advance.

[Trish2]

Posted: 11/18/19 at 7:52pm

Two different animals as far as the music goes. Which do you prefer musically?

Aside from loving both styles of music, I liked them both for different reasons.

In short:

Ain't Too Proud was the better crafted piece and featured equally strong performances by the men. The show has continuous movement (both performers and design) and is super-entertaining.

Tina, on the other hand, stars Adrienne Warren, who is sensational, and the only reason to see this sub-par jukebox musical. It's a slow-burn that doesn't pick up steam until the middle of the first Act. But the last 15 minutes of the show is over-the-top bliss. Just be sure you don't go on Wed or Sat matinee's as she's out then. She's THAT good.

Updated On: 11/18/19 at 07:52 PM

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 11/19/19 at 10:55am

I think hearing Tina is more of a slow burn sells Aint Too Proud more for me. Going with a crowd who's going to be much more concerned about their overall entertainment than specific performances, so I think I'm leaning towards Aint Too Proud at the moment. I enjoy both music, so your description of Aint Too Proud just simply sounds better. Anxious to hear more reports from Tina after opening. 

[Danielle0314]

Posted: 11/19/19 at 11:14am

I haven't seen Tina, but I saw Ain't Too Proud this past summer. Music genre is before my time, was my mom's show choice, but man did we have fun! Crowd was very into it, and the cast was extremely talented. I had a great time for only knowing a couple of the songs. I'd suggest that one :)

[Emmaloucbway]

Posted: 11/19/19 at 11:31am

I haven't seen Tina yet but Ain't Too Proud is one of my favorite shows currently running and I highly recommend it! 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 11/19/19 at 11:41am

AIN'T TOO PROUD is also the easier ticket to get right now.

[BroadwayAndSports]

Posted: 11/19/19 at 1:05pm

I've seen both and Aint Too Proud is a significantly better musical, though Adrienne Warren is giving the best performance of anyone. 

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 11/19/19 at 1:15pm

Well I'm thinking Aint Too Proud is it, sounds to be the better choice for the entire family. Tickets don't look difficult to grab either as others mentioned. Likely will be choosing that one. I'll happily take anymore input but I appreciate all your responses! 

[bear88]

Posted: 11/24/19 at 1:46am

I haven't see Tina though I was very impressed with Adrienne Warren in Shuffle Along, so I'm not surprised at the raves for her.

Ain't Too Proud seems to fit the bill for what you're describing. I saw it at the Berkeley Rep, its first stop, and can tick off a list of flaws (which you can find in my old review). But the choreography and Ephraim Sykes, in particular, are both excellent. My wife and daughter really enjoyed it.The show is kind of a generic jukebox musical but a lot of fun, especially for people who aren't going to get picky about flaws with the book. (Although from what I'm reading, Tina is worse in that department.)