Creative Team Set For AIN'T TOO PROUD at The Gateway

The Gateway Playhouse has announced the creative team behind its highly anticipated summer production of Ain't Too Proud, the Tony Award-winning musical that tells the unforgettable story of The Temptations and the extraordinary music that defined a generation. Performances will run from June 19 through July 19, 2026 in Bellport, New York.

From Detroit's streets to Motown's hit factory and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Ain't Too Proud follows The Temptations' meteoric rise and the personal cost of fame, ambition, and survival. Driven by a nonstop playlist of iconic hits including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” and “Papa Was a Rollin' Stone,” the musical combines powerhouse vocals, dynamic choreography, and deeply human storytelling into an exhilarating theatrical experience.

Leading the regional premiere of Ain't Too Proud — The Life and Times of The Temptations is the acclaimed, award-winning director DeMone Seraphin, whose visionary work as a director, performer, educator, and artistic leader has earned recognition for its emotional honesty and commitment to inclusive storytelling. 

Seraphin returns to The Gateway Playhouse after appearing in its 2018 production of Memphis.  

“I am overjoyed to return to The Gateway Playhouse to direct this extraordinary production! At its heart, AIN'T TOO PROUD is more than the story of a legendary music group — it is the story of Black men who created a lasting legacy against seemingly impossible odds. It is a story of survival, overcoming, grit, sacrifice, unbelievable tenacity, and an unshakable belief in the unifying power of music to transform lives across generations.”

A former Artistic Director of Avant Bard Theater, Seraphin is celebrated for creating collaborative creative environments that empower artists while producing bold, transformative work.

“The Temptations gave the world elegance, excellence, vulnerability, and soul during one of the most turbulent periods in American history. Their music became both refuge and revolution — bringing people together across lines of race, class, and generation. To revisit their journey in this moment feels deeply urgent and profoundly human.

I cannot wait to share this powerful story with audiences at The Gateway Playhouse and celebrate the enduring brilliance, heart, and cultural impact of The Temptations.”

Joining him is choreographer Ian Coulter-Buford, a dynamic actor-choreographer and creative producer whose credits include Hadestown (1st National Tour), Broadway Bounty Hunter, and acclaimed choreography projects across New York and regional theaters nationwide. Known for blending athleticism, storytelling, and emotional depth through movement, Coulter-Buford brings fresh energy and contemporary theatricality to this beloved Motown story.

"What a privilege and honor to tell this story and join The Gateway Playhouse's team,” says Ain't Too Proud Choreographer Ian Coulter-Budford. “The Temptations are such an iconic visual staple in our cultural memory, and I'm grateful to bring their movement to life through this production." 

Music direction is led by Jacinth Greywoode, an internationally recognized composer and music director whose extensive Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include Cult of Love, I Can Get It for You Wholesale, Jelly's Last Jam, A Soldier's Play, and collaborations on tick, tick… BOOM! and Dear Evan Hansen. Greywoode's work bridges theatrical traditions and musical genres with exceptional artistry and sophistication.

The production's visual world will be crafted by set and projections designer Brian Pacelli, a 2025 Lortel Award nominee for Outstanding Projection Design. Pacelli's work has been seen on and off Broadway and in regional theaters throughout the country, bringing cinematic storytelling and innovative visual design to productions ranging from West Side Story to Dreamgirls and A Strange Loop.

Additional members of the creative team include Costume Designer: Janine Loesch, Wigs & Makeup Designer: Dustin Lawson, Properties Designer: Brittany Loesch, and Lighting Designer: Kim Hanson.

“Ain't Too Proud is more than a jukebox musical. It's a story about brotherhood, resilience, artistry, and the sacrifices behind greatness,” said Paul Allan, Executive Artistic Director. “At its core, it's about the people behind the music and the relationships that shaped one of the most influential groups in music history.”

Audiences can expect an unforgettable theatrical event that combines the thrill of a live concert with the emotional depth of a behind-the-scenes drama. Whether lifelong Motown fans or first-time listeners, theatergoers will experience the timeless music and powerful story that continue to resonate across generations.

Book by Dominique Morisseau. Music and lyrics from the legendary Motown catalog. Based on The Temptations by Otis Williams with Patricia Romanowski. Music by arrangement with Sony Music Publishing.

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