Interview: 'Every Day is a Reminder That These Men Lived and Breathed' Cameron Bernard Jones on Chemistry and Endurance in AIN'T TOO PROUD

Ain’t Too Proud is the exhilarating musical following the remarkable journey of The Temptations from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Currently starring as Melvin Franklin in the West End production, Cameron Bernard Jones spoke to BroadwayWorld about the value of preparation, the importance of chemistry and respecting and celebrating the legacy of The Temptations and those who made them.

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Congratulations on Ain’t Too Proud making its way to the West End! You play Melvin Franklin, what has the audience reaction been like?

Audiences love the show! From Temptations super-fans to those who have never experienced the music of the Temptations, everyone leaves the theatre not only experiencing the amazing soul music, but also having learned just a bit more about the history and legacy of this amazing group and the individuals that have made it what it is.

Were you a fan of The Temptations music, or familiar with their story before the show came into your life? 

I grew up listening to music of The Temptations (and other Motown and soul artists of that era); it was an aural staple of my childhood. In terms of story I had gotten to know a little bit about them growing up, but it wasn’t until I played in Motown the Musical that I began doing my in-depth own research into the group and the history of Motown.

Did that influence the way you approached the creative process?

Like with every other theatre piece I perform in, I do as much research as I can before stepping into learning the script, music, and choreography. I really like to be well-informed; it helps with the overall creative process and ushers in honesty and integrity, especially when playing people who are living or who have lived.

What are some of the highlights and challenges of playing a real person, and singing such familiar songs?

Every day is a reminder that these men lived and breathed. Both the simplicity and complexity of that can be a challenge because one must really approach these types of pieces with humility, heart and soul at all times. The biggest challenge is not being directly connected to that era in time but I think that because I grew up with this music, the challenge is eased a bit.

Even though Melvin Franklin is no longer alive, his legacy is, as well as numerous family members and a whole community who grew up with and around him. I really want to make him and his loved ones proud. Being that Melvin is the best bass soul singer ever (in my and many others’ opinions) I have to represent for us basses! Getting the privilege to do that eight times a week is the biggest highlight. His voice is literally iconic and helped make The Temptations sound so unmistakable and unique. So I make sure every night that I come correctly when singing these songs with the other guys.

Have your previous credits helped prepare you for your role in Ain’t Too Proud?

The two years that I performed in the West End cast of Motown the Musical was the perfect precursor to Ain’t Too Proud. I was in the Ensemble and interestingly enough I played Melvin Franklin, as well as other characters from other Motown groups of that time. By the time I started preparing for ATP auditions I already had a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of what was required to play Melvin Franklin, but I also knew that there would always be much more to learn and discover – and gosh was I correct!

The Temptations had 42 Top Ten hits and 14 Number Ones – what is about their music and their story that resonates with audiences?

Simply put, these songs were written and sung with soul. When you touch a person’s heart through song, you’ve got them good! Music of that era still survives today despite a lot of it being born out of some sort of strife or heartache. When you look at the history of Black America, especially in the 60s and 70s, soul music was what helped unite, call for action, create progress, and even more importantly, to tell our stories and to heal. As someone who grew up in the United States the history of black soul music is a huge part of my own family legacy. It’s a part of the large patchwork quilt of us and has reached beyond borders to be the same vehicle of storytelling for others worldwide.

What is your favourite song to perform?

I never usually have ONE favourite anything, so my Top 3 songs to perform are “Runaway Child, Running Wild,” “Just My Imagination,” and “Losing You.” They are all so contrasting from one another. The way “Runaway” is choreographed and directed storytelling-wise seems so unique to me; the choreography itself was one of the first pieces of choreo we learned and it really challenged me in so many ways. So now I have learned to really love it and embrace it fully.

The point in the musical where “Losing You” comes, we have reached a boiling point in terms of group dynamic and the array of emotions we get to express in that number are huge. Both of these heavily contrast with “Just My Imagination” which although leads up to the exit of Eddie Kendricks, is such a sweet song to sing and welcome choreographic respite as it is sandwiched between two heavy-hitting numbers. 

The thing all three songs have in common is its dynamic choreography and detailed storytelling.

Your co-stars are Kyle Cox, Sifiso Mazibuko, Tosh Wanogho-Maud and Mitchell Zhangazha – how are the five of you finding working together; how important is the chemistry to a show like this?

Chemistry is so important, oh my goodness! I love performing with these gentlemen every night. The beauty of doing this piece is that we get to explore what it is to be in a quintet and work as an ensemble, as well as explore our own individuality as Temptations members, which in turn allows us to tap into our own individuality as human beings. In our several weeks of rehearsals we had really learned how to dance as one, sing with a great blend and share the stage gracefully. That of course had its own set of challenges because it’s a delicate balancing act of performing together but also having our own personalities shine through. I think we definitely got there! Overall we are a brotherhood and we have learned so much from each other. Super happy to be working with them.

The Temptations are known for their harmonies, what are the most challenging songs to get right?

The two that come to mind are “The Way You Do the Things You Do” and “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”. “The Way You Do the Things You Do” has a barbershop-quartet style featuring some tight, clashing harmonies. We have to start “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” a cappella, which with any song sung in harmony can be hard to do, so the pitches must be right and of course we have to stay in tune with each other throughout.

Ain’t Too Proud has incredibly demanding choreography by Sergio Trujillo – what has your regime been like to stay physically on form?

There is so much power in doing a thorough pre-show warmup and post-show cooldown. Because the show is very physically demanding I have taken a break from spinning classes but spinning helped me prepare for the heavy cardio – endurance is needed in this show! Occasional massage therapy and weekly physiotherapy help me maintain strength and flexibility as well as preventing any minor wear and tear from progressing into full-on injury. I think now that I have more of my daytimes free I will get back into spinning and possibly things like yoga.

Sell us a ticket to Ain’t Too Proud with a single sentence.

This iconic, soul-stirring story will have you laughing, crying, dancing and rejoicing!

Ain't Too Proud is currently booking until January 7, 2024

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