Local Performer ‘Ain’t Too Proud’ To Show Off Their Talent
Local Performer ‘Ain’t Too Proud’ To Show Off Their Talent
By Tia Carol Jones
Performing in “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life of the Temptations” is a full circle moment for Bernell Lassai III. When they were younger, they attended plays in the same Theatre District where the production will run from Sept. 24-29.
Ain’t Too Proud follows the life of the members of the Temptations and includes hits like “Papa Was A Rolling Stone,” “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination” and “Get Ready.”
Lassai III has been performing since they were eight years old, in the choir at their church and skits at school. They had teachers affirm their gift in class. In high school, they knew theatre and acting was something they wanted to pursue. In college, they started to really make concrete plans about pursuing theatre professionally. The Mt. Carmel graduate attended Columbia College Chicago before transferring to Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University in St. Louis.
Lassai is obsessed with Motown and RnB music. They watched the Temptations movie and knew almost every word of dialogue. When they found out about “Ain’t Too Proud,” they knew they wanted to be a part of it. When they saw the production, choreography and arrangement of the music, they knew it was perfect for them. They would tell agents if there were auditions for the musical to get them in.
Lassai is the Temptations standby, playing Otis, Paul and Melvin. To prepare to play three roles, they had to live and breathe all the materials, being in rehearsals day and night, taking that home and practicing. The most interesting thing they learned is that Paul Williams suffered from Sickle Cell Anemia and Melvin Franklin suffered from arthritis.
“To know all of that and the fact that he gave his all was something that this is how you know you’re born to do something,” Lassai said.
As an actor and musician who writes and produces their own music, Lassai is honored to celebrate the members of the Temptations who paved the way for musicians now. They hope audiences take away the joy the music offers and the power of perseverance.
“Otis and the Temptations never really took no for an answer. They always just went for what they wanted and what they loved no matter what, no matter what obstacles they faced. I hope they take all of that and are inspired to move through life with that same ferocity and tenacity and allow this incredible, timeless music to propel them to being fearless beings,” Lassai said.
Lassai wants people to take time to listen, not just to the Temptations music, but all the music that was produced during the Motown era. The production will go to Detroit during the tour, something Lassai is very excited about. They can’t wait to visit Hitsville and perform at the Fox Theatre.
Lassai thinks the musical is an important story and they are excited to share it with the people who come to see it. They described it as a one-of-a-kind piece. The choreography won the 2019 Tony Award for Best Choreography.
Ain’t Too Proud -- The Life of the Temptations will run at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe. Tickets for Ain’t Too Proud – The Life of the Temptations cost between $38-$116. To purchase, visit BroadwayInChicago.com, or for groups of more than 10, call 312-977-1710.
Latest Stories
- In Its Final Days, the Biden Administration Delivers Big Time for America’s Coastal Communities
- LYNWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES MAJOR UPDATES AND SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN COMMUNITY SAFETY AND OPERATIONS
- TOYOTA ON WESTERN DRIVING CHANGE FOR MADD ILLINOIS
- THE 4TH ANNUAL MLK CELEBRATION TO HONOR AFRICAN AMERICANS WHO HAVE BEEN CREDITED WITH THE UPWARD MOBILITY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
- EQUAL HOPE PRESENTS 3RD ANNUAL “TEAL TALK” HEALTH & RESOURCE FAIR, JAN. 23
Latest Podcast
Laticia Holbert of ComEd
