Michael Andreaus is playing the role of Otis Williams in the national tour of Ain’t Too Proud- The Life and Times of The Temptations. A native of Atlanta, Michael began his training at an early age. He earned a degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and has since been seen on Broadway, at regional theaters, and in the Netflix Series When They See Us. Michael took time from the tour to talk about the show, which follows The Temptation’s remarkable journey that ultimately earned them a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
[National tour at the Academy, of Music on the Kimmel Cultural Campus, 240 S Broad St] January 3-21, 2024; kimmelculturalcampus.org
Debra Danese: What song did you sing for your audition?
Michael Andreaus: For my initial audition, I sang “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. For most of the auditions after that, they would have me sing “What Becomes of the Broken-hearted” and “Runaway Child” from the show.
DD: What did you learn about The Temptations while researching your role?
MA: I was already super familiar with the story of The Temptations, having seen the miniseries and listened to their music for most of my life. One of the things I was really able to dive into in my research, was all of the different personalities in the group and how they maintained their individuality while still functioning as a unit.
DD: If you could ask Otis Williams one question, what would it be?
MA: Thankfully, I was able to ask Otis the main question I had, and it was in regards to his leadership of the group. I asked him how he knew it was time for a member of the group to move on and be replaced. He told me that he has gotten really good at watching people’s body language and general demeanor; and just knowing when it was time.
DD: Which musical numbers do you most enjoy performing?
MA: I think I have the most fun performing “Cloud Nine.” It’s near the end of the show, so it’s a challenge energetically, but it has the most Temptations on the stage at one time and is so much fun to dance.
DD: What do you do post-show to wind down?
MA: I bring my PlayStation 5 with me across the country, so I usually wind down by playing video games or watching TV. Sometimes I’ll get online and play Fortnite with some of the other cast members, which is always a good time.
Ain’t Too Proud is playing at the Academy, of Music on the Kimmel Cultural Campus, from Jan 3-21. [240 S Broad St] kimmelculturalcampus.org/events-and-tickets/2023-24/broadway/aint-too-proud/