Fifty years ago, The Temptations were sitting proudly atop of the American charts with the single Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.
The song was a notable change in direction for both The Temptations and the group’s record label Motown Records. The tune featured more instrumental content than was the norm for a Motown song – and its lyrical content was a departure from those that had gone before, dealing with the social issues of the time.
Brand-new stage show Just My Imagination is coming to town and it brings all of The Temptations’ top 20 songs – including Get Ready, My Girl, Just My Imagination and Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone – to the stage.
Show producer Mark Halliday says that the song is the highlight of a production that has embarked on a UK tour that covers the whole of England, Scotland and Wales.
“By packing in all of The Temptations’ million-selling hits, Just My Imagination is a real feel-good treat for theatregoers,” promises Mark.
“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone was responsible for reinventing the group, redefining the Motown sound and is the high point of our power-packed production.
“The show is far more than just another a throw-away tribute show. It features a dynamic, West End cast, directed by six-time Olivier-nominated actor and choreographer Jason Pennycooke, plus musician who can really play.”
Just My Imagination takes theatregoers back to the heyday of the group.
“In all, 24 performers have worn the Temptations jacket. . . Just My Imagination takes us back to the classic five of David Ruffin, Otis Williams, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin and Paul Williams and their first hit The Way You Do the Things You Do.”
Mark says that It is the “concert that never was” as it captures all of the group’s career highs including Get Ready, My Girl, Ain’t Too Proud to Beg, Just My Imagination, Treat Her Like a Lady and, of course, Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.
“The Temptations are named as the No1 band in the history of rhythm and blues by Billboard Magazine for good reason,” says Mark. “Our job is to ensure that this production truly does justice to their incredible repertoire.
“Just My Imagination is set to become the new Jersey Boys – bringing a fresh, exhilarating and incomparable night of sing-along, dance-along magic to theatres throughout the UK.”
