"Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations" began its six-night Chicago run Tuesday evening at the CIBC Theatre.

The show traces the iconic vocal group's rise from small gigs in Detroit to signing with Motown Records to their superstar status and through their struggles.

The Temptations became the most popular rhythm and blues group of all time, but their fame came at a cost. Drug addiction, alcoholism, and illness caused attrition among the original five members.

Founding member Otis Williams occasionally stepped to the front of the stage to narrate the story, but the saga is told primarily through the singing and dancing that made this quintet legendary. Most of the songs came from the Temptations' catalog but included a few others from their era. The lyrics sometimes advanced the story, but mostly they set the scene's mood and entertained the audience. Sergio Trujillo's choreography made every number more entertaining.

Fame was rapid when it arrived, but it came at a cost. Williams's constant travel cost him a marriage and his relationship with his son.

The music of the Temptations filled a large part of my youth when I was growing up in Detroit. This evening's show was a fitting tribute and a peek into how the band came to be. My only complaint was the acoustics, which sometimes made hearing the actors' dialogue difficult.

After the play, the audience received a special treat as 82-year-old Williams walked on stage. He is the last surviving member of the original Temptations lineup. Longtime Temptations manager Shelly Berger stood beside him, and the two spoke to the audience about their love of the music and their fondness for Chicago.

The post-performance appearance of these originals made a special evening even more special.