Jelani Remy recently played Eddie Kendricks in the Tony-winning Broadway production of Ain’t Too Proud.
Broadway’s Ain’t too Proud is a show anyone of any age would enjoy. When we saw it in February 2020, we noticed people of all ages sitting in the audience, which just goes to show you even teens will have a blast at the show.
It’s entertaining, the music is catchy, and it tells a fantastic, true story about The Temptations, one of the most famous, Grammy-sweeping American “boy bands,” of all times, that formed and found fame in the 1960s. (Some of their hit songs include: My Girl, Ain’t Too Proud to Beg, Papa Was a Rolling Stone, Just My Imagination, and more.) It’s also very honest and heartfelt; a show you really show see next time you’re in New York, or catch it on tour.
We caught up with actor Jelani Remi who plays Eddie Kendricks in the current Broadway production—he opened up about his inspirations, his passion for teaching, and behind-the-stage antics.
Tell us about your childhood--where you grew up, and what your childhood was like.
I grew up in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. A very small town that was predominantly white. I graduated with 107 kids but have such support and love from my hometown. I have a pretty eccentric family including three brothers and a sister. I can vividly remember play acting all the time, or creating a performance I saw on TV and making everyone join in. Music was very important in my house—primarily Caribbean music. It definitely brought us together.
Did you always want to be an actor?
No! I always thought I’d be a teacher. I used to play school all the time. Had the play set and everything.
What was the audition process like for Ain't Too Proud?
It was surprisingly quick. I had just finished a production of Smokey Joe’s Cafe off-Broadway that some of the team of Ain’t Too Proud saw and had me come in and read for just about every character. That’s when I got cast as a stand-by which then gave me the opportunity to go on as Eddie which is the role I now get to play.
What were you most surprised to learn about The Temptations?
I was most surprised to learn about the individual struggles they all went through as well as the dynamic shifts within the group.
For those who haven't seen the show--why should they?
To see me! This show is truly something special as it relives and celebrates The Temptations! These men broke records and boundaries with their music and the way we tell the story is theater magic.
In what ways do you, and/or the show, give back, charity-wise?
I love this question. I teach! I get to fuse my first love with my current. I teach theater education and master classes. I get to leave my mark on the next generation and push them to their potential.
What advice do you have for teens interested in acting/theatre?
You are enough. “If you stay ready - you never have to get ready” No doesn’t mean no, it means not right now.These three are great because this business can cause a lot of self-doubt or comparison, and you are doing yourself a disservice by not shining your light bright! Always be smart and keep learning and be ahead of the game and have a thick skin. We are auditioners first! With any door closing another will open. I promise.
What's it like backstage? Anything funny ever happen on-stage?
It’s like having 25 brothers and sisters!We have so much joy in the theater it’s infectious. The energy is through the roof and we all love and respect one another. Yes, one time my wig fell off! In a serious scene! I had to put it in my pocket—but hey, the show must go on!
Follow Jelani on Instagram: @itsjelaniremy
Editor’s Note: This interview was conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic when the show was still running on Broadway. Nominated for 12 Tony awards in 2019, it won Best Choreography.