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Popejoy Hall (203 Cornell Dr. NE) will be channeling the soul of Motown this weekend from April 25 until April 27 with Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, a 2017 musical that shines a spotlight on the music and lyrics of one of Detroit’s most influential groups. The production also turns up the lights on Jasmine Barboa, a superstar from the Duke City. Barboa will be belting out Supremes hits during her portrayal of Diana Ross and might cause audiences to shed a tear or two while performing as Josephine, the wife of founding Temptations member Otis Williams.
“My first entrance into music performance came from my choir and show choir days in high school at Sandia,” Barboa says. “I really developed my live performance skills in Albuquerque by being a part of the lovely karaoke community there. I even participated in the Call Me Oz Karaoke contests in Albuquerque and performed multiple years at the New Mexico State Fair because of it. I couldn’t have developed into the artist I am today without the first stepping stones of performances in Albuquerque.”
The Motown musical Ain’t Too Proud, which opened in 2017 at California’s Berkeley Theater and on Broadway in 2019, was nominated for 12 Tony Awards and won the 2019 Tony for Best Choreography. Barboa says one of her favorite parts of the show is when she’s joined by Lowes Moore — who plays Otis Williams — and they pledge their devotion singing “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me,” the joint single by Diana Ross and the Supremes and The Temptations. Barboa loves a sad song, so she’s happy she gets the chance to transform into Josephine and sing the Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes classic “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” one of her favorite songs.
Barboa had her first voice lesson in Albuquerque with Dr. Stevie Springer and had her first experience enjoying a live musical around age 10 when she caught Wicked at Popejoy Hall.She says that experience truly introduced her to the idea she could do what they were doing on the stage as a job. She says – although her background consists of singing in various choirs and a cappella groups, and she feels she learned most of her lessons working professionally in the industry – her favorite tunes are those with a simple piano accompaniment and emotional lyrics.
“Temptations songs were always played at my grandparents’ house, so songs such as ‘My Girl’ and ‘Just My Imagination’ feel even more special now, as I get to be a part of this show and it is exciting getting to perform iconic Diana Ross songs that hold so much history,” she says.
Barboa has come a long way since singing along to old classics as a child, or honing her skills as an amateur, but she still remembers that little girl who looked up at performers onstage and knew she belonged there.
“This is dedicated to my closest friends and family, who always encouraged me to dream, and for 10-year-old Jasmine, who I do everything for to make her proud,” she says. “I would say to 10-year-old Jasmine to continue to dream and wish on her stars, because at some point sooner than she realizes, she will reach her dreams and get to create new ones. And that is one of the most exciting parts about life.”
For tickets and showtimes, visit Popejoy’s website here.
Ain’t Too Proud
April 25 – April 27
Popejoy Hall
203 Cornell Dr. NE
$63 – $133