Josiah Travis Kent Rogers is an up-and-coming force in the theatrical world. His energy-filled performances have captivated audiences in productions such as “Hairspray” and “Shrek.” He now performs as the iconic David Ruffin in the Ordway musical “Ain’t Too Proud,” which runs Oct. 8-13. The musical pays homage to the legendary Temptations, offering Rogers the chance to bring Ruffin’s role in the legendary Motown super group to life on stage.
Rogers starts with a reflective nod to the hard work that this undertaking required. “I definitely trained hard, but you know we grew up to this music, we always had it on the radio and watched shows about the Temptations. Just recently, I wrapped up my run as Seaweed Stubbs on the national tour of “Hairspray.” Run and Tell That is one of the hardest vocal pieces in musical theater—it’s a beast. That role was invaluable preparation for my current role as Ruffin.”
Embodying Ruffin is not just about the physical and vocal transformation. The deeper goal, he says, is to “bring these men back to life by transporting people to that time. I want them to leave the theatre reminiscing, ‘like, wow! They did that.’ I hope the audience feels we’ve truly honored the legacy of the Temps.”
“Ain’t Too Proud” brings to the stage a narrative crafted by Otis Williams, the Temptations’ founder and only surviving original member. Rodgers emphasized the authenticity and dynamic storytelling that audiences can expect. “This being a Broadway musical, I think back then, the Temptations were doing some cool stuff- so they had us doing dance steps and splits, which is much harder than working on mannerisms or voice. Tony-award-winning choreographer Sergio Trujillo guided us, and working with this team is an incredible gift.”
As a teenager, Rogers was drawn to the theater, humorously admitting his initial interest. “When my teacher called for more boys to join, it didn’t take me long to figure out where the girls were.” His story builds to his breakout moment at age 28, a testament to perseverance in a fiercely competitive field. “The preparation was grueling: gym every day, proper nutrition, hydration, stretching, and taking care of your feet because everything starts there. You learn to take pride in your body.”
Reflecting on the rigorous audition process, he explained: “For a role of this magnitude, the competition was fierce. It took at least six months, with about six callbacks. What’s cool is many of the men I auditioned with are on the tour with me now.” Rogers cherished this camaraderie, and it is clearly an essential part of his theatrical experience.
Encouraging young performers, he offered words of wisdom. “Never, ever, give up regardless of what you’re going through. Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. When you audition, know that the panel wants you to succeed—they want you to be their choice. Knowing this gave me confidence, translating into success.”
Playing Ruffin holds its allure and challenges. Rogers’ passion is also evident as he shares his favorite Temptations’ tunes: “Shaky Ground,” “I’m Losing You” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” are always hits. “It’s funny, when ‘My Girl plays,’ you can almost feel the audience’s excitement. It’s a sort of an introduction moment to David.”
Through dedication, talent and a deep respect for the Temptations’ legacy, Josiah Travis Kent Rogers shines as a beacon of inspiration, living the dream he once envisioned as a young theater enthusiast. His performance in “Ain’t Too Proud” is a tribute to past legends and a celebration of the undying spirit of musical theater.
The camaraderie within the cast enhances the performance. Rogers praised his counterparts., “The guy who plays Eddie Kendrick, Lowes Moore, is very talented, as they all are. The synergy between my character and his, like in the movie, is beautifully depicted on stage. He’s like my best friend in the cast.”
“Ain’t Too Proud” also stars Jameson Clanton as Melvin Franklin, Rudy Foster as Otis Williams, Lowes Moore as Eddie Kendricks and Bryce Valle as Paul Williams.
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