"Ain't Too Proud" Stageplay Actor Saint Aubyn Talks Playing Dennis Edwards of the Temptations

Since 2017, Saint Aubyn has been entertaining fans across the country as lead singer Dennis Edwards in the stageplay Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. Like the frontman himself, he is using his voice to inspire, entertain and wow audiences alike bringing that Motown magic to life. Off the stage, Saint has dedicated his voice and platform to publicly shed light on issues surrounding social injustices and is committed to being a positive representation for the next generation.

As he prepared for the role of Dennis Edwards, he drew from childhood memories of living in Brooklyn, New York, where he was exposed to music from artists like The Temptations, which refined his taste for the arts and gave him a sense of style. Conducting countless research on interviews and live performances, Saint learned and studied everything that was needed to become Mr. Edwards.

The stageplay initially launched as a small tour in California and Canada before heading to New York. This has allowed him the opportunity to develop and perfect his role before embarking on the journey and facing the pressures that Broadway brings. "You have to do your best to honor what the fans know, but honor who the Temptations were to the world and who they were to each other. We do our best to tell an authentic story," Saint shares.

During the process, he had the opportunity to learn about himself by portraying someone else. One of the things that he learned was that he could sing in a way he never thought he could. He had the chance to push his limits to discover a new layer of vocal greatness. The legendary song Ball of Confusion by The Temptations had been one that touched his life the most. And during this process almost 50 years after the original recording, the song still resonates with Saint and speaks to the times past and present. Playing a Black man who experienced injustice and bigotry in the 1960s and 1970s while being a Black man in 2020 who walks off the stage right into the same experiences is enough to affect anyone.

Saint is becoming a fashion enthusiast and uses his style and fashion choices as a political statement daily. He has found unique and chic ways to share his disdain for the inequalities faced by Black people. He wears masks, pins, and other clothing with culturally relevant statements that speak to what we are experiencing now while honoring those who have come before us. He wears them proudly and unapologetically.

He firmly believes in using his platform responsibly to inspire and encourage through continued representation. He is working hard to set an example for those who will continue to come after him. As a Black artist, it is important to raise your voice to speak up about the things that are happening to you and those who look like you. When asked what he would like people to know about his journey, he says, "I stood for what I believed in and what I continue to believe in and what I felt the need to speak up and speak out for. I took those opportunities regardless of money and what some people might feel. I stood up for something but didn't take anything. I understand the shoulders that kicked down the door. If it was not for them, I may not have been able to have these opportunities. Their determination didn't stop with them. I, as well as my colleagues, carry the torch and have the responsibility to continue to shine the light on issues that people might be afraid to talk about."

This rising star is making a valuable impact on his community. Through his portrayal of one of the most iconic Black male singing groups in history, Saint is inspiring others and himself to become honorable and outspoken like those who've come before us. When speaking about his legacy, he said, "Don't judge me by the color of my skin. Look upon my work, look upon the things that I do. Look upon what I bring to the table. Let that speak for what I'm about and what I do."

Currently, he is in the studio working on his music and still rehearsing with his cast to be ready once Broadway opens back up.

Make sure to follow Saint Aubyn on Instagram.