EMA REVIEW: Four Chords and a Gun Scrumptious ★★★★ 1/2

The Spector That Haunted The Ramones

By Erik Engman

Author, Clown and Improvisation Teacher, Theatre Critic EatMoreArtVegas.com

IG: ErikReviewsVegas

In 1979, the Ramones, the godfathers of punk rock, embarked on making their fifth studio album, End of the Century. Although they had a modicum of success up until then, they still struggled financially and commercially. In came famous (and later infamous) music producer Phil Spector, who promised them a hit record. To say their two working styles clashed would be an understatement. That’s where Four Chords and a Gun by John Ross Bowie starts.

Full disclosure: I love the Ramones. They’re one of my top five bands. I have all of their albums, and their movie “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School.” I was at their farewell tour in Chicago in 1996. They were my gateway into punk and their music fed into my young anti-authoritarian, delinquent heart. So I was a bit wary going into this. Would I like it or hate its guts?

There was no need to worry. Four Chords is a wonderful, insightful piece that explores friendship, betrayal, and one incredibly large ego. Couple that with a top-notch cast that captured the essence of the boys from Queens, and I was very pleased with the result.

Based on a (mostly) true story, we follow the Ramones as they begin to work on their new album. Joey, the lanky lead singer (played with laid-back cool by Tom Kunzman), struggles with his OCD and the demands of his girlfriend, while guitarist Johnny (played with a fierce intensity by Chris Brown) tries to keep the band afloat. Dee Dee, the bassist, (played with perfect vacancy by Austin Parrles) is the comic relief, which is both hilarious and tragic. Finally, there’s Marky, the new drummer (solidly played by Tyler Borresch),  who is our window into this world.

On the other end, we have the eccentric, egotistical Spector (played with delightful frenzy by Randy Carl Hample). While the Ramones' music is stripped down, Spector and his “wall of sound” flood the songs with everything but the kitchen sink. Meanwhile, Joey’s girlfriend, Linda (played with a fiery strength by Juliana Martin-Noble), battles between her love for Joey and an equal measure of frustration with him. 

Major props to Director Jonas Woolverton, who gives us honest portrayals of these characters, avoiding the pitfall of caricature and staying true to their real-life counterparts. Each scene was real and relatable. The only thing I would have liked would be an extra layer of tension as the play went on. I mean, there’s a guy with a gun who is crazy enough to use it. An underlying sense of uncertainty would have been an interesting addition.

The set (I don’t know the designer) was basic, like the venues the Ramones played in, consisting of a couple of couches, a mixing board, and a record player. The lighting (designed by Jake Harrell) captured the scenes well. The sound and music (designed by DJeff Houle and Jonas Woolverton) were great. I appreciated the Ramones songs linking the scenes.

All in all, this play is, at its heart, a very insightful look into four young guys who just wanted to make music. I loved it. If you’ve never heard of the band, you're in for a treat. You don’t need to know them going in, but you will when you leave. And you get a mini-concert at the end! So grab your chicken vindaloo, your glue to sniff, and your “Gabba Gabba Hey” sign, and check this out. “Four Chords” played to sold-out crowds last year, and it deserves that again.

What: Four Chords and a Gun

When:

When:

8 p.m. May 21-May 23

1 p.m. May 24-May 26 (Punk Rock Bowling Music Festival Matinees)

8 p.m. May 28 to June 1

Where: Vegas Theatre Company, 1025 S 1st St Suite 110 Las Vegas NV 89101

Tickets: General Admission: $25 www.theatre.vegas

RATING: Scrumptious ★★★★ 1/2

Artistic Executive Director: Daz Weller, Associate Artistic Director: Simone, Director: Jonas Woolverton, Lighting Design: Jake Harrell, Opening Sound/Music Collage: DJeff Houle & Jonas Woolverton, Stage Manager: Amanda Peterson.