Theater Review: These Paper Bullets Is The Funnest Time Warp You Will Have

Like West Side Story, These Paper Bullets is an adaptation of a Shakespearean play, Much Ado About Nothing, and like this musical classic, this mod production elevates Shakespeare into reachable, intriguing heights. It may be a hefty comparison to liken this blossoming musical to a classic, but West Side Story turned the tale of Romeo and Juliet into its own legendary cover, and These Paper Bullets has certainly done the same. 

Though not as highly elaborate in choreography, done by Kevin Williamson, this is not a musical meant to be big in scope as much as it is to be huge in personality. For that, costume design, by Jessica Ford,  and a revolving set meant to look like a spinning record, by Michael Yeargan, is used to up every desire to jump into the 60’s with the cast. In terms of humor, there is no lying that Shakespeare has written some incredibly deft plays, and his comedies, though witty, are easy in missing the joke. Yet, These Paper Bullets is genuinely funny, and the jokes are far from being able to miss, even if, at times, distasteful.While leaving the theatre after the Atlantic Theater Company production of These Paper Bullets, I only had one thought, “This is bound for Broadway and the Tony’s Best Musical.” Although considered a play with music, the songs, written by Billy Joe Armstrong of Green Day, must be rewarded for their exceptional encompassing of the Beatles’ essence. This “play with music” was made for anyone who loves the Beatles and Shakespeare, and who secretly wondered what could have been if they made something together.

Directed by Jackson Gay and written by Rolin Jones, this twisted “Beatles” rip-off follows the story of The Quatros as they grow as a band, a brotherhood, and into men. The show opens with a bang as Lucas Papaelias (Balth), Bryan Fenkart (Claude), James Barry (Pedro), and Justin Kirk (Ben) exude their best Beatles’ vocals and embodiment to become The Quatros. Immediately, you know who is which Beatle with Claude being the heartbreaker Paul, Ben being the funny, yet difficult John, Pedro as the cheerily sweet Ringo, and Balth as the wise, eccentric George. You’ll find that your favorite Beatle in real life will most likely be your favorite Beatle of the show.

For me, Ben and George share the funniest one-liners, and Ben, in particular, has the most interesting character growth during his love story with Bea (Nicole Parker). Though the love story of Claude and Higgy (Ariana Venturi) is set up as the main tale of the play, thanks to the great physical comedy of the actors playing Bea and Ben, their scenes become some of the few “show–stoppers.” Adam O’ Byrne’s role as Don Best, the villain, is greatly played and purposefully unlikable as in each scene he spreads his sly wickedness. Overall, it’s the interactive experience, especially in the second act, which has the audience realize they are watching something special. The other, smaller roles add to the dynamic energy by assuring that the audience always feels the sense of camaraderie between the cast members.

Simply, These Paper Bullets is fun. It is a great musical that is worth watching, especially because I truly believe it is bound and deserving of Broadway. Trust me, you will love this show.