MDB on stage during a dress rehearsal of the show’s finale
(Photo by Zach Villa)
(Photo by Zach Villa)
On October 23rd, Michael joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the world premiere of 200 Motels – The Suites by Frank Zappa, where he appeared as “Rance”, the narrator.
Featuring 13 orchestral suites originally written for Zappa’s 1971 movie 200 Motels, this elaborate production at the Walt Disney Concert Hall also included the Los Angeles Master Chorale, rock musicians and other actors.
“Working with Esa-Pekka Salonen and his 110 piece orchestra at Disney Hall is an extraordinary experience. I began this blessed journey of mine wanting to be Chuck Berry and Rudolph Valentino.
Somehow, that’s how I feel standing center stage with this most distinguished institution, the creme de la creme of classical and avant garde music. In this case, exemplified by the legendary 200 Motels composed by Frank Zappa.
It is an honor and a delight. A high point of my career, both legitimate and anarchic. In other words, my cup of tea”, Michael said in a press release.
The stage at Walt Disney Concert Hall
(Photo from the LA Philharmonic’s Facebook page)
(Photo from the LA Philharmonic’s Facebook page)
“Having a world-class orchestra willing to take chances on nontraditional music like Zappa’s – a risk that paid off, as Disney Hall was sold out – is one of those artistic bonuses that makes active concert-going in Southern California such a fascinating pursuit”, Steven Mirkin wrote in a review for the Orange County Register.
The review also gives a positive mention of Michael’s performance:
“Longtime actor and singer Michael Des Barres brings the right amount of sneering elegance to Rance, the occasional narrator; if anyone decides to mount a rock version of Cabaret, he would be the perfect MC.”
Before the show, Michael also took part in a reading from Frank Zappa’s autobiography with some of the other performers, which can be heard here.
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