200 Motels on stage in L.A. and London

Frank Zappa's music suite 200 Motels seems to be havng a revival. It is not replayed "just" like the soundtrack but has more emphasis on the orchestral parts. On October 25 there was a performance by Esa-Pekka Salonen and The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. The staged play that took place in The Walt Disney Concert Hall (in L.A.) got fair but not overwhelming reviews in Los Angeles Times.

On October 29 200 Motels will be performed in Royal Festival Hall in London, by "the full forces of the BBC Concert Orchestra, Southbank Sinfonia, London Voices and a large cast of rock musicians, singers and actors." Zappa's daughter Diva will play one of the groupies. Zappa bassplayer Scott Thunes will play the band member Jeff Simmons. Conductor: Jurjen Hempel.

On October 26 the film 200 Motels was shown as part of the 60's film series at the Southbank Centre in London.
Gail Zappa is also in UK now and gave this interview to BBC Radio 4.