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Hearing Damage: The Rat Opera is one of those little artistic things that pop up that are so uniquely weird and South Floridian. Yes, it’s an actual opera about longtime local producer and noise god Frank Falestra, a.k.a. Rat Bastard. It debuted last year at Tobacco Road and Churchill’s, but if you missed that, head up to Fort Lauderdale’s Cinema Paradiso this weekend. There, on Saturday, it’ll be produced under the roof of an actual theater, and will feature an impressive roster of local musical gourmands.
First, there’s the full glory of the Rat opera Band: Rob Elba and Brian Franklin, who wrote the piece, along with William Trev, Russell Mofsky, and Andre Serafini. Joining them, too, will be Jim Camacho, Ferny Coipel, Hal Spector, Mindy Hertzon, and many more. As an added bonus, Mr. Entertainment and the Pookiesmackers will screen their new music video – which I’m sure will please your date (or grandma’s) aesthetic needs.
So what is Hearing Damage, exactly? It’s celebration, homage, desecration, idolatry, alcohol abuse, music, performance; but in the end, it is all about Rat Bastard. He’s recorded everyone down here and probably will continue to do so for many years to come — in his black Chucks, gray T-shirt, shades, and that old beanie hat that can barely contain his curls. Hop on it now and get your tix for 10 bones, or pay 12 at the door.
Hearing Damage: The Rat Opera. Saturday, February 20. Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6th St., Fort Lauderdale. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m. sharp. Click here to buy tickets.
