M. Butterfly

By David Henry Hwang

presented at BoHo Theatre @ Heartland Studio
March 14 — April 20, 2008

Directed by
Peter Marston Sullivan

Produced by
Thomas J. Samorian

Cast: Melissa Canciller, Scott Danielson, Susan Fletcher, Bethany Jorgensen, David Rhee, David Tibble, and Jeremy Young

Jeff Recommended

Based on a true story that stunned the world, M. Butterfly opens in the cramped prison cell where diplomat Rene Gallimard is being held captive by the French government — and by his own illusions. In the darkness of his cell he recalls a time when desire seemed to give him wings. A time when Song Liling, the beautiful Chinese diva, touched him with a most vivid love.

How could he have known, then, that his ideal woman carried with her many secrets? That she was actually a spy for the Chinese government, arraying herself as the meek, submissive Asian female of his fantasies? In the end, there remains only one truth: Whether or not Gallimard's passion was a flight of fancy, it sparked the most vigorous emotions of his life.

M. Butterfly is a stunning piece that BoHo has wanted to produce from the start, and we were thrilled to bring this exquisite tale to life as only BoHo can! David Henry Hwang's M. Butterfly is one of the most celebrated of recent American plays, and the first by an Asian-American to win universal acclaim. It was first produced in 1988 and won numerous awards, including the Tony Award for Best Play of the Year.

Rave reviews for M. Butterfly:

"Wonderfully imagined. Sullivan thrillingly tells the tale."
- Scott C. Morgan, Windy City Times - (Recommended)

"An operatic denouement that’s thought-provoking yet rich in emotion."
- Kay Daly, Time Out Chicago (****)

"Sullivan's confident staging boasts commanding, nuanced performances."
- Albert Williams, Chicago Reader (Recommended)

"Bohemian Theatre Ensemble's intimate, artfully staged revival succeeds."
- Barbara Vitello, Daily Herald (Recommended)

"BoHo’s production examines [the show's themes] with sincere passion."
- Web Behrens, Chicago Free Press (Recommended)