THEATRE RESPONSE: M BUTTERFLY

As an actor, sometimes you see theatre that inspires you beyond words- this is one of those times:

Last night I had the honor of being a part of the opening night audience of TheatreWorks' revival of M BUTTERFLY by David Henry Hwang. I have been very excited about seeing this production and had high expectations before going into the theatre (something I rarely do.) Needless to say my expectations were surpassed beyond words and I can honestly say this is one of the best theatre experiences I have ever had. I mean EVER.

M Butterfly, which premiered on Broadway in 1988, is a deconstruction of Puccini's opera "Madame Butterfly." It is based on the true story of a French diplomat who has a love affair with a glamorous female Chinese opera star, who turned out to be a spy. And a man.

Everything in this production was glorious - the chosen Puccini songs, a stunning scenic design by Kate Edmunds that used every inch of the very large stage, glorious costumes by the genius Fumiko Bilefeldt, brilliant lighting by Steve Mannshardt and original choreography from the Broadway production by Jamie H.J. Guan. It also had a great supporting cast that included my friends Austin Ku (who is also Francis Jue's understudy) and Kevin Blackton.

In the role of Rene Gallimard, actor Mark Capri was mesmerizing. He is the narrator of the piece and you go through every bit of his journey with him. In the role of Song Liling, Francis Jue gave a performance that I will never forget. So passionate & honest. It really was one of the best performances I have ever seen. Watching him play this role (which is so demanding) with that kind of excellence - makes me want to be a better actor. He was very inspiring. I'll never forget the wonderful times I shared with Francis while we were rehearsing & performing Into The Woods. He is a class act and someone whom I admire an awful lot.

Mark Capri & Francis were in TheatreWorks' 1992 production of M Butterfly (which I have not seen) and I can only guess that they have fully grown into their roles. Their stage chemistry is electric.

Robert Kelley's direction is at his finest. I can always spot those little "Kelley" touches when I see his shows (I have been a fan of his for many years) and I especially loved with what he does at the end of the first act and the end of the show - the lights came down and I wasn't in tears (as I usually am) - I think I was in shock. The actors began to bow and I was so overcome with emotions that I was shaking. But that didn't stop me and the rest of the audience to cheer the great cast during curtain call. The opening night audience shared my enthusiam with one of the loudest curtain calls I have ever witnessed.

The opening night party was a lot of fun and filled with incredible talent. It was so wonderful to see so many actors in the audience: Tielle Baker, Gary Martinez, Jack Davis, Jackie McSwanson, Mary Melnick & Bill Olson. There were of course a lot of critics present including the wonderful Keith Kreitman and always delighful Richard Connema.

It was a magical night in the theatre and I urge everyone to go see this show before it sells out completely. It runs until September 23.

As we were leaving the theatre my baby sis says to me "this is the first show you have taken me that really made me teary-eyed. Thank you for taking me to see it" And believe me folks that says an awful lot.

Do not miss M Butterfly at TheatreWorks.

*This is a picture of Francis Jue & Mark Capri from the 1992 production of M Butterfly at TheatreWorks. I love this picture - while I was working at TheatreWorks I used to walk by this picture, which hangs in the rehearsal hall, all the time.