M. Butterfly

By: David Henry Hwang

Narrated by: John Lithgow, B.D. Wong, David Dukes, Margaret Cho, full cast

Length: 1 hr and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

John Lithgow and B.D. Wong here recreate their original roles from the Tony Award-winning production. Inspired by an actual espionage scandal, a French diplomat discovers the startling truth about his Chinese mistress.

©1997 L.A. Theatre Works (P)1997 L.A. Theatre Works

Critic reviews

"Both Lithgow and Wong have refined their work over hundreds of stage performances in these challenging roles. Hearing two such accomplished actors in parts they have mastered is a rare treat....[This is] a classic interpretation of an acclaimed play. On the strength of recordings like these, the L.A. Theatre Works is producing radio drama to rival the quality work of the BBC." (AudioFile)

great play, but you need to know it first

This is the first time I've downloaded a live production, and so the sounds of the audience and sound quality took a bit of getting used to. This is a great play and the performers are wonderful, but without the settings and actually seeing the performers (especially regarding the BD Wong's performance), you might get a little lost if you didn't know the story first - if not from the play, at least from the movie of the same name.

Beautiful recording

Absolutely beautiful recording of a great play. So glad LA Theatre Works was able to get John Lithgow and BD Wong together for this. A true treat.

new understandings

i was very suspicious I too wondered how you can be with someone for 20 years and not know their sex yet I can see how his love for her or should I say him clouded his judgment overall I like to play I think they did a phenomenal job at representing each character

Brilliantly performed

A deep and pointed commentary and criticism of both racial and gender interactions set in a backdrop of the impending Vietnam war, set in Japan. The acting was absolutely incredible, especially BD Wong, who has a depth of character and intelligence that is conveyed perfectly to the audience while remaining opaque to the John Lithgow's tragically flawed protagonist. Definitely worth experiencing.

Really quick and enjoyable

This was a great production with fantastic acting and an excellent experience all around.

great play

I don't really like plays, had to read this one for my English class. This playhowever was really great.Very easy to understand and Entertaining to listen to.

Excellent Performance

I got this book when I was very busy in school and this was one of our assigned plays for a scenic design class. I read the script along with reading at times, and listening to this gave me a better understanding of the storyline, more so than some of my classmates. B.D. Wong and John Lithgow gave a performance that made these characters to life and it could give you a picture in your head as to what would have been going on, on the stage.

Fabulous Performance by John Lithgow and B.D. Wong

Madame Butterfly comes to life with perfect balance of drama and comedy, irony and truth. Wonderful performance by a stellar cast.

It's good

It doesn't match the book. Some of the word change but I like the audible.

Great voices.

Great voices, great story. The clapping and laughing of the audience can be a bit annoying, but no worse more than it would be if attending the play.