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M. Butterfly

By: David Henry Hwang
Narrated by: John Lithgow, B.D. Wong, David Dukes, Margaret Cho, full cast
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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
  • Performance
  • Categories: LGBTQ+
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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)

What listeners say about M. Butterfly

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Really quick and enjoyable

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

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

It's good

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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