BROOKFIELD — David Henry Hwang’s Tony Award-winning play M. Butterfly made its Broadway debut in 1988 starring John Lithgow and BD Wong. The play became an instant classic, also becoming a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize the following year. A solid new production of the 2017 Broadway Revival is playing now at the Brookfield Theater for the Arts under the direction of Lou Okell.

Loosely based on the real life scandal involving Bernard Boursicot (here renamed Rene Gallimard), M. Butterfly tells the tale of a French diplomat stationed in China who falls in love with a Peking Opera star who is not exactly who she seems. Their relationship leads to a web of lies and deceit as Gallimard’s world spins slowly out of control.

M. Butterfly is a memory play narrated by Gallimard (played here by Miles Everett), who, as the play progresses, we find out might not be the most reliable narrator. His memory begins to crack and reality comes to light. It seems that love has led to delusion and ultimately his own destruction.

Everett does a wonderful job of making Gallimard an engaging and interesting character. From the moment he steps onto the stage speaking directly to the audience from his jail cell he has them in the palm of his hand, just waiting to hear the next detail of his fascinating story.

Everett and Todd Santa Maria (who plays love interest Song Liling) have palpable chemistry.

This is at least the second pairing between the two actors; Everett and Santa Maria appeared opposite each other in Brookfield’s Red in 2021.

Santa Maria takes on the difficult role of Song Liling, striking a delicate balance and bringing a beautiful humanity to a role that could become a stereotype.

From the first moments the audience sees Song there is a sense of exotic magnetism. Attendees understand Gallimard’s attraction. While there is an air of innocence to Santa Maria’s portrayal, it is obvious Song is in control of the situation. Santa Maria also brings an exquisite vulnerability to the role which is thrilling to watch.

While Everett and Santa Maria take on the majority of the material, Song and Gallimard’s worlds are populated with an array of other characters helping to tell the intricate tale. Andres Idrovo Castillo takes on the role of Marc, Gallimard’s college buddy. While his character is representative of problematic western ideals, he brings an uncomfortable lightness to this heavy play. Kudos to Castillo for such a strong and thought provoking performance.

Kristin Aug gives a heartbreaking and grounded performance as Agnes, Gallimard’s wife. The audience empathizes with her and her struggle to keep her marriage together.

This show is truly an ensemble piece and each person on the stage does their part in bringing this story to life. Credit must be given to director Lou Okell and the Brookfield theater for taking on this challenging piece of theater. This intense, thought provoking play is definitely not for the little ones as it contains sexual content and nudity. Overall, this is a very strong production not to be missed.

M. Butterfly continues weekends through October 4 at Brookfield Theater for the Arts. Tickets and more info can be found at brookfieldtheatre.org.