San Francisco Playhouse Presents Tony-Award Winning Drama “M. Butterfly”
By Darlene Jurow
“M Butterfly”, currently performing at San Francisco Playhouse (450 Post Street) through March 14, 2026, explores many themes, including the mysteries of love. It is based on a true story about a scandalous romance between a French diplomat who is mesmorized with a mysterious Chinese opera singer, only to realize that this “exotic butterfly” also identifies as male.
This most fascinating story follows French diplomat Rene Gallimard, who falls in love with Chinese opera singer Song Liling, who, to him, is the “perfect woman.” However, while Gallimard fails to recognize that this lover is a spy; he also fails to recognize that "she" is, in fact a he.
This captivating drama touches on quite a vast number of topics, including the challenges of love, deceit, homosexuality, as well as both cultural and political differences. “At a moment when tensions between China and Western nations dominate headline, M. Butterfly arrives at San Francisco Playhouse as a strikingly timely and necessary theatrical event,” said San Francisco Playhouse Artistic Director Bill English.
Dean Linnard (French diplomat Rene Gallimard) is superb as he takes the audience on a journey through time, from when he first met and fell in love with Song Liling (Edric Young), a star of the Chinese opera, who kept many secrets from him – not the least of which is that Song Liling is a man who presents as a woman!
As the play moves on the audience becomes more convinced of Gallimard’s believing Song Liling is a woman. In the end, Gallimard destroys himself, and Song addresses him as Butterfly. The butterfly symbolizes the fragility of life and love and the cruelty of man.
The cast is brilliant. Dean Linnard, who is onstage for virtually the entire show, is superb in his role as French diplomat Rene Gallimard. His scene partner, Edric Young (Song Liling), is also very convincing in in his/her alluring skills, which prove ultimately disastrous for Gallimard.
The supporting cast members are each wondrous in their roles. Stacy Ross (M. Toulon, the French ambassador), Andre Amarotico (Gallimard's friend Marc), and Amanda Le Nguyen, who offers comic touches in her role as Song’s servant girl Shu-Fang. Others who deserve accolades include Anthony Doan (Song’s handler Comrade Chin), Catherine Luedtke (Judge), Elena Wright (Gallimard’s wife Helga), and Amanda Pulcini, who makes her Playhouse debut as Gallimard’s lover Renee (plus other roles).
The production team is also outstanding. Kudos go out for to Randy Wong-Westbrooke, who produced a very cleverly staged scenic design, as well as to costume designer Keiko Carreiro, whose creative costumes are stunning. Not to be overlooked are Michael Oesch (lighting design), James Ard (sound design) and Dave Maier (fight direction).
M. Butterfly is most compelling from beginning to finish, and is certain to keep your attention throughout.
For tickets or more information please visit www.sfplayhouse.org or call the box office at 415-677-9596.
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Photo caption: Rene Gallimard (Dean Linnard) and Song Liling (Edric Young) are lovers in San Francisco Playhouse's "M. Butterfly," currently performing through March 14, 2026. (Photo Credit: Jessica Palopoli)