Academic Theatre at CCBC Essex Performs M Butterfly, Opens 3/31

David Henry Hwang's award-winning drama, M. Butterfly, comes to the stage at CCBC Essex, opening Thursday, March 31 at 8 p.m., and running Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2 at 8 p.ml, Monday, April 4 at 10 a.m., and Tuesday April 5 at 1 p.m. in the B Building Theatre at CCBC Essex, 7201 Rossville. Tickets, which are $8 general admission, $5 for seniors, students and CCBC faculty, staff and alumni, are available from the CCBC Box Office at 443-840-ARTS (2787).

Bored with his routine posting in Beijing, and awkward with women, Rene Gallimard (Steven Olaguer of Parkton), a French diplomat, is easy prey for the subtle, delicate charms of Song Liling (Francis Cabatac of Overlea), a Chinese opera star who personifies Gallimard's fantasy vision of submissive, exotic oriental sexuality. He begins an affair with her that lasts for twenty years, during which time he passes along diplomatic secrets, an act that, eventually, brings on his downfall and imprisonment. Interspersed with scenes between the two lovers are others with Gallimard's wife (Leeann Monat of Middle River), his supervisor Monsieur Toulon (Michael Smith of Baltimore) and best friend Marc (Zack Lukwoski of Glen Arm) that underscore the irony of Gallimard's delusion and its curious parallel to the events of Puccini's famous opera Madame Butterfly. Combining realism and ritual with vivid theatricality, the play reaches an astonishing climax, forcing Gallimard to confront his self-blindness with unflinching honesty.

The rest of the M. Butterfly cast includes Marcella DiPasquale of Towson as Comrade Chin, Dawn Armstrong of Parkville as Renee, Rebecca Sacrey of Parkville as Suzuki and Kay Lucas of Middle River as the Judge. Chorus performers include Deanna Gilmore of Overlea, Chad Davis of Parkville and Amanda Kelbaugh of Parkville.

CCBC's academic theatre production is directed by Associate Professor Julie Lewis, with choreography by Danielle Sten. Set and lighting design are contributed by CCBC Essex Technical Director Terri Raulie, with costumes by CCBC costumer James J. Fasching.

8 p.m. March 31, April 1 and 2
10 a.m. - April 4
1 p.m. - April 5

B Building Theatre
CCBC Essex
7201 Rossville Boulevard.
Tickets are $8 general admission, $5 for seniors, students and CCBC faculty, staff and alumni.
CCBC Box Office 443-840-ARTS (2787).