SNAFU said: "I hope the Producers gave deep pockets! Taymor is not one known for staying anywhere near budget.
"
You know, M. BUTTERFLY is probably the best play I've ever seen in a first-class production. (Plays like STREETCAR and SALESMAN and FENCES could compete, but I've never seen them except in regional venues.)
I saw the original Broadway production twice and, yes, I remember there were imitation Asian spectacles between scenes. But the only theater-within-theater sequence I actually remember in detail is the performance by Song of the final aria in MADAMA BUTTERFLY, using Beijing theater techniques--because that sequence actually matters to the plot of the play!
The rest of the remarkable evening was to be found in the two, unbelievable leading performances. Since working with actors has never seemed Taymor's primary interest, I have no idea why she is doing this play. In fact, I'm rather horrified at the thought!