Stepping Through Time with Wong Side of Time at the 2026 SheNYC Festival

August 3, 2026 / lolitaland / Leave a comment

One of my favorite parts of covering theater in New York City is discovering new works that leave a lasting impression, and Wong Side of Time was exactly that kind of show.

All photos credited to Danielle DeMatteo

I had the opportunity to attend the production as press during the 2026 SheNYC Festival, and from the opening number I was completely drawn into the story. The musical was such a fun, heartfelt experience while also exploring themes that felt incredibly relatable. It balances humor, emotion, and history in a way that keeps you invested from beginning to end.

Inspired by the life of pioneering Chinese American actress Anna May Wong, Wong Side of Time follows present-day law student Lucy Wong alongside Anna herself in 1935. When the two women mysteriously switch places across time, they each experience the other’s world, navigating questions of identity, ambition, family expectations, and what it truly means to be seen. While the premise is fantastical, the emotions at its core feel grounded and deeply human.

Presented by Epheverie Theatre Company as part of the 2026 SheNYC Festival, the production features a book and lyrics by Scarlett (Chenchen) Long, music and additional lyrics by Wren Mied, direction by Alexandra Haddad, and music direction by Emma Bella-Bass Lawrence. Every creative element worked together beautifully to bring the story to life, from the thoughtful staging to the seamless transitions between eras.

The cast was fantastic across the board. AJ Liu brought incredible depth and charisma to Anna May Wong, while Mia Soriano delivered a heartfelt performance as Lucy Wong that made her journey feel both authentic and relatable. The chemistry throughout the ensemble created an energetic atmosphere that made every scene engaging, whether the story leaned into comedy or more emotional moments.

One aspect I especially appreciated was the show’s queer representation. It felt naturally woven into the story rather than treated as an afterthought, allowing the characters to exist as fully realized people with complex relationships and identities. Seeing that representation alongside a story centered on Asian American history and legacy made the production feel even more meaningful.

As someone who enjoys musicals that combine entertaining performances with thoughtful storytelling, Wong Side of Time struck a wonderful balance. It celebrates the importance of understanding where we come from while reminding us that every generation faces its own challenges in finding acceptance and pursuing their dreams. Even though the story spans nearly a century, its themes remain remarkably relevant today.

I’m always grateful for opportunities to experience original theater, especially productions that amplify underrepresented voices and perspectives. Wong Side of Time is a wonderful example of how new musicals can educate, entertain, and connect audiences through stories that deserve to be told.

Thank you to the production team and SheNYC Festival for the press invitation. It was a joy to experience this musical!

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Discovering New Voices at the Downtown Urban Arts Festival

June 18, 2026June 18, 2026 / lolitaland / Leave a comment

One of my favorite things about living in New York City is having access to so many incredible arts and cultural events. This month, I’ve been spending a few evenings at the Downtown Urban Arts Festival (DUAF), and I can confidently say it has been one of my favorite discoveries. So far, I’ve attended:

June 4
- Fried Live Skin by Edwin Rivera-Arias
- Amendable by Cris Eli Blak
June 11
- A Lesson in Captivity by Daniel Damiano
- Gin & Milk by Antony Raymond
June 17
- Whiskey, Hope, and the Climate Clock by Marissa Raine Carlin (Book, Music, & Lyrics) & Carter Quinn Tanis (Book & Music)
- Sing Truth to Power by Howard Ho

Now in its 24th season, the Downtown Urban Arts Festival is dedicated to amplifying multicultural voices through theater, poetry, music, and performance art. Since its founding in 2001, DUAF has provided a platform for emerging and established artists to share stories that reflect the diverse experiences of our communities.

As someone who attends a variety of conventions, cultural festivals, and live events throughout the year, I always appreciate opportunities to experience storytelling in different forms. What immediately stood out to me about DUAF was the passion and authenticity behind every performance. Each evening brought together artists who were eager to share meaningful stories, and audiences who were equally excited to support independent and diverse voices in the arts.

No two nights felt the same. Every visit introduced me to new playwrights, performers, and perspectives. Some productions made me laugh, others encouraged reflection, and many sparked conversations long after the curtain call. There is something special about experiencing new works in development and witnessing the creative energy that fuels New York City’s theater community.

One of the festival’s greatest strengths is its commitment to representation. The stories presented at DUAF highlight cultures, identities, and lived experiences that are often underrepresented in mainstream entertainment. In a city as diverse as New York, festivals like DUAF play an important role in ensuring that a wide range of voices have the opportunity to be heard.

Beyond the performances themselves, I also enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a dedicated theatergoer or someone looking to explore the arts for the first time, DUAF creates an environment that feels accessible and inclusive. It’s the kind of event where you can simply show up with an open mind and leave having discovered something new.

As I write this, I’m preparing for my fourth visit to the festival on Friday, June 19 to see the play my father could not read or write by Kevin Powell. After three consecutive weeks of memorable performances, I’m excited to see what the next evening will bring.

Kevin Powell – Photo Credit: Evangeline Lawson

If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience in New York City, I highly recommend checking out the Downtown Urban Arts Festival before the season concludes. Supporting festivals like DUAF means supporting artists, storytellers, and the continued growth of diverse voices in the performing arts.

For more information about upcoming performances, tickets, and the festival schedule, visit the Downtown Urban Arts Festival website. You may just discover your next favorite playwright, performer, or production.

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42Lolita: Valentine’s Day Edit

February 11, 2026 / lolitaland / Leave a comment

It’s almost Valentine’s Day!! In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my Valentine’s Day edit featuring items from 42Lolita. If you’d like to shop there, use my code XIAOLILICOS for 5% off your order!

You’re going to see lots of pink and red in this edit. ❤ Now, onto the Valentine’s Day picks…

Sweet Bunny Plush Bag – so adorable! I love how this bunny is all dolled up in pastel pink. Perfect for Valentine’s Day! This bag comes with a Faux Pearl Crossbody Chain as well as Backpack Straps.

Sweet Tea Party Puppy JSK with Sash – This adorable JSK comes with a sash and features a print with puppies, cakes, and hearts motifs. This would be such a cute main piece for a Valentine’s Day coord!

Confession Balloon – Red Plaid Cake JSK + Blouse – I LOVE plaid and this red plaid JSK is so sweet, and the photoshoot the brand did even has the Valentine vibe with the heart balloons. I haven’t seen the anime Shugo Chara yet, but this is a Shugo Chara Collaboration, which would make it the perfect gift for a Shugo Chara fan!

Girl’s Secret – Pink Sweet Lolita JSK – I love the details on this JSK! So many delicate lace details, plus big dramatic pink bows and pearl chains. The pink and white colorscheme is perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Country Lolita Bonnet – This bonnet is so elegant and comes in many diffferent colors! I’m highlighting the smoky pink colorway which gives off Valentine vibes.

One Night – Pointy Toe Wedding Bride Lolita Heels – There are multiple colors available, but I’m highlighting the burgundy red colorway since red is my favorite color, plus red is perfect for Valentine’s Day! These shoes would be perfect for an OTT or hime lolita coord.

If you’ve shopped at 42lolita before, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Don’t forget to use my coupon code XIAOLILICOS for 5% off your order! Thanks for reading, and happy shopping!!