asian american

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!

❥❧ Support me on Ko-Fi ~

❥❧ Shop my Closet on Depop

❥❧ Facebook: Cosplay and Fashion

❥❧ Instagram: PearlPeony and AliceinLolitaland

❥❧ Tumblr: Personal and Fashion

❀ For sponsor inquiries, please contact me at: info@aliceinlolitaland.com ❀

FTC disclosure: If you click on my affiliate links, I may earn a commission on any purchases.

Have you guys heard of Lychee the Label? This brand was launched in 2019 and features Asian streetwear. Many of their styles are inspired by K-Pop! I really love the punky and edgy clothes that they have.

Another plus is their adorable logo…! I love lychees! Read on to see my review of my first haul from them.

Everything was shipped quickly, and the packaging was on point. Each clothing item was tagged and packaged in a zippered bag. I appreciated that the chains came separately, each in its own ziploc style baggie. That way, there were no damages during shipping.

The first item is the Anise Chain Detail Bustier Crop Top! This is a super edgy yet cute top in a sexy bustier style. I really love the square neckline and the puffed sleeves! I rate this item ★★★★★!

The second item I got was the Tiramisu Chain Detail Skirt. This skirt is super punk and is complete with a slit on the side, grommets, zippers, buckles, and a detachable chain! This works really well for punk and goth looks as well as edgy K-Pop inspired looks. It’s really comfortable and high-quality too! I rate this item ★★★★★!

The last item I got was the Latte Adjustable Side Slit Plaid Skirt. This is very similar to a skirt I got from YesStyle: the Cutout-Side Pleated A-Line Skort that I reviewed here. However, this Lychee the Label one is superior quality. The fabric is thick and high quality, and the buckle is easy to use and feels very sturdy. It’s also accurately listed as a skirt/over-skirt, so no misunderstandings about what the product is. If you want to style it with other items, Lychee the Label has plenty of options you can style it with. I decided to style all three together for a fun look! I rate this item ★★★★★!

It’s a punky yet feminine look. I love it! Just wore it in quarantine, so haven’t worn it outside at all, but I’d love to wear this someday in the future to a convention, a photoshoot, or a concert. (Maybe for a future KCON…?!)

I give all the items a ★★★★★ rating! Everything is impeccable quality, and I highly recommend this brand to street fashion and alternative fashion lovers. The size chart is accurate as well; for reference, all items I got were size Medium and I chose this size by comparing my measurements to their size chart.