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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Chanel Ali: Relative Stranger – A Hilarious Solo Journey at SoHo Playhouse

September 30, 2025October 24, 2025 / lolitaland / Leave a comment

New York, NY — I had the privilege of attending Chanel Ali’s off-Broadway debut at SoHo Playhouse with her powerfully personal solo show, “Relative Stranger.” Making her theatrical debut after establishing herself in the stand-up comedy world, Ali delivers what can only be described as a masterclass in vulnerability wrapped in razor-sharp humor.

“Relative Stranger” isn’t your typical comedy show—it’s a deeply personal excavation of identity, family trauma, and the unexpected ways our past can resurface when we least expect it. Ali takes us on a journey through her tumultuous foster care childhood, her mother’s struggle with schizophrenia, and the court-ordered paternity test that introduced her to her police officer father when she was 18.

What struck me most about Ali’s performance was her incredible ability to navigate between heartbreak and hilarity without ever feeling fake or manipulative. When she quips about being “a cocoa Chanel” or shares her preference for Matilda over Annie in the fictional foster-child canon, these moments of levity feel earned rather than forced.

The staging at SoHo Playhouse creates an intimate atmosphere that perfectly serves Ali’s storytelling style. She moves through the space with the confidence of a seasoned performer, drawing the audience into her world through vivid storytelling and impeccable comedic timing. There’s something deeply cathartic about watching someone transform their trauma into art that manages to be both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Ali proves herself to be a sharp storyteller who knows exactly when to ease up on the jokes and let the inherently gripping nature of her story speak for itself. The show becomes a meditation on what it means to search for family, identity, and belonging—themes that resonate long after the final bow.

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“Lili/Darwin” – A Poetic Solo Show of Trans Identity- NYC

August 13, 2025 / lolitaland / Leave a comment

New York, NY — I had the opportunity to attend Lili/Darwin, a powerful solo performance, at The Tank. This show was written and performed by the talented Darwin Del Fabro. I first discovered Darwin from the queer slasher horror film They/Them, and was thrilled to be invited to this show. If you didn’t have the chance to see Lili/Darwin yet, it runs through August 23, 2025 so you still have time to check it out!

Lili/Darwin brilliantly merges two intimate journeys: that of Darwin Del Fabro, and of Lili Elbe—the transgender artist whose diaries from 1907-1930 inspired the narrative. If you know who Lili is prior to the show, you’ll love the pieces of history from her diaries sprinkled throughout the show. If you don’t know who Lili is, this is a great introduction! Darwin portrays Lili and herself with sensitivity and strength, moving seamlessly between eras, personas, and emotional landscapes.

Let’s talk about the staging: it was cool to see how the identities were differentiated in a visual manner— Lili Elbe appears on one side with a vintage chair, Darwin on the other with a stool. There were also moments where the lines were blurred. It was visually stunning and I loved the use of lighting and shadow underscore shifts in mood. My eyes were also drawn to the beautiful Dior heels as a symbol of femininity.

The show was brimming with emotional honesty and I felt myself tear up multiple times during the performance. At its core, Lili/Darwin is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling. It’s a deeply personal tribute to visibility, resilience, and the often-overlooked courage of trans narratives—spoken directly by a trans artist herself.

Details & Ticket Info

Where: The Tank, 312 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018
When: Performances are Thursday to Saturday evenings through August 23, 2025.
Tickets: Available here.