Reviews of Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord
Local Reviews
"This social commentary — both fierce and darkly funny — was the theater experience I didn’t know I needed. I left feeling I could almost wrap my mind around what we’ve been through and inspired to meet the next news cycle with more compassion and power." -PDX Parent
"It is a story of survival and, arguably, of success, and as such, it’s heartwarming, even inspiring — especially in how clearly it evokes the loving camaraderie that develops among the 'Aunties,' Wong’s 'warriors behind sewing machines.'" -Oregon ArtsWatch
"If laughter is the best medicine, then Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord is at least a partial cure for any existential dread still hanging around." -BroadwayWorld
"Kristina Wong, who stars as herself in this one-woman production, has combined brilliant social commentary with sharp humor, which will not only have you laughing out loud but possibly participating in the production by tossing your bra, hair tie, or purse strap onto the stage." -Willamette Week
"She succeeds in this seemingly impossible task, by showing us hidden brightness in the darkness of worldwide despair." –The Crippled Critic
Audience Raves
"I would watch anything she performs — so entertaining!"
"Fantastic. Relevant. Funny!"
"Outstanding production content and actor/comedian! Super hilarious and simultaneously poignant and very much needed during a time this for the American culture!"
"Relevant, emotional, and heart-rendering... well acted and produced ... very engaging."
"Amazing storyteller. Captivating, and took us on a journey and so many feelings. Laughter to tears. Plan to see this one again!!"
"I loved how Kristina used humor to address dark and difficult topics. The 90 minutes flew by!"
"My favorite performance of the year. Kristina's play will live on as a capsule of the covid pandemic ... I like theatre that is a comment on our society, and Kristina did just that as we laughed and cried a little too."
"Kristina reminded me of things about that time too important to forget and renewed my commitment to the better aspects of that upheaval of our lives - and made me laugh in the process. Pretty f*n awesome."
"Kristina was excellent and brought a lot of energy to the show. The interweaving of the difficulty of the last several years with the strength of the human spirit was very poignant."
In the News
"Humorous and self-effacing, Wong’s performance is a meditation on mutual aid, Asian American identity and the meaning of legacy within the broader context of the last two years." View the feature.
Blog Critics interviews Pulitzer finalist Kristina Wong on solo pandemic comedy. View the feature.
Stage & Studio's Dmae Lo Roberts talks with Wong about making masks, the Auntie Sewing Squad, and the solo show Wong is bringing to Portland. View the feature.
National Reviews
“Selflessness and human connection are dominant themes of this narrative.” -The New York Times
“Back out on the street afterward, we’re lighter — and, thanks to the Aunties, imbued with hope.” -The New York Times
“Wong has two sharp weapons at her disposal: She’s funny, and she can sew.” -New York Magazine/Vulture
“Wong takes us back through our shared, hazily remembered months as if she’s ripping out stitches.” -New York Magazine/Vulture
“In the emerging genre of pandemic theater, Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord is haute couture.” -Timeout
“Wong carries much of this 90-minute show with the sheer force of her personality. Her charisma seems boundless, supporting a cinematic imagination that sees her transform into a drill sergeant, a drug dealer, and yes, a sweatshop overlord.” -Theater Mania
“Kristina Wong’s Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord is, and will likely remain, an invaluable artifact of the current Pandemic. It stands that extremely good chance for its skillfully capturing the overwhelming anger and frustration that Covid-19 has produced in American society to date.” -New York Stage
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