“Written with sensitivity toward all its players, the piece offers a compassionate window into the intersection of Chinese culture, queerness, and gender roles...’June is the First Fall’ is a tight, compact evening of drama. Gut-wrenching moments spill out at the end...Though the exploding catharsis feels somewhat disconnected from its rather clean resolution, it also does achieve satisfaction through its crumbles of drama.”
Read more

"Going to the West Village to see a show touted as 'a queer play about mooncakes' has all the promise in the world, but this one falls short on ingenuity... As Don tries to reconcile his culture with his identity, he's increasingly squelched by the island (resulting in increasing whining)... I could do with fewer by-the-numbers lines…The scenes that feel the richest involve the whole family sharing anecdotes about Chinese traditions…It's our familiar stories that connect us."
Read more

“Memories are scattered throughout this endearing study of culture, family and personal growth...While the situations explored in this play are not unique, the relaxed pace gives this material a fresh smell...A good cast of actors...’June is the First Fall’ addresses the ghosts of the past which linger in our heads...Well directed by Leibenluft, this story is smoothly paced to unravel this family’s secrets and hopes and learnings.”
Read more

“While the role of Asian culture is certainly present in this play, the theme that lies at the core of the plot is the complex emotions and strong tensions that many parents and their LGBTQ children face even to this day. That’s something that...is explored in-depth and on a very human level in this play...The ensemble of actors do a flawless job bringing these emotionally and psychologically complex characters to life...A strong contender for the best play I’ve seen so far in 2019.”
Read more

"Exceptional among all the cast was Chun Cho playing the mother Yu Qin. Every time she appeared, magic happened. All her lines were delivered in Chinese which made her scenes musical and ethereal. The climactic scene which revealed the heart of the story was in both Chinese and English. It seemed a poignant dance that was breathtaking and beautifully directed by Michael Leibenluft. A worthy play that addresses immigrant, LGBTQ and cultural issues."
Read more