A Quiet End productions have received mixed reviews. At its inaugural premiere in Long Beach, the actors, lighting, and scenic design received raves. Though the play was deemed "thoughtfully written", it was ultimately declared that it was "too quiet for its own good" because it didn't deal with the political ramifications of the AIDS crisis. In the 1996 Los Angeles revivalThe Variety similarly accused Swados' script of having "little plot development", and claimed that "the responsibility for its success lies squarely on the talents of the director and actors". That being said, The Variety heaped praise upon the latter, however, particularly highlighting the direction of Anne Hulegard and Edward Trucco's performance as Billy. New York Times reviewer Stephen Price shared similar sentiments when the play debuted Off-Broadway. While the actors, set, and lighting were once again praised, particularly Lonny Price's portrayal of Max, this time the issue was a matter of direction rather than writing. Price claimed that the play's "power is severely diminished by directorial timidity", even going so far as to assert that "a drama that ought to grab one by the throat has been staged as mild-mannered, almost soothing AIDS soap opera."
