Xenides

The World Premiere of Xenides is a homage to Wheel of Fortune Hostess Adriana Xenides, a former model who co-hosted Australia’s Wheel of Fortune for eighteen years. It looks at her immigrant childhood, her tumultuous love life and her health issues both physical and mental, as well as examining the way she has been remembered. This devised musical also looks at the lives of the four women selected to play Adriana and the various ways that they relate to this icon of Australian television.

The Studio Underground is transformed into Adriana’s portion of the Wheel of Fortune set, with the famous letter board, with Zoe Atkinson’s design perhaps even sparklier than we remember. The letters are turned by ‘Adriana’ at significant moments throughout the show. Four actresses are gorgeously costumed as Adriana in stunningly appropriate designs by Sarah Duyvestyn. A thoughtful and dynamic lighting design was created by Richard Vabre.

The four performers sharing the title role transform frequently into other characters as well as sharing aspects of their own lives. Excellent teamwork from familiar Black Swan performer Adriane Daff, the quad lingual Laila Bano Rind, opera singer Harriet Marshall and Katherine Tonkin, who, like Adriana Xenides, is an Adelaide girl. Each brings special qualities to the show and their camaraderie is delightful.

The music, most of which was composed for the show by Xani Kolac, is well performed and accompanied by a three piece ensemble. The musicians also switch roles during the show with Kovac, Djuna Lee and Holly Norman all playing multiple instruments. Well executed choreography was provided by Laura Boynes.

Given its specific tailoring to its cast, Xenides is unlikely to go to other companies, at least not without significant rewrites, so you are advised to catch this little gem during its short run. Xenides is probably not what you are expecting, but is an engaging, fun piece of theatre with a story to tell and a unique charm.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Dana Weeks