By Erin Free

“I saw the play, and there were people there aged from six to 75, from all different demographics – Greek, Arabic and Aussie,” producer, Murray Fahey, tells FilmInk of his first viewing of Alex Lykos’ play, Alex And Eve. “You’d hear laughter as various jokes were delivered, in different languages! But you still got the comedy, and you understood what it was all about, because it’s a love story. Seeing the ripples go from the back to the front of the audience in different rhythms and different patterns made it obvious that it touched a nerve, and that it’s funny.”

The play did indeed touch a nerve, becoming a huge success, and playing for months in Australian theatres. With Fahey behind the scenes, last year’s big screen adaptation followed suit, rating as a surprise sleeper hit, and pulling in audiences without the benefit of a big, hard-rolling marketing campaign. Helmed by veteran television director, Peter Andrikidis (East West 101, Bikie Wars, Underbelly), the rousing romantic comedy stars Richard Brancatisano (the US series, Chasing Life) as Alex, a Greek Orthodox school teacher who falls in love with Lebanese Muslim, Eve (Andrea Demetriades from Crownies and Janet King).

A playful take on racial stereotypes, Alex & Eve is now proving that Australian comedy can well and truly travel internationally. The film had its first major screening outside of Australia at The Santa Barbara Film Festival, and has struck a chord with American audiences, enjoying three sold out sessions, and receiving an ebullient response from ticket-holders at post-show Q&A sessions. “I think that it may be a record, and they’re putting more screenings on due to demand,” Peter Andrikidis tells FilmInk. “The feedback at the Q&As was amazing – they got the film, and they laughed, cried, and talked about ethnic diversity! They embraced us fully.”

For more on Alex & Eve, head to http://alexandeve.com.au/.   

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