ADORED

This saga of a dysfunctional Hollywood dynasty includes Duke, the superstar patriarch; his long-suffering wife; his greedy mistress; and his beautiful granddaughter, Siena, who seems to have all the cards stacked against her as she tries to gain the adoration that goes with becoming her grandfather's true heir. Sonya Walger's transitions between episodes could be smoother, but her on-the-mark portrayals of each member of the large cast are distinctly colorful, varied, and convincing in gender, age, and personality. Of special note are her characterizations of the dynamic and selfishly powerful Duke and the ever-changing Siena. A predictable Hollywood fairy tale is made into compelling entertainment by Walger's firm grasp of character. M.T.B. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]