Thursday 20 Mar 2014 | 85
front beach wally & andrew
front beach paul, kim & james
front beach nick & anna
front beach jill, cath & fay e
Broadway musical hits Geelong BY TIFFANY PILCHER GEELONG is enjoying a taste of Broadway with hit musical Next to Normal showing now at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC). The Pulitzer Prize-winning musical features a Tony Award-winning contemporary rock score and is presented by independent Geelong theatre company, Doorstep Arts. In the hilarious and heart-wrenching show, Diana is a troubled woman in danger of being engulfed by her past and fracturing her family unit which hangs by a thread to the notion of a “normal” existence. Well known actress Natalie O’Donnell (Mamma Mia) leads a superb cast as Diana and Mark Dickinson plays Diana’s long-suffering husband Dan. Ballarat’s Academy of Performing Arts graduate Kiane O’Farrell plays their rebellious teenage daughter Natalie and fresh from touring the Australian/New Zealand production of Jersey Boys, Brent Trotter plays their son, Gabe. Director Darylin Ramondo said she was overwhelmed by the response from actors wanting to audition for the highly sought-after roles. “The reason Next to Normal is so popular with actors is the honesty and complexity of these characters,” Ramondo said. “Not to mention the extraordinary music, originality of the lyrics and the riskiness of the storyline. “This makes directing and acting such a brave and powerful play a challenge and a complete joy. “I am thrilled to have assembled such a talented cast.”
Natalia O’Donnell as Diana for the musical Next to Normal which is now showing at GPAC.
Blackly comic, with provocative themes of mental illness and teenage drug abuse, Next to Normal has also been included in GPAC’s 2014 Education Program.
Next To Normal is showing at the Drama Theatre, GPAC until Saturday March 22. Book your tickets at gpac.org.au or by calling 5225 1200.
BANDS +EATS / THE ARTS
Expo a celebration of child friendly services and businesses AN EXPO in Geelong this weekend will boast free children’s activities, demonstrations and stalls. The Greater Geelong Kids Expo is a celebration of Geelong’s child friendly services and businesses, with a day of great activities planned for the whole family. Visitors will be treated to free face painting, jumping castles, activities, music and sports sessions, a range of food stalls and the Corio CFA fire truck and barbecue. There will also be information sessions and demonstrations from health and wellbeing professionals, support services and businesses, and a lovely range of items and services to purchase. Expo organiser Stacey O’Keefe said families attending the event would see many of Geelong’s best children’s services and activities in the one place. “The expo will help link parents in with services and businesses which are in the community,” Mrs O’Keefe said. “There’s so much out there that parents may not know about. Greater Geelong Kids and Bellarine Kids are an online resource, linking child friendly services to families in the Geelong and Bellarine region. The expo is on Sunday March 23, tickets cost $15 per family and include one free photo booth picture. It will be held at the Leisuretime Centre, 262-282 Anakie Road, Norlane. Buy tickets on the day or online at greatergeelongkids.com.au.
SEAFOOD NIGHT Monday Nights Fresh Seafood Platter
For 1 – $35 For 2 – $60
LAMB SHANK NIGHT Tuesday Nights – $25
4-6pm Thur - Sun All day Snacks Available $9 Cocktails – Fri & Sat Nights
Lamb shank Italiano Lamb shank and green pea mash Home style Aussie lamb shank Growlers Lamb shank pasta
LIVE MUSIC FRIDAY Matt Orchard SATURDAY Lucas Williams
STEAK NIGHT Wednesday & Sunday Nights – $25 25 Aged rump marinated in chives, thyme, garlic Emerald Valley Yearling Porterhouse Chefs Aussie Rolled Kangaroo Back Strap
AUSSIE BEACH BBQ
Massive 500 gram aged rib eye Only for the brave to conquer! All dinner specials include a complimentary glass of house wine, tap beer or soft drink. Normal menu also available.
FREE WIFI
FOOTY TIPPING $30 TO ENTER
For The True Meat Lover – $39
C A F E / B A R / R E S TA U R A N T
HAPPY HOUR
Sunday 23rd March 2-6pm $15 per head
MON–THURS: 8.30AM TIL LATE WEEKENDS: 8AM TIL LATE BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER ER 23 Esplanade Torquay p 5264 8455 www.growlers.com.au