By NOEL MURPHY
DRYSDALE’S Georgina Low is $100,000 richer after an educated punt with musical great Ludwig van Beethoven on TV’s Millionaire Hot Seat.
The 31-year-old Drysdale woman, an apprentice chef at Queenscliff’s Vue Grand Hotel, correctly answered that Beethoven’s only opera was Fidelio to win the cash.
She eliminated two options, Tosca and Aida, based on her musical knowledge, and rejected Salome, thinking it might have been a Cirque Soleil production – leaving Fidelio to deliver the big windfall.
Earlier she correctly identified Marvel Comics figure Norman Osborn as the Green Goblin, one of Spider-Man’s many enemies, snaffling a neat $50,000 with her first answer on Eddie McGuire’s national quiz show.
“I’ve enjoyed a lot of superhero movies in my life, so I knew that one,” Georgia told the Independent.
“I did learn to play piano when I was younger, so I have a little bit of knowledge about classical music and I could knock out two. I thought Salome was a Cirque Soleil show, so I went with Fidelio – I was so very lucky.”
Georgina plans to be “very sensible” with her prize, banking it to buy a house when she finishes her apprenticeship – a major career change for the former travel agent.
Keeping the pre-recorded win secret for the past six weeks had been difficult, she said
Georgina was able to talk about it with best friend Erin Krusic-Golub, who was in the audience for the recording.
“We were both Morongo girls and we’ve been friends since we sat together as left-handers in grade two,” Georgina said.
“Erin’s a mortgage broker, too, so I might see her about that loan.”
Georgina’s workmates at the Vue Grand were also thrilled about her win.
“We’re absolutely rapt for her,” general manager Connie Trathen said.
“She was working in travel and tourism for a long time but had a passion for cooking and started a new apprenticeship at 30. She’s going so well – everyone loves her.
“We think it’s a great story. Her friend, Erin, got married here a couple years ago before Georgie even started here.”
