The Current | Vol. 31 Issue 13

November 3, 2020 | nsucurrent.nova.edu 5 Features That time I… saw a play that changed my life By: Nyla Whyte Contributing Writer Nyla Whyte is a freshman communication major with a focus in digital media from Pembroke Pines, FL. When I was 15 years old, my father sent my mother and I on a trip to New York City. It was my first time leaving Florida, so it was a pretty big deal for me. Our itinerary was filled with all of the major tourist sites: the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and the Metropolitan. My mom and I planned the trip on our own, but the one thing my dad was adamant about was watching a play on Broadway. He left me in charge of choosing the play and I chose “Wicked.” If you don’t know, “Wicked” is a musical that follows the story of “TheWizard of Oz” from the perspective of thewitches.As I sat during the show’s intermission, my eyes began wandering. No longer wrapped up in the story, I started to notice the hidden behind-the-scenes elements of the show. The orchestra and conductor just underneath the main stage, the sound and lighting directors sitting in the rafters. Even the obvious components, like the background dancers moving props and set pieces to transform the set from scene to scene stole my attention away from the story on occasion. The set was beautiful and the show was utterly captivating. Everything about the play was thought out. The music, the costumes, even the lighting was intricately detailed. I was entranced. I had never seen anything like it before. Seeing how the crew and the performers were all able to move together seamlessly and put on a show successfully even with so many moving parts was inspiring to me. As dramatic as it sounds, watching this musical changed me. It was like a craving had washed over me. Suddenly, I was itching to be a part of a project like that. Seeing this musical drew me to the field of production. Before then, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life or where I wanted to go with my future career, butwhile watching that show, I saw a world of opportunities before me. I saw all the different aspects of the show that had been so carefully tailored down to the smallest of details and I knew that there was a person behind each one of those details. Behind every musical cue, every practical effect and every prop, there was a job and that job could be mine. I realized that I’ve always had a habit of finishing a movie or a show and then watching the behind-the-scenes clips from the filming process and I’ve always liked working with a team and the feeling that comes with finishing a project that took time and effort to prepare. That’s when I knew that working on a set could be a legitimate career choice for me. Today, I’m working my way towards a degree that will allow me to pursue that career and I don’t think I’d be on this track if I hadn’t watched that play. Italian cookie knots Italian cookie knots are sweet knotted cookies with a key flavoring of anise. They are airy, yet packedwithflavor.They are also topped with a sweet frosting mixture. Additionally, sprinkles are added for extra texture or as my family likes to call them, “Jimmies.” These cookies are a tradition in my family that my dad always makes around Christmas time. My dad comes from a strong Italian background, and for that reason, my family is very strongly rooted in our Italian heritage.With that, we have always been big fans of fine Italian meals and desserts. This recipe has been passed down for years and my dad ensures to carry on the appreciation for these traditional holiday treats every single year. These cookies add to the sweetness of the holiday season and are nothing short of delicious. The ingredients that you will need include: • Two cups of flour • Two teaspoons of baking powder • Half a teaspoon of salt • One cup of sugar • Three eggs • Two teaspoons of vanilla • Three tablespoons of anise • Half a cup of margarine • Two cups of powdered sugar • Two tablespoons of water • Rainbow sprinkles (“Jimmies”) • Any oil spray to spray cookie sheet Recipe: 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Take one bowl and mix together the following ingredients: 3. Two cups of flour 4. Two teaspoons of baking powder 5. Half a teaspoon of salt 6. One cup of sugar 7. Take another bowl and mix the following ingredients: 8. Three (well beaten) eggs 9. Two teaspoons of vanilla 10. Three tablespoons of anise 11. Combine themixtures fromsteps one and two. 12. Melt half a cup of margarine and add to the mixture. 13. Roll out the batter using a roller and take one piece of batter at a time and form it into a knot. 14. Once you have all your knotted cookies, place them on a cookie sheet (make sure to spray the sheet first) and bake for 10- 15 minutes. Topping mix 1. Take a new bowl and mix together these ingredients: 2. 2 cups of powdered sugar 3. 2 tablespoons of cold water 4. Mix until the frosting mix is nice and thick. 5. Add some rainbow sprinkles, or “Jimmies.” 6. Once the cookies are done baking, pour the frosting mixture over the cookies while they are still warm so that the frosting melts right into the cookies. These Italian cookies are perfect to bake around the holiday season to spread some extra cheer and sweetness. Enjoy, or as we say in Italian, “Mangi.” By: Bella Ameiorsano Contributing Writer PRINTED WITH PERMISSION BY B. AMEIORSANO Some freshly baked Italian cookie knots PRINTED WITH PERMISSION BY N. WHYTE Broadway show “Wicked” Box Office in NYC