The Tisburys are set to release new album, A Still Life Revisited, this spring on Friday, April 25, with Double Helix Records and SofaBurn Records. “Forever,” their first official single from the upcoming record just played on 979X’s Locals Only show!

“Will it all just stay the same?” asks songwriter, lead vocalist, and guitarist Tyler Asay in the debut single to launch A Still Life Revisited. He said he aimed for something catchy that everyone can sing along to, and I’d say The Tisburys accomplished just that on this danceable track.

“Forever” contains a lot of fun hooks with bass and guitar bouncing off each other in a new, interesting way to convey an exciting glimpse on what’s to come on the full-length record. This is also the perfect alt-rock release to lead us into the warm season!

“It was kind of the big kick-off single to launch this new album routine,” said Tyler Asay in a phone interview with The Weekender.

Asay explained that A Still Life Revisited is all about looking back at your past and seeing how it’s influenced your life. The lyrics include themes of deep memories, chosen family, and finding home wherever you are. With time and reflection, we’re able to draw from our past and celebrate the journey that led us to where we are today.

“Everything was on purpose for that to go together in that way,” said Asay.

The follow-up single, “Water in the Clouds,” just came out on streaming services and is also now available for listening on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and more. This song is a bright, energetic piece of sunshine with heartfelt lyrics and upbeat instrumentals.

The Tisburys also released “The Anniversaries” as a single in Fall 2024, although it was not yet announced that an album was on the way! All three singles feel like they could be the soundtrack to our own lives — something I want to blast on a roadtrip while sticking my head out the window!

“This is the first time I’ve released anything with a label,” said Asay.

This is also the first time The Tisburys recorded an album in a bona fide studio — everything’s been self-released up until this point. A Still Life Revisited was recorded at Dr. Dog’s Mt. Slippery studio in the suburbs of Philadelphia with their longtime engineer/producer Justin Nazario. It was mixed by Phil Joly (The Strokes, Daft Punk, Lana Del Rey) and mastered by Ryan Schwabe (Beach Bunny, Slaughter Beach Dog, Hop Along).

“We wanted to make a record that pushes together a lot of the stuff we’ve been doing while upping the ante. We wanted to make an album that sounded good on the radio,” said Tyler Asay.

This is The Tisburys’ most collaborative effort to date and they worked closely with their whole team to make everything sing. In an era where bands are seen as an individual, this is truly a “band record” with every member contributing songwriting and production ideas, especially from longtime lead guitarist John Domenico and keyboardist/co-producer Jason McGovern.

“The goal with this record was ‘everything in its right place’,” said Asay. “Every instrument is playing its part, and every song came together like a puzzle”.

The Tisburys’last album, 2022’s Exile on Main Street, channeled iconic 90s radio rock such as Gin Blossoms and The Replacements, while this new one will push into the raw, rustic power of millennial alt-rock music such as The Strokes, Frightened Rabbit and The Hold Steady.

“Exile on Main Street was more influenced by college rock and 90s radio rock,” said Asay. “It still has that power poppy, catchy songwriting we always gravitate towards, but for the new album I was leaning into the 2000s indie vibe.”

This spring, The Tisburys are also looking forward to hitting the road and playing cities they’ve never played before. They are currently booking a tour out in the Midwest for a festival and heading to Newport, Connecticut where their new label SofaBurn Records is from!

On March 15, they’ll head to Quarry House Tavern in Silver Spring, Maryland with James Barrett and the Montaines. Then, they have a show in Philadelphia on Friday, March 21, to celebrate St. Patrick’s at Johnny Brenda’s with Bar Dusts, which is a Pogue’s cover band featuring members of The Menzingers and Modern Baseball.

The Tisburys will have their album release show in Philadelphia the first week of June 2025. Then, they plan to return to Scranton, Asay’s and Domenico’s hometown, later this summer. After all that, they’ll start thinking about the next record!

“I love writing, and I love performing music, and I just want to keep doing that until I croak,” said Asay. “The people who inspire me, people like Springsteen and The Replacements, you try to capture a little bit of that magic and that’s what I try to do every day.”

A Still Life Revisited is available for pre-order and they’re also doing a vinyl record release for the first time as well this April when the album comes out in full. In the meantime, get a taste of what’s to come from this talented rock band through their three singles currently available for listening on streaming.

“The goal is to just play as many shows as we can to promote the new album and sell a bunch of records.,” Asay said “Whatever we can do to get the music out there.”

Get up to date on the latest music from The Tisburys and follow along with them on social media for all the update on the way. Tune into 979X’s Locals Only Show every Sunday night with Lazy E from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. for more great new music from talented regional artists like this!

There is no question at 58 years young, niche action star Jason Statham (“Wrath of Man”) is accomplishing what men half his age cannot. He is one of the few true action stars left out there still getting it done. Often compared to a younger Liam Neeson, as the two both have a corner in the market for this style of “shoot ‘em up,” free-for-all films.

Filmed largely in Wicklow, Ireland, a reclusive man named Mason, on a remote British Island, rescued a fierce, young girl from drowning at sea, unleashing a ferocious series of events that compromise the safety of his home and deeply hidden past.

Also co-starring the always classy character actor Bill Nighy (“Love Actually,” “Notes on a Scandal”) as a hidden operative named Manafort, who struggles to keep his thumb on the pulse of all that matters behind the scenes. What I loved so much about “Shelter” was the depth of the story. It wasn’t just some clumpy action thriller; it contained depth and emotion, which is sometimes hard to come by in this genre.

Not for nothing, I must admit that in this day and age I grew quite envious as I got looped up in this action jolter as I too (like Statham) would give nothing more to be marooned alone on a quiet, private lighthouse island for a number of years away from all the crazies! If only, but one can fantasize. Seek harmonious “Shelter,” if not in your very own personal life, but the next time you are puzzled for something to watch that will keep you vastly entertained.

“Shelter”

Starring: Jason Statham, Bill Nighy

Christopher’s “Meow” Score: “7” paws out of 10

No doubt one of the top 10 quintessential thrillers of the 1980’s and 1990’s, released in 1992, standing alongside classics of similar style like “Fatal Attraction,” “Single White Female,” and “Basic Instinct” the original “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” released in ‘92, starred the devilish Rebecca De Mornay (“Risky Business”) and the lovely Annabelle Sciorra (“Jungle Fever”).

Now sporting a new remake for the new era, starring Maika Monroe (“It Follows,” “Longlegs”) as the infamous nanny hired by a wealthy family to move in and care for their two young children. What on earth could go wrong?

I was a huge fan of the original title, which held the number one spot at the box office for four weeks straight. This white-washed, direct-to-Hulu production is a far cry from the original glory of the now-classic title.

This new version was too sanitized and lacked the shocking grit and trashy thrill of the earlier family drama, also starring Matt McCoy (“Seinfeld”). It was vastly unoriginal, bringing nothing exciting to the table. This “Cradle” is far from rocking, in fact. You’re better off playing an instrumental lullaby for 90 minutes on your Alexa speaker and catching up on a comfy, cozy mid-afternoon Zen nap instead.

“The Hand That Rocks The Cradle”

Starring: Maika Monroe

Christopher’s “Meow” Score: “4” paws out of 10.

Did you know that, out of the 50 states, the only one not to contain the rabies virus is Hawaii? Where is the new horror thriller film “Primate” set and supposedly filmed? In the Aloha state! Go figure.

Starring the only recognizable name, Troy Kotsur (“Coda”) as the wealthy father to a group of privileged teens who live on the Big Island with their family pet named Ben, who is a friendly, hairy chimp. That is, until the poor animal gets bitten by a sick species carrying the dangerous disease.

To my surprise, “Primate” is a whole lot better than it needed to be for the genre, and quite frankly, much better than what was expected going in! What initially seemed cheap turned out to be fun, chilling, and an easy watch.

Let’s be frank, “Primate” is pretty much “Cujo” but wearing a different mask, set in a different time and location. Being a natural lover of animals, I couldn’t help but pull for the sick chimpanzee Ben, hoping he would take out all the humans and get spared in the process. “Primate” goes ape on his adversaries and the horror genre in general!

“Primate”

Starring: Troy Kotsur

Christopher’s “Meow” Score: “7 1/2” Paws out of 10

Middle age, it is a riddled conundrum that one, or most, can neither seem to understand, nor make sense of! Do I buy a fancy, slick, red sports car? Or do I grow out my hair and leave my spouse? They seem to be the most obvious talking points for those facing this double-edged revelation …

“Is This Thing On?” features the endearing and lovable Will Arnett (“Arrested Development”) as Alex Novak, an everyday, relatable businessman. He’s a bored, uninspired husband, who feels like his formerly successful Olympian volleyball player wife Tess, played by Laura Dern (“Jurassic Park”), has given up on him and, in her mind, at the very least, moved on.

Directed by Bradley Cooper (“A Star is Born”), who really seems to have a very impressive and smart pulse on the state of current relationships. Set in and around the always alive New York City. Alex starts to reawaken when he tries his hand at an open mic night at a popular city comedy club.

“Is This Thing On?” was hilarious, tender and spot-on! It will be hard for you to search out a more likable film than this one all year long. I don’t know about you, but this film also made me question the validity and mystery that surrounds making and keeping adult friendships. Why is it so difficult to cultivate such bonds with folks outside of the workplace?

“Is This Thing On?” Just so happens to quietly land as one of the very best and intelligently layered films of the year! Seeing this one is an outright pleasure.

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“Is This Thing On?”

Starring: Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Andrea Day, Bradley Cooper

Christopher’s “Meow” Score: “9.5” out of 10 paws

The Wilkes-Barre Law & Library - Luzerne County Bar Association recently recognized Atty. C. David Pedri and Atty. Rachel Olszewski for their service on the Association’s Executive Committee for two years. The Bar Association is the fourth-oldest in the United States. It operates the Courthouse Law Library, has more than 600 attorney members, provides attorney training seminars, and supports a charitable foundation that benefits many local causes.

King’s College will host a free public program on “The Organ and Catholic Liturgy” at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at the George & Giovita Maffei Family Commons, 29 West North Street, Wilkes-Barre.

The program is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Northeast Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. It will feature a lecture by the Rev. Michael B. Wurtz, Assistant Professor of Theology at King’s College and Secretary of the Society for Catholic Liturgy. A light reception will follow.

Father Wurtz began teaching at King’s College in the fall of 2019. After receiving his B.A. and M.Div. from the University of Notre Dame, he professed Final Vows in the Congregation of Holy Cross and was ordained a priest in 2004. He earned an M.A. in Liturgical Studies from St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minn.

After briefly assisting in the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy and teaching in Notre Dame’s Theology Department, he began doctoral studies in Liturgical Studies at the Pontifical Anthenaeum of Sant’Anselmo, Rome. Father Wurtz regularly assists with sacraments at St. Thomas More Parish of the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter.

For more information, please contact John Vaida, Dean, at 570-650-6459 or email Raphael Micca, Secretary, at rdmicca@agopane.org.

Coming in hot off her Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for this film, Julia Roberts (“Closer”) plays Alma, a tenured professor at prestigious Yale University. She must side with either her star pupil or her favorite colleague, Hank, played by Andrew Garfield (“Hacksaw Ridge”), who has scathing sexual allegations made against him.

Nothing is as simple as just picking sides, though, as Alma has some hidden secrets and a past of her own to protect. Sounds rather intriguing, right? In theory, yes, with a cast also including Ayo Ebediri (TV’s “The Bear”) and an always fabulous Michael Stuhlbarg (“Call Me By Your Name”). “After the Hunt” has a promising script, a top-notch cast, and a delivery that will have you snoring before the mid-point mark.

A box office bomb, and I could truly see why. “After the Hunt” had no genuine intrigue to fill its cracks and just felt lengthy, with no real satisfying payoff. A far cry from “Pretty Woman” or “Erin Brockovich,” this was, without a doubt, my least favorite Julia Roberts role, who is now a washed-out platinum blonde.

I am not the brightest bulb in the box, nor am I a dummy by any means, but there were a few times I had to google a couple of the hifalutin terms that were used throughout to try and impress, and in the end, it only boggled the minds of the general viewing public.

“After the Hunt,” a drama filmed partly in New Haven, Connecticut, where the renowned university is located, receives a failing grade on all fronts. Like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, it tried so hard to be something it was not. Skip it and keep praying for your next 2-hour work delay, just like we all did as kids, preferring to hit the snooze button rather than hit the books.

“After the Hunt”

Starring: Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, Chloe Sevigny

Christopher’s “Meow” Score: “4” paws out of 10.

Marcia Bellanco from Wyoming recently bought her first rutabaga and added the plump root vegetable to a split pea and zucchini soup.

Leslie Solomon from Hudson couldn’t find arugula, so she used a spring mix as a base for her salad featuring watermelon and feta.

And Lisa Sweeney from Jenkins Township decided her “Buffalo Cauliflower” would have been crispier if she’d used an air fryer instead of baking it.

As they gathered around a table in the West Pittston Library for a meeting of the Cookbook Book Club on a recent Tuesday evening, seven women shared food they’d brought from home and talked about the adventures of following new recipes, all from the same cookbook.

“I would definitely make this again,” said Lynn Rachkowski of Harding, who was so pleased with the soup she had made from kale, tomato and cannellini beans that she’d already made more than one batch. “And if you really hate kale, spinach works.”

“I would make this again in a heartbeat,” Sweeney said of a second dish she had made — a tomato soup with “a strong garlicky flavor … it would go really well with a grilled cheese sandwich.”

The recipes of the evening all came from “Mostly Plants: 101 Delicious Flexitarian Recipes from the Pollan Family,” written by Tracy, Dana, Lori and Corky Pollan with a foreword by Michael Pollan.

Kendra O’Brien, adult program coordinator at the library, had chosen that cookbook as source material “because it’s January,” and many people likely would have resolved to follow a healthy (in this case, plant-based) diet in the new year.

The Cookbook Book Club is new to the library, O’Brien said, and it will feature a different cookbook each month.

Patrons may visit the library, peruse the cookbook of the month and choose a recipe. They are invited to make the dish at home and bring it to share at the next potluck. Library staff will make a note of the recipes that are already chosen to avoid duplicates.

But that doesn’t mean there won’t be three or four different kinds of soups or several salads. Anybody who’s ever been to a potluck knows that often happens, and it always works out.

O’Brien’s intentions for the camaraderie-building Cookbook Book Club are that participants will “taste, compare notes, swap kitchen tips and celebrate both successes and the occasional ‘learning experience.’ “

All cooking levels are welcome, she said. “Bring your appetite and your curiosity.”

As they chatted about the food Tuesday evening, Stephanie Lyman from Wilkes-Barre described the recipe for the vegetable turkey chili she had made as “easy to follow, but there was a lot of chopping.” It was her first chili, she said, because her husband usually makes his own version of that dish.

O’Brien joked that the Pollan family of cookbook authors “must really like zucchini” because that versatile vegetable showed up in several recipes, including the zucchini cake she had baked.

Bellanco said she had put the rutabaga in hot water to more easily remove the protective wax coating.

Rachkowski said she had already shared a batch of her kale and bean soup with her co-workers, who enjoyed it.

And Sweeney said if she were going to use harissa — a chili pepper paste the Buffalo Cauliflower recipe called for — she would have had to order it online, so she substituted a more readily available Frank’s hot sauce. A busy cook, Sweeney said she’d made two dishes, so that she could contribute the cauliflower while her mom, Darlene Yeager, could contribute the tomato soup.

Some cooks mentioned they thought white wine — or “any kind of wine” — would complement the dishes they had brought. Of course, there was no alcohol at the library. But next month’s Cookbook Book Club potluck, set for 6 p.m. Feb. 3, promises to offer a little more self-indulgence than the January meeting.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, O’Brien said, there will be a cookbook filled with chocolate recipes.

Future potluck dates are March 3, April 7, May 5 and June 9. Participants may register in person at the library or call 570-654-9847.

According to the latest federal jobs report, the government has shed roughly 271,000 civilian positions in the past year, putting President Donald Trump within striking distance of his stated goal to cut 300,000 federal jobs by year’s end. In an era when government seems only to grow in size and ambition, this reversal is an accomplishment.

As Eric Boehm of Reason points out, these cuts are a long-overdue acknowledgment that the federal government had become unwieldy, inefficient and unaccountable.

The federal workforce swelled past 3 million employees in 2024, its highest level since the mid-1990s. Today’s headcount brings us back to where we stood in 2015. Rolling back that bloat is no small feat, especially in the face of resistance from public-sector unions and entrenched special interests.

A leaner federal workforce matters because the government should not crowd out private enterprise or creating unnecessary layers of administration. When Washington grows without restraint, so do inefficiencies, delays and wasteful spending. Reducing headcount forces agencies to rethink priorities, streamline operations and justify the tasks they choose to keep. Taxpayers deserve nothing less.

Of course, as Boehm notes, cutting jobs is not a cure-all. Spending is the truest measure of government size. If agencies turn to contractors or shift employees into new programs, the benefit of President Trump’s reductions could evaporate. The administration should ensure that workforce downsizing is paired with genuine structural reforms, not merely reshuffling.

Yet even with those caveats, the importance of this year’s progress cannot be dismissed. For decades, Washington has operated under the assumption that our government must always increase in size. More programs, staff, and oversight are inevitable, while reductions are unthinkable. Even the smallest cut elicits howls of outrage. Remember how long it took to get rid of the Tea Tasting Board?

Trump’s reduction of the federal workforce represents a rare reversal of that mindset, and it deserves support. Cutting nearly 10 percent of federal positions in a single year is responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars that sends a clear message: Government should serve the people, not endlessly absorb their resources.

The United States thrives when innovation, opportunity and productivity come from the private sector, not from a swelling federal payroll. Shrinking the federal workforce is a step toward restoring that balance. The government can contract when leadership is willing to challenge the status quo. The White House should stay the course, lock in these gains and continue working toward a government that is leaner, more disciplined and more accountable.

©2025 Las Vegas Review-Journal. Visit reviewjournal.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Director Noah Baumback (“The Squid & the Whale,” “Marriage Story”) brings us a squeaky clean, crisp tale which follows celebrated movie star Jay Kelly, played by George Clooney, as he faces the decisions of his past and present. What a stretch it was seeing George Clooney play an overly tanned movie star in a fitted Armani suit, where everyone in public falls all over him. We have seen this man play this same role 15 times before, and it has become nauseating. Like usual, you know you are watching George Clooney, never trying to mask his appearance like other better character actors do.

Adam Sandler (“Uncut Gems”) plays Jay Kelly’s loyal and level-headed manager and best confidant, Ron Sukenick. If you only enjoy seeing Sandler in his slapstick comedies, you best skip this one, because although charming at times, he is ultimately forgettable in this bout. Just to name-drop, they also throw in actress Laura Dern (“The Son”) into the mix for a few blah scenes just to add some Oscar clout. I guess at this point, you can sense I was unimpressed overall.

It had moments where I enjoyed it more than I expected. I will be honest — I just find these kinds of stories, like in “Jay Kelly,” in these kinds of economic times, are bad optics and ill-timed. Watching a movie about a movie star living in his sprawling Italian mansion with everyone bowing at his feet and eating out of his palms, while most of us are scraping by to afford this month’s heating bill and pay off our exorbitant health care bills so we don’t get our assets seized just doesn’t sit well with me.

I don’t think I am alone here getting fed up watching the Richie Rich and their tacky ballrooms. Give us a real script, Hollywood, something that makes the writers and audience stretch their imaginations a bit in order to be able to escape their realities for the two-hour-plus running time. Isn’t that the whole point anyway of Hollywood filmmaking?

“Jay Kelly” isn’t a total dog, as I said. If you are a big Clooney fan who enjoys predictability, then this Showbiz drama will be the cufflink on your sleeve.

Happy New Year, and remember, we are in this fight together!

REVIEW

“Jay Kelly”

Starring: George Clooney, Adam Sandler

Christopher’s “Meow” Score: 5½/10 paws.

How is every boy’s teenage crush in 1995 Alicia Silverstone (“Clueless,” “Batman & Robin”), 49 years old today? Well, it happens to all of us, if we are lucky enough.

“A Merry Little Ex-mas,” a brand-new holiday streamer (no, not Hallmark!) centers on a picture-perfect-looking couple on the outside, begrudgingly spending their final Christmas together with their family before they finalize their divorce.

Unlike some other similar offerings this season, the supporting cast in “A Merry Little Ex-mas” is full of some genuine holly jolly! Filmed in picturesque Alberta, Canada, the setting here looks like something out of a postcard. But then again, doesn’t everything when we are peering over a neighbor’s fence?

The grass always looks greener.

All these holiday movies have the most beautiful homes; it make me sit there and look around, thinking, “how many people actually live like this?”

I’m reminding you, these are all movie sets. Movies are not real life.

Alicia Silverstone, playing Cate Holden, was charming in this cozy little tale and reminded us why we fell for her in the first place, a mere 30 years ago.

“A Merry Little Ex-mas” is filled with plenty of snow, carols, and holiday humor. Clueless fans should be psyched to know a legit sequel is coming down the pike — that should jingle your bells!

Looking for an oldie but goodie thriller from her past? Feast your eyes on the 1993 sinister “The Crush,” also starring Silverstone as a pre-teen rich girl longing for a much older man. Not a holiday tale for sure, but it will still certainly fill your stocking to the brim.

REVIEW

“A Merry Little Ex-mas”

Starring: Alicia Silverstone

Christopher’s “Meow” Score: 6.5/10 “paws”

If you watched and loved the animated 1982 film “The Snowman” when you were growing up, perhaps you identified with a boy named James who builds a large snowman. And, you probably wished you could have an adventure like his — when the snowman comes to life and accompanies him through the aurora borealis to the North Pole.

Or maybe you grew up with the sequel, “The Snowman and the Snowdog,” that came along in 2012 to commemorate the 30th anniversary. Here a boy named Billy, who asks Father Christmas to bring him a dog, has his own adventure with two snowy creations.

In either case, or even if you’re not familiar with the pair of short British films, the NEPA Philharmonic invites you to “The Snowman in Concert,” set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Wilkes-Barre. While both of the films will play on a big screen, the Philharmonic will perform the full musical accompaniment to both films, which includes the songs “Walking in the Air,” “Light the Night” and “Flying Home.”

To enhance the festive spirit of the evening, the performance, under the direction of Maestra Mélisse Brunet, will feature guest vocal soloists from Marywood University — soprano Jocelyn Meyer, mezzo-soprano Beatrice Chindemi, and bass Marcel Sinclair — along with dancers from Scranton Civic Ballet and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

In addition to the films, the program will invite audience members to raise their voices in a seasonal singalong.

“We are thrilled to bring this cherished holiday experience to our community,” Executive Director Chason Goldschmitz said via a news release. “The combination of live orchestra, film, dance, singing, and family-friendly holiday fun makes this one of the most magical events of the season!”

Additionally, the NEPA Philharmonic is excited to partner for this concert with Silent Sound Systems to provide sensory- and deaf-accessible accommodations to recipients of the Philharmonic’s Angel Ticket program, which harnesses community support into free concert tickets to individuals in need across the community, distributed via local nonprofits. Silent Sound Systems will also have live demonstrations of their BASSpak and headphones for all audience members, in the lobby before the concert and at intermission.

Tickets for “The Snowman in Concert” are available at NEPAPHIL.org or by calling the Philharmonic Box Office at (570) 270-4444.

The last time local ballet fans saw Melina Ospina-Wiese perform on stage, it may have been Dance Theatre of Wilkes-Barre’s spring production of “Mulan.”

Dancing the title role in that ballet, which is based on a Chinese legend, the 16-year-old from Kingston portrayed a girl who starts out demure but grows into a strong warrior.

For the next show — the seasonal production of “The Nutcracker Spectacular” — Ospina-Wiese will showcase a more ethereal presence in her role as the Snow Queen.

“It’s really fun,” she said of portraying the Queen. “She’s all magical and sparkling.”

Part of that shimmer comes from a tiara, and Ospina-Wiese was worried at first that it might fly off her head as she dances. But after rehearsing at the dance studio, as well as offering a sneak preview of “The Nutcracker Spectacular” on Wednesday evening at the West Pittston Library, she’s no longer worried.

After all, she’s made good use of abundant bobby pins. How many?

“I’d say at least 20,” she said with a smile.

Fellow dancer Lilah Hilal, 15, of Bear Creek, plays a mysterious character in the show — a visitor named Drosselmeyer who brings a Nutcracker doll as a present to a girl named Clara.

“I have a cape and a hat,” Hilal said, adding that Drosselmeyer will dance with Clara at a party her family is hosting.

In the Dance Theatre of Wilkes-Barre production, Clara will be portrayed by Olivia Selenski and Clara’s brother, Fritz, who fights with her over the Nutcracker, is portrayed by Kennedy Shortz.

Clara, Fritz and the other children at the party are entertained by various dancing dolls, including one who represents a toy soldier. Describing her role as having “very sharp” movements, 14-year-old Kinley Park said another technique for portraying a soldier is to have her feet flexed rather than pointed.

The young dancers gave a preview of their show at the West Pittston Library, accompanied by Anna Dowse reading a storybook version of the Nutcracker story, based on an original tale by Prussian author E.T.A. Hoffmann. And now they’re ready for this weekend’s family-friendly show, which will feature a party scene, angels and a snow scene in Act I followed by “a festive collection of songs and dances” unrelated to the Nutcracker in Act II.

The family-friendly show is set for 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the F.M. Kirby Center, 71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, where doors will open at 1:30 p.m.

Based on the wildly successful worldwide New York Times Bestseller book by Ruth Ware, “The Woman in Cabin 10” follows a big city journalist who gets a prestigious invite aboard a luxury cruise ship of elite rich folks. It is aboard this vessel where the writer encounters dark, hidden secrets that she was not meant to see.

The film stars the always lovely actress Kiera Knightly (“The Imitation Game,” “The Duchess”) as Laura Blacklock, the confused and ostracized reporter cast aside for searching for the truth aboard the high-end yacht. Here, fellow guests have more secrets to cover up than the current Trump administration! This whodunit mystery thriller unfolds just like a tightly written Agatha Christie novel.

Having read the book years earlier and now seeing the rare film that actually matches the intensity of the written work, I was left curious why we haven’t seen so much more of the talented Keira Knightley in major films in recent years. Instead, we are left with middling Ariana Grande (“Wicked”) on the rise. Kiera’s English accent alone is enough to make one’s spine quiver.

“The Woman in Cabin 10” also has a pinch of a Hitchcockian feel to it, no doubt.

If you are struggling with what to watch this lazy Thanksgiving week with the family, maybe give this suspense-filled drama a chance. Interestingly enough, this project was shot on an actual ship named the “Savannah,” which cost $150 million. At that price tag, throw me an inflatable banana boat!

​REVIEW

“The Woman in Cabin 10”

Starring: Kiera Knightley, Guy Pearce

Christopher’s “meow” score: 7/10 paws

“Die My Love”

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Pattinson, Sissy Spacek, Nick Nolte

Christopher’s “Meow” Score: “5” paws out of 10.

How do I live in the same world where both the trailer and poster for “Die My Love” do not include the name of its biggest co-star and screen legend Sissy Spacek? Of course it boasts its younger leads, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, but come on, not even a mention of Sissy Spacek who has starred in legendary films like “Carrie,” “JFK,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “North Country,” “The Old Man & the Gun,” “In the Bedroom,” “If These Walls Could Talk.”

Ok, I will stop my rant now.

In “Die My Love,” Jennifer Lawrence (“No Hard Feelings”) plays Grace, an uninspired writer and young mother who struggles with severe postpartum depression and bipolar-like tendencies. She’s slowly slipping into madness and locked away in a remote home in Montana with her baby and a dog she never wanted, while her understanding husband Jackson played by Pattinson (“The Batman”) is usually traveling for business to keep the newish family afloat.

At first glance, “Die My Love” seemed fresh and promising with its three leads who lent their talents to a rather relatable story, about wanting to achieve happiness and live the so-called American dream. As it approached the middle half, it became blazingly clear that “Die My Love,” although interesting in parts, was a bit too avant-garde for mainstream audiences. Jennifer Lawrence’s oddball character was just unlikable, as she was just so unappreciative of her husband’s efforts and was always numb and quite frankly paralyzed by her everyday mundane life. Welcome to reality, girl!

Robert Pattinson (“Mickey 17”) as the handsome, and confused hubby was a positive draw to the film, but it was Sissy Spacek as his mother who was the heart and soul of the film. The Oscar winner’s trademark warmth and familiarity were like a cozy fleece blanket on a chilly winter night. If it means anything, as I was walking out of the theater, I heard someone in the audience blurt out “Jennifer Lawrence needs a new agent.” Enough said.

Stop! Before reading any further, please go read my colleague Margaret Roarty’s “In Frame” column from August entitled ‘The Wizard of Oz’ turns 86. Like Margaret, I’m an Oz-head for life. She got to this topic a few months before me, but if any film deserves to be featured twice, it’s “The Wizard of Oz.”

With “Wicked: For Good” coming to theaters this week as the movie event of the year, I’m thinking a lot about last year’s part one, “Wicked,” as well as the MGM classic from 1939, “The Wizard of Oz.” Here, I’d like to rank each of the ten songs that make up the latter’s soundtrack. It takes a bit of self-restraint to restrict the soundtrack of “The Wizard of Oz” down to ten numbers, so let me unpack that process.

I’ve decided to fuse the original songs and their reprises into one entry on the list, unless the reprise is very clearly a different number. So, for example, “If I Only Had a Brain” and “If I Only Had a Heart” share some musical DNA, but they are unique enough to have their own entries. On the other hand, we don’t need a new entry for just one added voice in every “We’re Off to See the Wizard” reprise, so just one entry for that song does the trick.

The big wrinkle in all of this is the humongous Munchkinland sequence, which, if you break it down, can include up to a dozen song fragments, including: “Come Out, Come Out…,” “It Really Was No Miracle,” “We Thank You Very Sweetly,” “Ding-Dong! The Witch is Dead” (and its reprise), “As Mayor of the Munchkin City,” “As Coroner, I Must Aver,” “The Lullaby League,” “The Lollipop Guild,” and “We Welcome You to the Munchkin Land.” If someone really wants to rank each of those fragments individually, be my guest, but we’ll be collectively labeling those under the Spotify-approved title of the “Munchkinland Musical Sequence.”

I think that takes care of the ground rules. Let’s get into it!

10. “If I Were King of the Forest”

In what’s practically a perfect film, “If I Were King of the Forest” stands out as an underwhelming sequence. As a scene, the Cowardly Lion’s campy coronation halts the excitement of the gang’s arrival in the Emerald City. While the other two companion songs are perfectly paced in the story, the Lion’s big tune comes a little out of nowhere. Bert Lahr is so good in “The Wizard of Oz,” but his intense vibrato is probably not the sharpest tool in his comedic arsenal.

9. “If I Only Had the Nerve”

I swear I like the Lion! It just so happens that the two songs in which he is featured most prominently are my two least favorite songs on the soundtrack. Again, it’s hard not to play the comparison game to the other two companion songs — “If I Only Had a Brain” and “If I Only Had a Heart.” By contrast, “If I Only Had the Nerve” is lacking in both creative lyricism and length. It’s fun for what it is, but this can’t quite match the stiff competition ahead.

8. “Optimistic Voices”

While extremely slight and ultimately forgettable, I’ve always had a soft spot for this goofy little ditty that accompanies the core four on their way through the poppies. Is this diegetic? Who is singing this? I have many questions, which is more than I can say for my thoughts on the two lower-ranked songs. There’s some intrigue to “Optimistic Voices,” which I consider to be a joy to hear. It gets a ton of credit from me for being super pleasant on the ears.

7. “Follow the Yellow Brick Road”

Just a bit outside of my standard for inclusion alongside the other Munchkinland songs and the “We’re Off to See the Wizard” offshoots, I would contend that the munchkins’ farewell jingle is a song of its own. This ear worm quite literally sets the tone for the rest of the film’s first few acts, during which the titular road is the critical plot device. Sure, the munchkins are a bit incessant with their repetitive directions, but you’d be a liar if you were to say this hasn’t been stuck in your head at some point.

6. “We’re Off to See the Wizard”

Here’s another jingle that falls into the ear worm category. I’ve always enjoyed the “woodchuck chuck”-esque wordplay on display, with the phrase “whiz of a wiz” being at the center of the silliness. To me, “We’re Off to See the Wizard” has always played like the unofficial theme song of the film. When the TV broadcast would go to commercial, you’d be played out with this song, which features vocals by Buddy Ebsen, the original Tin Man.

5. “The Merry Old Land of Oz”

This lyric will never not amuse me: “We get up at twelve and start to work at one/Take an hour for lunch and then at two we’re done/Jolly good fun!” The Emerald City is the party’s destination for the first half of the film, so getting there needed to feel like something special. Thankfully, we’re treated to “The Merry Old Land of Oz,” a chaotic-neutral anthem fit for a wizard, or maybe even a phony hiding behind a curtain. In either case, this is a highlight sequence.

4. “If I Only Had a Brain”

Dorothy Gale begins collecting companions for her journey in a cornfield, where a Scarecrow who looks just like Ray Bolger — not to mention, Hunk the farmhand — sings and dances his way to immortality. “If I Only Had a Brain” is a charming “I want” song, and it is the musical mold from which the Tin Man and Cowardly Lion will eventually pull. On a narrative level, it introduces us to the central theme of the film: What is desired has been there all along.

3. “If I Only Had a Heart”

My most iconic Halloween costume as a child was of the Scarecrow, but I’ve actually always been more of a Tin Man kind of guy. “If I Only Had a Heart” has a very cool sound to it, with those lumbering opening notes suiting the character very well. The sentimentality of the Tin Man is well-realized through the lyrics and Jack Haley’s wonderful performance, while his stilted dance sequence is a fun parallel to Bolger’s noodly performance moments earlier.

2. “Munchkinland Musical Sequence”

As noted in the opening, the “Munchkinland Musical Sequence” is packed with content. “The Wizard of Oz” made very good use of its uniquely colorful palette. When Dorothy arrives in Oz, the audience is transported there as well, but that feeling would be temporary if there was nothing interesting to look at and listen to. So, here’s a six-minute sequence with hundreds of characters with costumes and homes that pop with bright pigments. The munchkins could not have been more thrilled to have Dorothy serve as their unwitting assassin.

1. “Over the Rainbow”

Perhaps this whole list was a fruitless exercise, because what else could have been taking up this number one spot besides the greatest movie song of all-time? “Over the Rainbow” is beyond words. Judy Garland, one of the great entertainers of the 20th century, gives the performance of a lifetime before she even lands in Oz. What more can be said? The timelessness of the film has been aided by the perfect song at its core. Would something like “Wicked” have ever existed if Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg had not written “Over the Rainbow?” It seems unlikely. We owe them, and Garland, a great debt for this treasure.

REVIEW

“Christy”

Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Ben Foster

Christopher’s “meow” score: 9/10 paws

This past month’s box office lull was one of the slowest months financially in the history of the movie theater business. I read an article with a headline proclaiming “The Cinema Is Dead!” Seeing and hearing the numbers for October is infuriating to me, and they quite frankly hurt my heart. Why isn’t the general public getting their fannies into those seats anymore? Does anyone care if all of America’s classic cinemas shutter someday soon? I cannot be the only one who loves the rich, storied history of the cinema and big screens throughout the land. As convenient as at-home streaming is, nothing can touch the surround sound, buttery popcorn, and oversized giant screens.

Public, please hear my cry.

Tanking also in its opening week is the brand-new, gritty biopic entitled “Christy,” which only brought in just over $1 million. It follows the rise and fall of the first and most successful female boxer of the 1990s, Christy Martin. She was at one time a household name, the first female boxer to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine, and once shared a ticket on the pay-per-view extravaganza with boxing great Muhammad Ali.

I have come across so much hate and trash talk of the film’s lead actress, Sydney Sweeney (“Anyone But You,” “Immaculate”), who plays Christy, for numerous reasons. One being flak from a recent American Eagle ad gone wrong, and another because her voter registration was located in her home state of Florida, revealing that she is a registered Republican. Both factors hurt the chances of this film’s success, sadly. Not for nothing, but numbers aside, “Christy” just so happens to end up as one of the best pictures of 2025, without any question in my mind.

Yes, the wigs they made her wear in the film left much to be desired, but hairdo aside, I was very startled, touched, and moved to tears by not only this daring story but the portrayal of a true female trailblazer. With a strong supporting cast, Ben Foster (“3:10 to Yuma,” “Hell or High Water”) playing Jim Martin, Christy’s manager and eventual abusive husband, rocks the house with his outlaw portrayal, while Merritt Wever (TV’s “Nurse Jackie”) memorably plays Christy’s stubborn, traditional mother Joyce.

This boxing biography doesn’t pack quite the same punch that “Million Dollar Baby” did, but it still is more than worthy of your attention and ringside cheering section. Actress Sweeney gained approximately 35 pounds for this role through intense workouts and high-calorie intake of fast food. Mark my words (politics aside, cancel culture aside), you will not find a more emotionally jarring, impressively unsettling achievement in film anywhere else this year, but inside the necessary life story of “Christy.”

Bravo, I take a bow.

Christopher Vernon is a proud NEPA resident and award-winning writer and author. He began writing film reviews on his page ‘The Movie Meow’ in 2018. His favorite two films of all time are ‘Thelma & Louise’ and ‘Million Dollar Baby.’ And of course, you guessed it, Chris adores cats.

NEW YORK — The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is over — on paper, at least. But the American public isn’t done with it yet: Getting everything back up and running doesn’t happen all at once.

The disruption of the closure, clocking in at 43 days, varied in its impact. Some people, like unpaid federal workers, were immediately and directly affected. Others included recipients of federal funding through programs like Head Start and food aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

As the shutdown progressed, effects rippled. Delays and flight cancellations started racking up for passengers as the Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to cut back on flights because of air traffic controller shortages. There were closures at Smithsonian museum sites and the National Zoo (although the animals still got fed).

That’s a lot of programs, agencies and systems. Reclaiming “normal” won’t be instantaneous. Here’s a guide to what reopening looks like:

Federal workers

WHAT HAPPENED: About 1.25 million federal workers haven’t been paid since Oct. 1, missing about $16 billion in wages, according to official estimates. The workers were either furloughed or worked without pay in agencies across the federal government. Many struggled to make ends meet during that time, and the regional economy around Washington, D.C., took a hit.

WHAT NOW: The Office of Personnel Management, which manages the civil service, posted on X that federal workers were expected to be back Thursday, saying that “employees are expected to begin the workday on time. Normal operating procedures are in effect.” The pay owed to the workers will come in by Nov. 19. The money will go out in four separate tranches, depending on the agency, according to a senior administration official.

Help with heat

WHAT HAPPENED: The shutdown coincided with the arrival of colder temperatures, and funding for the $4.1 billion Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program was halted, prompting some states to delay payments for heating bills.

WHAT NOW: A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said Thursday that an agency within HHS will “work swiftly to administer annual awards,” but no timeline was given. Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, said it could take until mid-December or longer. Wolfe said recipients should still submit applications and tell utility companies they’re waiting for the funds. It’s trickier for people who rely on oil and propane because typically there are no protections. Recipients should check with their state; Vermont backfilled funding and Connecticut has pledged to cover the cost.

Flight disruptions

WHAT HAPPENED: The shutdown caused significant disruptions in aviation, with more and more unpaid air traffic controllers missing work as they dealt with the financial pressures and some of them picked up side jobs. Those staff shortages, combined with some troubling safety data, prompted the government to order airlines to cut some of their flights over the past week to relieve pressure on the system.

WHAT NOW: Those cuts aren’t increasing right now, but the Federal Aviation Administration won’t lift the order until safety metrics improve. Airlines say they expect to resume normal operations quickly after that. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said that controllers and other FAA employees should receive 70% of their back pay within 24-48 hours of the end of the shutdown, with the rest to come.

Federal social programs: SNAP

WHAT HAPPENED: Among the most high-profile impacts of the shutdown was on the SNAP program, which serves around 42 million people — about 1 in 8 Americans — in lower-income households. A series of court rulings and shifting policies from the Trump administration led to a patchwork distribution of November benefits. While some states had already issued full benefits, about two-thirds of states had issued only partial benefits or none at all.

WHAT NOW: On Thursday, state officials said they were working quickly to get full benefits to the millions of people who missed their regular monthly payments. Some states said SNAP recipients should receive their full monthly benefits starting Thursday or Friday, though it could take up to a week.

Federal social programs: Head Start

WHAT HAPPENED: When it comes to Head Start, the shutdown had held up the distribution of federal grant payments. Some affected centers remained open by furloughing portions of their staff or tapping into emergency reserves. Others were forced to close, shutting down child care for thousands of families. Head Start serves children from birth to age 5 who come from families that qualify for federal low-income guidelines, are homeless or receive public assistance. The program provides preschool education as well as developmental screenings and free meals.

WHAT NOW: The Office of Head Start will expedite funding and directly contact the impacted programs to share a timeline of when they can expect federal money, said Emily Hilliard, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The office is already operating at a reduced capacity after experiencing substantial layoffs earlier this year. But even when programs receive their money, program leaders worry of staffing shortages if too many furloughed employees already found other jobs. Some advocates said it could take several weeks for some of the programs across the country to receive funding and restore operations.

Taxes

WHAT HAPPENED: The Internal Revenue Service had closed walk-in assistance centers.

WHAT NOW: The centers are being reopened. The agency said all tax deadlines remain in effect but a backlog of paper correspondence developed during the shutdown, so responses will be delayed. Social Security recipients continued receiving payments throughout the shutdown. Local offices also remained open, though they had temporarily suspended a few services, including replacing Medicare cards and updating earnings records.

Education

WHAT HAPPENED: The Education Department laid off 466 Education Department staffers in the cross-government firings meant to pressure Democratic lawmakers over the shutdown. Those layoffs had been halted by a federal judge. The department furloughed 2,117 employees at the start of the shutdown, but some were brought back for essential work. New grants were also put on hold during the shutdown. Most school districts received the bulk of their federal funding over the summer, but some grants have been delayed.

WHAT NOW: The department said Thursday it had brought back all furloughed staff members or those dismissed in the Trump administration’s mass firings. Recipients of Impact Aid, which boosts the budgets of districts with large amounts of federal land that can’t be taxed for local schools, were waiting to learn when their payments would be processed.

The military

WHAT HAPPENED: Members of the U.S. military dealt with weeks of anxiety over whether they would get paid as they continued working. The Trump administration ultimately found ways to pay troops for the two pay periods during the closure. But the process was fraught; the administration located the money just days before each paycheck. Pay arrived days later than usual for many service members with early direct deposit, disrupting their ability to pay bills and forcing some to pay late fees or rack up debt. Reimbursements for the cost of moving between bases, which affects roughly 400,000 military families each year, were paused during the shutdown, advocates said. And weekend drills for many reservists were canceled, eliminating a chunk of pay that can be several hundred dollars each month.

WHAT NOW: Civilians in the Defense Department began returning Thursday. According to a memo provided to The Associated Press, the Air Force said civilians could take a day of administrative leave or work remotely for up to a week. Several military officials said the impacts on active-duty troops have been minimal.

National parks

WHAT HAPPENED: The country’s national parks largely stayed open through the shutdown with limited staffing. Outside groups and state governments had picked up the tab during the shutdown to keep visitor centers running and help with trash cleanup at many parks. And the Trump administration tapped into previously collected entrance fees to pay for cleaning restrooms and other basic services. But the efforts didn’t stop vandals from defacing rock features along Devils Garden Trail in Arches National Park in Utah and toppling a stone wall at Devil’s Den in Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.

WHAT NOW: National Park Service employees were ordered back to work Thursday. It will take time for rangers to fully assess parks, including backcountry areas, and more damage could yet be discovered, said Kristen Brengel with the National Parks Conservation Association. No fees were collected during the shutdown, costing parks almost $1 million a day in lost revenue.

Museums

WHAT HAPPENED: The Smithsonian buildings and the National Zoo were first closed Oct. 12. They are typically open every day except Christmas. The 20 sites together hosted more than 16 million people last year, and the organization has more than 3,600 federal employees. While the zoo has been closed, the popular livestream feeds capturing the famous giant pandas g were offline. The normally active social media pages sharing animal updates and colorful photographs were silent. The animals continue to be fed and get care.

WHAT NOW: Two of the Smithsonian’s museums along the National Mall – American History and Air and Space – were to reopen Friday. The organization says on its website that the rest of the Smithsonian’s sites across the Washington area and New York will reopen by Monday on a rolling basis.

The Dietrich Theater will host a free screening of the beloved film “An Officer and a Gentleman” at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12. This special event is presented by Veterans Connection: Meetup & Workshop and generously sponsored by M&T Bank.

The film follows Zack Mayo (Richard Gere), a determined Navy recruit navigating the challenges of Aviation Officer Candidate School. Under the stern guidance of Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley (Louis Gossett Jr.), Zack is forced to confront his own limitations and grow beyond his bravado.

Along the way, he forms a meaningful connection with Paula (Debra Winger), a spirited local woman with dreams of her own. Through rigorous training, emotional trials, and unexpected romance, “An Officer and a Gentleman” explores what it truly means to lead with integrity, resilience and heart.

This event is part of the ongoing Veterans Connection initiative, which brings veterans and community members together through film, conversation, and shared experience. Tickets are free and available while supplies last at the Dietrich Theater’s ticket booth or by calling 570-836-1022, ext. 3.

It’s the season when zombies eat brains and people eat mummies. At least, they can if they make this “Easy Mummy Stromboli.” But as always, “ease” is defined by the cook’s experience and time constraints.

One of the great things about this is how easy it can be, but doesn’t have to be.

The no-fuss version would use a store-ready dough such as two pizza crusts, a jar of pizza sauce, and a bag of grated mozzarella cheese. But I heartily encourage readers to try the home-made dough and sauce, and remind that pre-grated cheese is coated to keep it from sticking together.If you always use it, you may not notice; but once you grate your own, you’ll almost certainly never go back.

The marinara recipe below uses a jar or can of tomato sauce as a base, so you can season it to your heart’s delight. And this dough surprised me by coming out soft and fluffy, without getting soggy from the sauce. I offer one caveat: My dough required about a cup more of flour before it became firm enough to roll out. Next time I’ll withhold the half-cup water when I start mixing, adding the agua a little at a time if needed.

This makes two stromboli, which meant the next day there was one for MT to take to the newsroom for comments. Her report:

Bill O’Boyle was one of the first to enjoy the visual mummy impact. After chuckling at it for a while, he tried a slice and pronounced it good. But he might have been a little creeped out by the design.

“I’m glad I didn’t get the eyes,” he said, referring to the olive circles.

Margaret Roarty said the mummy looked cute — “definitely a good treat for a Halloween party” —but added she’s “not such a fan of pizza sauce. Objectively speaking, it’s good. It’s just not my cup of tea. The bread is good.”

Pizza fan Sam Zavada was very happy with the stromboli. “We’re on a roll in the test kitchen, a very good run,” he said. “If you sold this in any bar, there would be a market for it. It’s very professionally done.”

Jim MacIntyre from production was the only person to try it cold, without waiting for MT to zap it in the break room microwave. “The dough is fluffy,” he said with approval. “The tomato sauce has a sharp bite, that I like.”

“If I bought something like this from a pizza shop,” he concluded. “I’d definitely buy it again.”

Executive editor Jake Higgins was among the majority who tried the stromboli reheated, and MT cautioned him to wait for it to cool before he tried it. “I think the fresh dough smelled very good,” he said later. “It made me anxious for it to cool down.” He gave it a thumbs up and added, “I got a good ‘cheese pull,’ which is always a good thing.”

Page designer Lyndsay Bartos evaluated just about each ingredient: “I liked the pepperoni and the cheese,” she said. “I thought the bread was very good. Sometimes stromboli can get soggy, but that didn’t happen at all with this one,” she added with approval.

Two variations for consideration: You can make four smaller, personal-size stromboli, or use all the dough to make one big one, which would allow you to add other cold cuts (ham and salami, maybe), cheese (parmesan, of course) and even some heat from, say, banana pepper rings. Do that while skipping the tomato sauce and you’d be making my favorite stromboli from long-time friend and expert home chef Gary, which I wrote about for my eighth Times Leader Test Kitchen in May of 2020.

Dobru chut!

Easy Mummy Stromboli (abountifulkitchen.com, Si Foster)

Home made dough option

1 tablespoon yeast

¼ cup warm water

1 teaspoon sugar

4 cups flour

½ cup canola, vegetable or olive oil

½ cup milk, warmed

½ cup warm water

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons sea salt

1 egg beaten, if halving the recipe, use one egg

Filling

1 16-ounce pepperoni, sliced

1 12-15 ounce jar pizza sauce , or homemade sauce below

4-6 cups mozzarella cheese, grated

Home made sauce option

1 14-15 ounce jar (or can) tomato sauce

3 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons dry Italian seasoning

1 clove minced garlic

pinch of sugar

salt and pepper to taste

In a large mixing bowl, mix yeast and ¼ cup warm water. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar. Set aside until yeast begins to bubble.

Add 4 cups flour, oil, warm milk, water, sugar, salt and egg to the bowl (consider withholding the water until you mix it, adding as needed; my dough was much too moist and required nearly a cup more of flour to become workable). Mix until all ingredients are incorporated and the flour is no longer visible. Switch to the dough hook and turn on low for 2 minutes (or put dough on floured surface and kneed). Scrape down sides of bowl and spray sides of bowl lightly with cooking oil. Cover the bowl and place in a warm place for about 1 hour, or the dough may be placed in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight in a Ziplock bag .

While dough is rising, make sauce if using. Mix all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 10-15 minutes on medium heat.

Place dough on clean, floured surface. Split in half. Roll out each piece into approximately a 14×8 inch rectangle.

Spread about ½ to ¾ cup of the pizza sauce down the middle of the rolled out dough. Lay half of the meat on top of the pizza sauce. Sprinkle half of the cheese on top of the meat.

Using a pizza cutter or knife, start at the top of the dough and cut ½ inch strips along each side. Starting at top, fold the strips over alternately, ending at bottom. Pinch the ends together at top and bottom, tuck under to avoid the dough opening during baking.

Let sit 30 minutes. Heat oven to 375°. If shiny dough is desired, brush with a beaten egg. Just before baking, place a cut olive on mummy for eyes.

Bake for about 15-20 minutes. The mummy should be golden on bottom and top. Remove from oven, let sit for 10 minutes before cutting.