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First Posted: 10/28/2013

Three Back Mountain residents are sharing the spotlight in a brand new bound-for-Broadway musical comedy at the Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre.

“National Pastime” is a musical comedy based at a radio station in a small Iowa town in 1933. It’s during the Great Depression and the station is going broke, until the staff creates a fictitious baseball team that never loses. The result is a night of pure fun, based on the snappy score and hilarious dialogue.

Maureen Hozempa, who plays one of a trio of jingle girls who sing live commercials throughout the show, says “this is an amazing opportunity to do something before anyone else.” The Bishop O’Reilly/Wilkes University alumna added, “It is so great to be part of this creative process in developing a show.”

Adam James Moore, originally from Plainfield, New Jersey, came to the Wyoming Valley several years ago for a job opportunity. Moore sees his role as a Chicago “hit man” as “the chance to make history, a very rare opportunity.”

Tom Franko, also a Wilkes grad, plays fellow mobster Joe. He has had major parts in “Spamalot,” “Barefoot in the Park” and” Les Miserables.” He is also delighted to have the chance to be part of “something that is taking on a life of its own, being refined as we go and that someday may get to the Great White Way.”

“National Pastime” shows at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and at 3 p.m. on Sundays at 3 pm through Nov. 10 at the Little Theatre, 537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. For ticket information and reservations, call 570-823-1875.