Photo Gallery: Playmakers Youth Theatre Presents Grease Jr.

In 1997, Playmakers Youth Theatre at the Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland launched its first season with a cast of 30 for the play Shmooly the Talking Latka. Fast forward 15 years: three casts totaling 225 youngsters are rotating roles for the theater's production of  The play opened on Dec. 1 and will run Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 18. at

Playmakers Youth Theater is geared to youngsters in grades 2 to 9. Over the years, program participants have traveled to New York and performed at the Allen and Halle theaters. Under founder and director , the theater has performed a range of productions that have ranged from Singin' in the Rain to Hair and Cabaret.

 Performances are at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for seniors, students and Mandel JCC members. Call the box office at (216) 831-0700 ext. 1230, e-mail ljoynt@mandeljcc.org or visit www.mandeljcc.org for information.