Set in “a little club off Sunset” in June 1953, the new musical Play It Cool takes audiences back to a time when simply entering a gay bar was cause for arrest. The show, which features a snappy jazz score and a film noir vibe, stars Tony nominee Sally Mayes as the owner of Mary’s Hideaway, who welcomes patrons while paying off a friendly cop in order to remain open. Click on our gallery of Joan Marcus’ production photos for a first look at the show, which co-stars Chris Hoch, Robyn Hurder, Michael F. McGuirk and Michael Buchanan. Play It Cool is currently turning up the heat at Theatre Row’s Acorn Theatre, where it opens on September 14 for a limited engagement.