'Play It Cool' New Jazz Musical Readings Oct. 19 & 22

Play It Cool, the acclaimed new jazz musical will presented in two special industry readings in New York City, on Friday, October 19 and Monday, October 22.  Both readings are at 2PM.  Sharon Rosen directs.

With a book by Larry Dean Harris and Martin Casella and lyrics by Mark Winkler, "Play It Cool is set in the fictional underground jazz club Mary's Hideaway, circa 1953, and explores the secret world of mid-twentieth century gay Hollywood.   Inspired by the period's film noir, the jazz musical examines the laws governing gay and lesbian clubs of the time; when women were not allowed to bartend and men could not dance with other men; when every glance had a double meaning, every word was an innuendo, and everything had to be done to strict code.  Set against a sexy Hollywood backdrop, Play It Cool looks at the people of the time who had the guts to break the rules… along with the ones who were only to happy to play along with them," state press notes.

Play It Cool features music by Phillip Swann, with additional musical contributions by David Benoit, Michael Cruz, Marilyn Harris, Robert Kraft, Emilio Palame, Joe Pasquale and Dan Siegel.

The two industry presentations of Play It Cool will feature two-time Drama Desk Award nominee Nancy Anderson (Yank!, Fanny Hill), Paul Clausen (seen in the National Tour of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas with Ann-Margret), three-time Tony Award nominee Dee Hoty (Mamma Mia!), Javier Muñoz (In The Heights) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan).  Casting was by Judy Bowman Casting.

The world premiere of Play It Cool was presented in the summer of 2006 at the Celebration Theatre in Los Angeles.  That production garnered three L.A. Ovation Award nominations, including "Best World Premiere Musical," as well as two L.A. Weekly Award nominations and a prestigious GLAAD Award nomination.  The musical was a Critic's Pick in the Los Angeles Times, L.A. Weekly and Backstage West.

Readings to be presented on Friday, Oct. 19 and Monday, Oct. 22 at 2PM at The Snapple Theatre Center (210 W 50th Street @ Broadway); 4th Floor Rehearsal Studio. To RSVP:  Call 212/997-5399 or email playitcool@roygabayproductions.com