Founded in 1888 by several of the era’s luminaries including Mark Twain, General William Tecumseh Sherman and actor Edwin Booth (brother of Abraham Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth), The Players originally began life as a club for actors, and quickly grew to include luminaries from every walk of life in its membership. Past and present members include Mark Twain, James Cagney, Peter O’Toole, Roger Moore, Jimmy Fallon and Ethan Hawke.

But you can go behind the walls of The Players, located at 156 Gramercy Park, when the club presents its Spring Spectacular May 7. The evening is being described as something of a Kennedy-era event, and the club is asking guests to dress the time period. If you weren’t around during the JFK years, think AMC’s “Mad Men” TV series.

As mentioned, Martha Wainwright will appear, performing selections from her Martha Wainwright Sings Piaf album. Jolie Holland will also perform, presenting a rendition of her song “Morphine” backed by a traditional big band. Speaking of which, JC Hopkins and his Biggish Band will provide accompaniment for Wainwright and Holland as well as serve as the house band for all of the evening’s entertainment.

Also appearing will be tap dancer De Witt Fleming Jr., and jazz singer Champian Fulton while singer Shien Lee performs with Pianist Bryan Reeder in the club’s Sergent Room.

Here’s where the “naughtiness” kicks in. The club’s “Spring Spectacular” will also feature burlesque entertainment, including an appearance by the winner of the 2009 Golden Pastie Award For Most Sensual Performer In Burlesque – Peekaboo Point, who along with Miss Coney Island Ekaterina will perform with the big band and during band breaks. The night will also include a performance by 1920s tapsters The Minsky Sisters.

For more information on The Players and its “Spring Spectacular,” click here for the club’s Web site.