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Karen Mason

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Karen Mason BIO

After more than a year in the North American premier tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber?s LOVE NEVER DIES, playing Madame Giry to standing ovations, Karen is thrilled to be home in NYC. Previously on Broadway, she garnered rave reviews starring as The Queen of Hearts in WONDERLAND and she originated the role of Tanya in Abba?s MAMMA MIA! For her portrayal of Tanya, Ms. Mason was awarded a 2002 Drama Desk nomination as Best Actress. Her other leading roles include Norma Desmond in SUNSET BOULEVARD, which she performed to critical acclaim and standing ovations on Broadway and in Los Angeles for three years; Velma von Tussel in the final Broadway company of HAIRSPRAY; ?Monotony? singer, Mazeppa in JEROME ROBBINS? BROADWAY; Rosalie in CARNIVAL (another Drama Desk nomination); plus featured roles in Broadway?s TORCH SONG TRILOGY; and PLAY ME A COUNTRY SONG. Karen won the Outer Critics Circle Award for her performance in AND THE WORLD GOES ?ROUND, and starred Off-Broadway in her own show KAREN MASON SINGS BROADWAY, BEATLES AND BRIAN. Karen has headlined Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Feinstein?s ,Rainbow & Stars, The Algonquin, Arci?s Place, The Supper Club and The Ballroom in NYC; The Plush Room, The Fairmont Hotel, The Orinda in San Francisco; and The Park West, Davenport?s in Chicago. Her highly acclaimed recordings include IT?S ABOUT TIME; her 2009 MAC Award-winning Right Here/ Right Now, The Sweetest of Nights, the MAC Award-winning When The Sun Comes Out; Christmas! Christmas! Christmas!,; Better Days, (including the 1998 Emmy Award-winning song ?Hold Me?); and Not So Simply Broadway. Karen has been featured on the soundtrack of the original cast CD of Wonderland; Jeffrey (Varese Sarabande), the studio cast recording of Wonderful Town (JAY Records), the original cast album of And The World Goes Round (RCA Victor), The Child In Me, Vol. 1 (Harbinger Records), and Lost in Boston ll (Varese Sarabande).

Karen Mason Photos

Karen Mason STAGE CREDITS

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Playhouse World Premiere, 2019
Ma Lawlor/Kay Koverman

[US Tour]
First National Tour, 2017
Madame Giry

[US Tour]
National Tour, 2011
Miss Shields

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2011
Queen of Hearts

[St. Louis, MO (Regional)]
St. Louis MUNY Production, 2006
Rose

[New York]
World Premiere, 2005
Dorothy Parker

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2001
Tanya

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1994
Norma Desmond (Standby)

[Off-Broadway]
1993
The Incomparable Rosalie

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1993
The Incomparable Rosalie

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1991
Performer

Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1989
Rosalia [Replacement]

Singer [Replacement]

Mazeppa [Replacement]

Hildy [Replacement]

Company Member of "...Forum" [Replacement]

Bathing Beauty [Replacement]

Golde (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1983
Performer

[Broadway]
Unknown, 1982
Frances



Karen Mason TV Shows

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Mrs. Crewes, Miss Giddens

Karen Mason Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Karen Mason, Carnival

Karen Mason Videos

Karen Mason News


12th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS to Take Place at Joe's Pub in June


The 12th annual “Night of a Thousand Judys” – the Pride concert to benefit The Ali Forney Center written and hosted by Justin Elizabeth Sayre – will be performed at Joe’s Pub. Learn more about the event and see how to purchase tickets.

Henry Mancini Family Celebrates Late Composer's 100th Birthday with Tribute Album


The Henry Mancini family continues to celebrate what would have been the late legendary composer’s 100th birthday with the announcement of The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company. The album is the latest installment in what will be a year-long endeavor honoring the 20-time GRAMMY® and 4-time Academy Award winner whose centennial is being celebrated on April 16th. The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company will be available June 21st via Primary Wave, and the first single, “Peter Gunn,” featuring Quincy Jones, John Williams, Herbie Hancock, and Arturo Sandoval, is out now. Listen to the song here!

Photos: Inside the 2024 MAC Awards


The 38th MAC Awards were presented on Monday, April 15, 2024 at a live ceremony at NYC's Symphony Space. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos of the winners and guests here!

Karen Mason and Louis Rosen to Present AGES SINCE THE LAST TIME at Chelsea Table + Stage


CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE will present Broadway and concert star Karen Mason and award-winning songwriter and performer Louis Rosen in “Ages Since the Last Time” for two performances. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Review: Karen Mason's Lovely Tribute to Kander and Ebb is All That (Jazz)


Mason’s entrancing show is a love letter to the legendary songwriting team. Her warm memories of Kander and Ebb left the audience feeling as if they were also acquainted with the celebrated composer and lyricist.  

Vladimir Cetkar and His Jazz Soul Funk Ensemble to Perform at Chelsea Table + Stage


Join international composer, guitarist, and vocalist VLADIMIR CETKAR and his JAZZ SOUL FUNK ENSEMBLE at CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE. Learn how to purchase tickets.

BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup �" April 1 to April 7, 2024


Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week.

Marilyn Maye, Abby Mueller And More Take the Stage Next Month At 54 Below


Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

Photos: Karen Mason Returns To Birdland With Celebration Of Jule Styne


Broadway and cabaret star Karen Mason returned to Birdland on Monday, March 25, to share love for one of her favorite songwriters: Jule Styne. See photos from the concert!

KAREN MASON Brings Her Show KANDER & EBB ... AND ALL THAT JAZZ to The Upstairs Ballroom At The Sheldon


Mason is thrilled to be returning, again to St. Louis and bringing her show featuring the music of the legendary composers Kander and Ebb. She said, “the music they write is perfect for my voice and I enjoy singing the music they’ve composed for their musicals.” She had the chance to work in the original company of AND THE WORLD GOES ROUND with John Kander and Fred Ebb. She talked of how collaborative her work was with them, what special composers they are, and how she loves to sing their music. Mason beamed with pride when she talked about John Kander being in the audience when she premiered this show at Birdland in New York City. She said, “He couldn’t have been more kind and lovely.”  

Review: JUST IN STYNE: KAREN SINGS JULE Spreads the Joy at Birdland


Karen Mason was transcendent in JUST IN STYNE: KAREN SINGS JULE at Birdland Jazz Club. The versatile singer rocked the house last night, on Monday March 25th with a gorgeous selection of Jule Styne classics.

THE VOICE's Wendy Moten to Return to Birdland Jazz Club in April


BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present return of Nashville vocalist Wendy Moten – best known for her 2021 run on NBC’s “The Voice”. Learn how to purchase tickets.

BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup �" March 25 to March 31, 2024


Looking for some fun cabaret shows and other unique events to see this week in NYC and not sure where to start? Whether you’re looking for jazz, some classic fun and showtunes, comedy, or something that defies genre, we have you covered! There’s an overwhelming amount of live events in NYC, but we’ve narrowed it down to a few top picks.

Alice Ripley and John McDaniel to Perform at Birdland in April


BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present Tony Award-winning singer and actress Alice Ripley and Grammy and Emmy Award-winning musical director and pianist John McDaniel in concert. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Ben Platt, Norm Lewis, and More Set For The Ravinia Festival's 2024 Summer Lineup


The Ravinia Festival has revealed its complete 2024 summer lineup. Among this year's Broadway names taking the stage at The Ravinia Festival are Ben Platt, Jessie Mueller, Norm Lewis, Michael Feinstein, and more! Learn more about the full lineup here!

John Tartaglia, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Jared Grimes & More Join The Muny's 106th Season


The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers and music directors for its 2024 season. Learn about the shows this season and see how to purchase tickets!

Jaye Maynard to Honor Blossom Dearie at Chelsea Table + Stage


CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE will present vocalist Jaye Maynard in a special show “Bird Amongst the Blossom: A Tribute to the Blossom Dearie Songbook. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Dancers Over 40 Brings a Roast of Lee Roy Reams to 54 Below


Dancers Over 40 will celebrate its 30th anniversary as an organization with its first ever – and 54 Below’s first ever roast. The event will focus on Mr. Broadway himself, DO40 member and former board member Lee Roy Reams! 

Chelsea Table + Stage to Present FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE: THE SONGS OF RON MILLER


CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE will celebrate one of Motown’s most successful hitmakers in “For Once in My Life: The Songs of Ron Miller” on Monday, March 25 at 7:00 PM.

Karen Mason FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Karen Mason been in?

Karen Mason has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.

How many West End shows has Karen Mason been in?

Karen Mason has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Karen Mason been nominated for?

Karen Mason has been nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Carnival."

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