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Karen Mason

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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).

Photos

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


TV Shows

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

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Karen Mason, Carnival

Videos

News


Karen Mason to Present JUST IN STYNE: Karen Sings Jule at Davenport's
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 11, 2025

Award-winning concert and Broadway star Karen Mason will return to Wicker Park's Davenport's for the Chicago premiere of her celebrated show Just in Styne: Karen Sings Jule. Learn more!
A Month After Her Norma Desmond Debut, Rashidra Scott Is Still Grateful
by Caitlin Hornik - Apr 10, 2025

In the same season that Audra McDonald is tackling the behemoth of Rose in “Gypsy;” that Adrienne Warren is Broadway’s first-ever Cathy in “The Last Five Years;” that Lencia Kebede is the first Black woman to play Elphaba full-time in “Wicked” — Rashidra Scott is making history of her own.
Christy Trapp Brings THE TENDER TRAPP to Don't Tell Mama
by Stephi Wild - Apr 9, 2025

Don't Tell Mama will present Christy Trapp in The Tender Trapp, a woman's perspective on Sinatra's standards and double standards this month. Learn more here!
Photos: Karen Mason Returns To the Birdland Jazz Stage
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 26, 2025

Karen Mason’s returned to Birdland with “Karen’s Back” was a masterclass in charisma, vocal brilliance, and storytelling. Check out photos from the show.
Karen Mason Takes the Stage In KAREN'S BACK..AT BIRDLAND This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 11, 2025

Birdland Jazz Club will present the return of Broadway star, concert and recording artist Karen Mason on March 24, 2025 at 7pm, in her new show, Karen’s Back….at Birdland.
Photos: Barry Kleinbort Takes the Stage At Birdland
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 6, 2025

On Monday night, Birdland welcomed Barry Kleinbort toits stage Mr. Kleinbort himself hosted the fun, weaving together backstage anecdotes from his legendary career crafting material for some of the stage's most iconic divas. See photos from the show.
Norm Lewis, André De Shields, & More Nominated for 2025 MAC Awards - See the Full List
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 6, 2025

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) has revealed the 39th Annual MAC Awards. Check out the full list of nominees, which includes Norm Lewis, André De Shield, and more!
JAMIE DEROY & FRIENDS to Present THE KLEINBORT COLLECTION at Birdland
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 25, 2025

“Jamie deRoy & friends” will present The Kleinbort Collection, a one night only cabaret featuring songs by award winning composer and lyricist Barry Kleinbort
Photos: CAST PARTY Welcomes Susan Mack, Algonzo, and More to the Birdland Stage
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 12, 2025

Last week’s Cast Party was a whirlwind of impromptu performances. From soaring vocals to dazzling musicianship, the night was a celebration of talent and spontaneity. Check out photos from the show.
Photos: Jeff Harnar Celebrates The Songbook At Birdland
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 6, 2025

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB presented the return of MAC and Bistro Award-winning concert artist Jeff Harnar – celebrating Manhattan in music with Confessions of a New Yorker – on Monday, February 3 at 7:00 PM. See photos here!
Photos: Klea Blackhurst & JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY on Stage at Birdland
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 29, 2025

See photos from Klea Blackhurst & Jim Caruso's performances at Birdland. Blackhurst performed classics like Don't Rain on My Parade and more. Learn more about the performances!
Winners Announced For The 2024 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards
by BWW Awards - Jan 17, 2025

Winners have been announced for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! The 2024 Regional Awards honor regional productions, touring shows, and more which had their first performance between October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.
Single Tickets on Sale for SWEENEY TODD & More at Legacy Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2025

Single tickets are on sale now for Legacy Theatre's 5th milestone season, featuring Sweeney Todd and more. Learn more about the programming for Legacy Theatre's season and see how to purchase tickets.
Feature: 11 of the Best Cabaret Tribute Shows of 2024
by Rebecca Kaplan - Jan 1, 2025

One popular cabaret sub-genre is the tribute show, diving into the work of a specific singer, songwriter, or show. Here are some of the best tribute concerts from the past year, as chosen by the BroadwayWorld Cabaret team
Last Chance To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 27, 2024

This is the last chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Final Week To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 23, 2024

This is the final week to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
STAGE DOOR MEDIUM LIVE! to Return to Branford's Legacy Theatre In 2025
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 18, 2024

Branford's Legacy Theatre will continue to pull back the curtain on the theatre's 5th anniversary season with the latest addition to the 2025 lineup. See programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
Vote For The 2024 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards; TONY BENNETT: A TRIBUTE Leads Best Show!
by BWW Awards - Dec 16, 2024

Voting continues for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
 Illinois Conservatory for the Arts Hosts A NIGHT OF BROADWAY
by Stephi Wild - Dec 10, 2024

 Illinois Conservatory for the Arts will host its 3rd annual A Night of Broadway benefit Gala & Concert featuring its greatest all-star lineup of Broadway stars to date.
Latest Standings Announced For The 2024 BWW Cabaret Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 9, 2024

Don't miss your chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

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?

and Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Carnival.

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