I felt as if I was a special guest, invited into Karen Mason’s living room, handed a glass of wine and told "and now I’d like to sing for you." That’s the intimate, person to person communication that’s evident when you’re in her presence.  Looking slim and fit in a casual, but elegant, outfit of pants and glitter top, this knock ‘em dead performer opened her newest show with the Lerner & Lowe standard “Almost Like Being in Love” and we are. . . with her! All the descriptives that make up Mason – fierce emotion, intense, dynamic, exciting – are all rolled up into the fiber and soul of this powerful performer.

In Karen’s words "they pushed me into singing standards."  The story: she was asked to participate in the all Gershwin show as part of the Lyrics & Lyricists series at the 92^nd Street Y and asked what Gershwin song she’d like to sing, when she realized she didn’t really know one. Well, maybe a few bits and pieces. At that point, she knew she was missing a whole area of music!  And so audiences attending this latest show will be treated to a whole new side and extraordinary presentation of material by Karen as she releases her newest CD on Zevely Records Right Here, Right Now. What could be bad about listening to songs like Styne/Comden & Green’s “Just In Time” or the quiet intensity she brings to the Gerswhin’s “How Long Has This Been Going On?”

What I found most engaging was seeing Mason tell her story in a particularly quiet and tranquil way as she sang beautiful ballads like “Watch What Happens"/"I Will Wait For You" (Legrand/Demy/Gimbel) or the outstanding rendition of Billy Joel’s “He’s Got A Way” which made me feel I was let into someone’s soul as they told me their innermost secrets.  Styne/Robin’s “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” was made more exciting with its Latin rhythm but “Hurry, It’s Lovely Up Here” (Lane/Lerner) didn’t seem the right choice and was the only song to which she didn’t seem to have a connection. Karen Mason’s long-time dear friend and songwriter, Brian Lasser, wrote “I Made A New Friend,” which obviously had special meaning. Other great standards “Taking A Chance on Love” (Duke/LaTouche & Fetter), “If This Isn’t Love” (Lane/Harburg), “Somewhere” (Bernstein/Sondheim), “The Impossible Dream” (Leigh/Darion) were all given their just due with charm, wit and abundant style. The jazzy arrangement by Christopher Denny to Kander & Ebb’s “All That Jazz” is a top choice to show off her vocal prowess.

Karen describes herself as a linear thinker and multi tasker learning to compartmentalize as she opens next week as Velma Von Tussel in Broadway’s Hairspray, deals with a recent fire in their home, a visit by a relative and says wryly “Oh, but I’m happy, happy wearing excessive makeup and big jewelry…happy to be here ‘right here, right now’!”

The encore song and title of the show written for Karen by husband Paul Rolnick, made me feel I was peeking through a window into their life — so personal and beautiful, almost embarrassing for the onlooker to be given such insight as she tells us “I could never ask for more.”  Accompanied by long time friend and arranger Christopher Denny and directed by Barry Kleinbort, I can only say do not miss Karen Mason! The show runs through April 13th. Check specific performance times.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
April 2, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org