Karen Mason Returns to Her Cabaret Roots
February 28, 2015
By Sidney Myer for Cabaret Scenes
Karen Mason returns to where it all began for her in cabaret—to the “room with the dome” at Don’t Tell Mama—in Mason at Mama’s in March. She performs every Sunday and Monday at 7:00 pm throughout the month.
We thought it only appropriate to ask Sidney Myer, who is no stranger to the venue, having been its booking manager for years, to interview Karen as she sets out on her month-long stay.
Sidney: What was the Manhattan cabaret world like in the late 1970s and early ’80s when you first came on the scene?
Karen: When Brian Lasser and I moved to New York from Chicago in 1978-1979, there were quite a few performing spaces. There was a “pay to play” ethic in some of them —- and the star rooms. Then there were these few owners—like Jan Wallman, and Erv Raible and Rob Hoskins, to name a few—who believed in giving the artists a chance to create and grow. From the performer’s aspect, it felt like there was the opportunity to have a home…a safe place to work. Even if you had four people in the audience, you did not cancel! You did the show, you made no money, AND you knew that the club owner would be there for you…that you were building audiences together. It was a longer view of learning your craft than now. And we were all in it together!
Sidney: What did it mean to you to be chosen (along with Nancy LaMott) to open a new club in the theater district at that time?
Karen: I am sure I didn’t totally comprehend the enormity of the honor at the time. That comes with age. But I do remember being outrageously excited about being Midtown!! And being close to all these Broadway houses! I knew there was something special about this opportunity. I was moving uptown!!! It was great fun. I didn’t take the opportunity lightly. But, I think, in my mind, not only was I ready for it… well, it just felt right.
Sidney: Over the past decades, even as you starred on Broadway and in theater around the country and appeared with symphony orchestras, cabaret has always been a constant in your performing life. Why is that?
Karen: I am lucky because I have gotten to do a lot of different things, including recording. But here is the thing: To me, cabaret is the most direct connection to an audience. And to your Music Director. I love that connection. I love that experience of singing a great arrangement of a fantastic song with a great accompanist. Ain’t nothing like it!
Sidney: How does it feel to be returning to a club, which both you and Nancy opened, now that you, Nancy and the club are a part of nightlife history?
Karen: I don’t think too much about the “legendary” part of things. I am always just happy to be working! I have to say that after our tech today at Mama’s, I was very overwhelmed. So much has happened since 1982, so many people have died, and those of us left….well, it was overwhelming. I felt very at home! All those shows that have happened on that stage…there is a great feeling of history in the space. Not because of anything we did alone. But because of all the love and inspiration that has happened under that dome!!
Sidney: Is creating a show in 2015 different for you than creating a show in 1982 and, if so, how?
Karen: Creating a new show is always a difficult journey. Anyone who knows me (this is you, Barry Kleinbort, Christopher Denny and Paul Rolnick), knows I get a little crazy! Until I find my way into the show! In 2015, what has changed is that I am more aware of who I am as a performer. What I want to sing about has changed over the years. Surprisingly, now I don’t want to sing the “life is too difficult” ballads. Although, when I first started, there couldn’t be enough of them in one set!!
Sidney: A recent review referred to you as “the accomplished Karen Mason.” What were you hoping to accomplish in 1982 and are those hopes the same today?
Karen: That word sounds so dry to me. I am hoping it was a compliment! In 1982, I had the ambition of a young hopeful. I wanted to rule the world! Now, I want to work with great people, honor the people I have known, and keep working to make myself a better artist. Oh yes, and also make a good paycheck!
Sidney: Do you have a philosophy or outlook on this most uncertain business that explains why you are always at the top of your game?
Karen: It is pretty simple: I don’t stop working on my game! Hey, I have bad days and lousy games, like everyone. But I do make it my business to try to be as prepared as possible, and keep studying. This business is difficult on everyone. As long as it still gives me something in return, I will keep trying to make sure I am doing my best. Otherwise, why put up with the bullshit? And there is never a scarcity of that! There is also a lot of joy to be had from music. Singing is a very spiritual and visceral thing for me. Why would I stop???
Karen Mason: Mason at Mama’s in March
Every Sunday & Monday in March at 7:00 pm
Don’t Tell Mama
347 W. 48th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues)
Reservations: 212.757.0788 (after 4:00 PM daily)
or www.donttellmamanyc.com/home