New York Musical Theatre Festival presents

UNFINISHED BUSINESS WITH KAREN MASON

Theater 3
311 West 43rd St.
NY NY 10036

22, 25, July

Music and Lyrics by Brian Lasser
Book by Karen Mason and Barry Kleinbort
Directed by Barry Kleinbort
Musical Direction by Christopher Denny

Although its popularity was starting to wane from its peak in the 1950’s, cabaret was still a vital and popular art form in the late 70’s through the early 90’s, People flocked to Rainbow and Stars, The Ballroom, the Algonquin’s Oak Room, Danny’s Skylight Room, and Don’t Tell Mama’s.

I would argue that cabaret is still vital, even though audiences aren’t showing up in droves anymore, and the few cabaret venues that exist are struggling. Most people seem to want the vocal gymnastics that are so prevalent today (i.e., American Idol, The Voice, etc.) instead of the delicate intimacy essential to cabaret.

Fellow cabaret lovers will want to see UNFINISHED BUSINESS WITH KAREN MASON. Telling the story of her early career, which was inseparable from her pianist and best friend, Brian Lasser, Mason blends charming anecdotes with lovely song interpretations. Mason’s powerful voice is Streisand-esque (she even does an excellent Barbra imitation), but she never relies on vocal chops alone. Each song is a perfect one-act piece that could stand alone, yet works with all the other songs to move the piece along. It is a sad story, as Lasser died far too young, but as with any good cabaret show, becomes a story of hope, as Karen Mason learned to go on without her best friend and musical collaborator. This wonderful show is proof positive that she can not only go on, but thrive.

- Jean Tait -