Karen Mason to Join Hairspray as Velma Von Tussle

Stage and cabaret star Karen Mason will join the Broadway company of Hairspray on April 8 as villainous station manager Velma Von Tussle, replacing Mary Birdsong. The hit musical continues its run at the Neil Simon Theatre.

Mason is also set to premiere her new cabaret show, "Right Here Right Now," in conjunction with the release of her new CD of the same title, at the Metropolitan Room, playing seven performances from April 2 to april 13. She originated the role of Tanya in the Broadway production of Mamma Mia! and played Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard on Broadway and in Los Angeles. Mason's other Broadway credits include Jerome Robbins' Broadway, Carnival, Torch Song Trilogy and Play Me a Country Song. Her off-Broadway credits include And the World Goes Round and her own show, Karen Mason Sings Broadway, Beatles and Brian. Regional credits include the world premiere of White Christmas, Side by Side by Sondheim, Gypsy, One Tough Cookie, Heartbeats and Company. A celebrated vocalist, Mason has headlined nearly every major nightclub and concert hall in New York and appeared with symphonies around the country.

Hairspray currently stars George Wendt, Shannon Durig, Ashley Parker Angel, Tevin Campbell, Darlene Love, Susan Mosher, Tom Rooney, Niki Scalera, Ashley Spencer and Clarke Thorell.