Beginning Sept. 1, Luba Mason succeeds Linda Eder in the role of Lucy in the Broadway production of Jekyll & Hyde. Eder gave her final performance Aug. 30.

Eder is leaving to join the ensemble of The Civil War, which, like Jekyll & Hyde, has a score by her husband, Frank Wildhorn. Civil War begins previews in Houston Sept. 8, opens there Sept. 16, and is scheduled to open on Broadway April 22, 1999.

Mason's credits include Paul Simon's The Capeman of last season, Hedy La Rue in the recent Broadway revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, plus The Will Rogers Follies and the national tour of Sunset Boulevard.

"I'm actually quite proud of getting the role," said Mason. "I was in Capeman and we had just gotten our notice. Right about that time I read that Eder was leaving. I was familiar enough with Frank [Wildhorn]'s music and people told me he would love my voice. So I just bugged my agent. Unfortunately, my agent came back with the news that he could not get me an appointment."

Mason refused to give up on the part. She sent numerous letters and made many phone calls. Finally, the show's musical director secured her an audition. "I guess I made an impression," understates Mason. As for the tuner's devoted followers, known as the Jeckies, Mason was unaware of their existence until recently. "I am computer illiterate," she said, "so I guess my only contract with them will be outside the theatre. I hope the Jeckies approve."

Mason has signed on for a year-long stay. Jekyll & Hyde's two other stars, Robert Cuccioli and Christiane Noll, are signed to stay with the show through Jan. 3, 1999.