Cates, who is currently part of the ensemble of Stephen Schwartz's Wicked, will mark her farewell to New York City — she's off to Chicago to standby for Ana Gasteyer in the sit-down production of Wicked — with a June 6 concert at the downtown cabaret. Phil Geoffrey Bond will direct Cates' 7 PM concert with musical direction by Ray Fellman. Karen Mason will offer an evening of Brian Lasser tunes June 13 at 7 PM. The late Lasser was Mason's long-time musical director. She has titled her evening "Better Days" and will be accompanied by Christopher Denny.

Kristy Cates made her Broadway debut in the ensemble of Wicked, where she also understudied the role of Elphaba. Off-Broadway the singer actress was seen in Boobs! The Musical, and her regional credits include john and jen and Into the Woods. A graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Cates recently took part in an evening of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Unexpected Songs at Joe's Pub.

A star of the musical theatre and cabaret stage, Karen Mason has appeared on Broadway in Mamma Mia!, Sunset Boulevard, Jerome Robbins' Broadway and Torch Song Trilogy. Her Off-Broadway credits include And the World Goes 'Round and Carnival, and she has also been seen on the small screen in "Law & Order" and "As the World Turns." A six-time MAC Award-winning performer, Mason has charmed audiences at Carnegie Hall, Rainbow & Stars, Davenport's and L.A.'s The Cinegrill. Her solo recordings include "When the Sun Comes Out," "Not So Simply Broadway" and "Christmas! Christmas! Christmas!"

The Duplex Cabaret Theatre is located in Manhattan at 61 Christopher Street. Tickets, priced at $20, are available by calling (212) 868-4444 or by visiting www.smarttix.com.