Karen Mason, a diva in her right, has returned to the starring role in Sunset Boulevard . The word is that Betty Buckley is off working on a film project -- the details of which are forthcoming -- and Karen has been called back to don the turban these remaining dates: July 26, August 1, and August 6 through the 10.

A well known theatre and cabaret star, Mason has performed the role of Norma Desmond more times than she can count on Broadway as well as in L.A. to critical acclaim and standing ovations.

Many may remember Karen as Mazeppa, "the stripper with a gimmick" in Jerome Robbins Broadway. Here rendition of "Mr. Monotony" rocked the show. Karen was recently featured in a new musical, this past spring, written for her by her long-time collaborator Brian Lasser called One Tough Cookie at the Apple Tree Theatre in Chicago, which she hopes to bring to New York in the coming year.

Also worth mentioning, her popular and yet hard to find CD "Not So Simply Broadway" has been re-issued and is available for those who like to sample Mason's smooth and sultry vocal tones. It's available in record stores or by sending check or money order for $21 (16.99 plus tax & postage) to Zevely Records, 511 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 382, New York, NY 10011. --By Katia Lundy