My initial Mason encounter was through Not So Simply Broadway, a CD she recorded 20 years ago—in fact, it was one of the first I ever bought. I was sold by her attractive program of new and old show tunes, but nothing prepared me for the magnificent power of her upper register and her piercing directness. Mason's performances are never arched or forced. Other divas rely on idiosyncrasies for their individuality. Mason's distinction lies in sheer quality.

Word on the street grew. Mason was the standby Norma Desmond in Broadway's Sunset Boulevard. She covered several very famous ladies, but the smart money was always on Mason as the one to see. Mason also did a tour of duty in Mamma Mia!, where she elevated some very schlocky material.

What a pleasure, then, to find her starring in something first-rate—When You Wish Upon A Star, where Mason gets to wrap her exceptional voice around music by Gershwin, Arlen, John Kander and many others. (The title song is one bonbon among many.) So treat yourself, and take your Valentine. Isn't it time you learned a secret that New York's glitterati have known for years?