About

Being Somebody is a father-daughter tour de force starring Dr. Howard Mase, a psychologist, mentor, and beloved coach, and his daughter, recording artist-playwright-performer Marla Mase. The pair comes together under the astute direction of renowned acting coach Elizabeth Browning.

Through masterful storytelling, music, and song, the talented duo takes us back in time to their formative years. Howard brings to life what it was like growing up as a skinny Jewish kid in Brooklyn’s post war gleam of the 1940s while Marla sings about holding fast to our dreams and explores her femininity in the gritty disco era of the 1970’s. 

Together, they take the audience on an emotionally charged, hilarious, coming-of-age journey that weaves a rich tapestry of hope and humor, creating a joyous reminder that we never stop growing and never stop becoming…

“Being Somebody came to me at a point when I wasn’t sure what was next,” Howard confided. “My wife of 64 years had just died, Marla and I were sitting shiva, and Elizabeth came to pay her respects. Marla suggested that I read some of the stories that I’d written that had been hidden away in a drawer for more than 35 years...” 

“As I sat there laughing, crying, and mesmerized by Howard’s ability to transport us back to an era marked by innocence, romance, and possibilities”, Elizabeth shares, “it came to me. ‘Howard, this is a show! The world needs to hear these stories. You and Marla could create something wonderful together!’”  

Marla adds,  “As soon as Elizabeth said that chills ran through my entire body and I said, 'Yes, Dad, yes! Let's do it.' ” 

 “It was like Being Somebody was born out of death,” mused Howard. So, art became the midwife, birthing the healing production that is Being Somebody.

"Last year we did 3 shows Off-Broadway in NYC. All sold out. The first was at Tada, the 2nd at AMT, and the 3rd at Theatre Row" says Marla. "I was blown away. Here he was, my father, making his NYC stage debut at 87 years old and killing it! He truly is an inspiration to all."

 Critics and Audience Members have responded with standing ovations, laughter, tears, and a resounding YES.