As in my recent column, here's another look back at 2012, talking about some shows I was able to see, but hadn't written about here or elsewhere. If you missed them in 2012, don't worry; 2013 is still young. My usual beat is cabaret, but these shows aren't your usual cabaret shows. This column will look at memorable shows by BEN RIMALOWER, and shows that are musical-comedy variety with AMY WOLK plus CAIT DOYLE AND COMPANY, and THE RESCIGNOS --- all have trod the boards at The Duplex, New York's oldest continuing cabaret. With eclectic booking, Thomas Honeck and Lisa Moss run the room (they also run the lights and sound with flair).

                                                          Sing Out, Raise Hope, a benefit concert featuring the nation's premier vocal groups and Tony Award-winning Broadway star and cabaret/recording artist Chistine Ebersole, currently starring in the hit TV series "Sullivan and Son," will take place on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at The Town Hall in New York City. Presented by the Association of Yale Alumni and the Yale Whiffenpoofs Alumni Association the evening will benefit The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (www.pedaids.org), The Yale Whiffenpoofs,the NYU N'Harmonics, The Young People's Chorus of New York City. Special guest Christine Ebersole will perform a cappella and choral renditions of American jazz classics, contemporary pop hits, holiday favorites, and more.

                                                      Some knew him as that British-born composer of classical music who'd studied with Pierre Boulez and created concerti, an opera, string quartets, beginning in his teens. Movie-goers had their experiences enhanced by the power and charm of his scores for such films as Equus, Far From the Madding Crowd, Nicholas and Alexandra, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Yanks and Murder on the Orient Express. His name appearing on the cover of a soundtrack album after "Music by" has always been reason enough for me to make the purchase, whether I'd ever see the actual motion picture or not.

                        Al Martin presents 702 Punchlines & Pregnant - The Jackie Mason Musical, with Special Holiday Performances @ 3pm!!! Sunday, Dec 23 – Wednesday, Dec 26 - Friday, Dec 28 Saturday, Dec 29 – Sunday, Dec 30, Monday, Dec 31 & Tuesday, Jan 1.

                                                 On January 15th, at Stage72 (formerly The Triad), Sammy Cahn's disciple, Fernand Gabrielli, will present his personal tribute to his friend and mentor, who died 20 years ago on that very same date. Gabrielli comes from Paris specifically to do this show featuring 21 songs with lyrics by Cahn. He will be accompanied by the veteran Russ Kassoff (former pianist of Liza Minnelli and Frank Sinatra). The special guest is Steve Ross, who will perform three numbers and then a couple of others with the host.

                                                   Following a successful four-month run at San Martin, Chris Barrett brings his music to La Rivista on Restaurant Row. The new show begins Monday, January 21, 2013, with an open run of Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. The dinner show is at 8 PM and the supper show is at 10 PM. There is no cover charge.

                                 Jeff Harner, one of the most celebrated performers of the American Popular Songbook, will return to The Laurie Beechman Theatre in the show Does this Song Make Me Look Fat? (Lighter Fare for a Winter Night) for four shows at 7pm: Monday nights from January 14 to 28 and then Friday, February 8.

                                        Feinstein's at Loews Regency, the nightclub proclaimed "Best of New York" by New York Magazine and "an invaluable New York institution" by The New York Post, will close its Fall 2012 season with the return of the club's founder Michael Feinstein and two-time Tony Award winning Broadway and TV star Christine Ebersole, from December 23 through New Year's Eve.