Heartbreak and Bad Carbs, in spite of the title's discouraging allusions, was a wry but cheerful romp through multiple emotions and a single girl's take on the aspects of love. Jennifer DiBella was impish as she sang of the search for "Mr. Right," rueful with "You've Changed," nostalgic with an appealing rendition of "Once Upon a Time," and funny as she describes how a girl seeking love should consider a dog.

A few songs provided an opportunity to discover DiBella's vocal abilities, although the piano accompaniment sometimes was thinner than she could have used. "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" was done largely a cappella to snapping fingers, and she sang a medley of "Autumn Leaves" and "When October Goes." However, the song list was clearly created for the songs' thematic content. "Shopping Cart of Love," a combination song and skit, was as much spoken as sung, and both "Say That We're Sweethearts Again," the battered woman's theme song, and "One More Minute," the breakup song, were delivered with laughs given top priority.

Putting it all together, Jennifer DiBella is a pleasing personality who brought her show and some welcome warmth to Don't Tell Mama on a rainy night in Manhattan.

Jennifer DiBella will present Heartbreak and Bad Carbs at Don't Tell Mama again on Wednesday, November 14th.

Peter Leavy
Cabaret Scenes
October 9, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org