Colonial Players of Annapolis’ production of Bump is a fun blend of humor, education, and poignancy. Chiara Atik’s play tells three stories: a car mechanic who invents a childbirth-assistance device (based on a true story); a group chat of pregnant women; and a midwife assisting a pregnant woman during Colonial times. Directed by Shannon Benil, it is a lovely ending to Colonial Players’ 76th season.
Rick Estberg plays grandfather-to-be Luis with enthusiasm. Initially uncomfortable with Maria (Mary MacLeod) and Claudia’s (Vanessa Van Note) conversations around Claudia’s pregnancy, reading magazines while they talk and interjecting comments, he soon eagerly shares his newfound knowledge as he develops the Vasquez Device for helping with childbirth. Showing it to pregnant mothers, he weaves scenarios in which they must get the baby out quickly, revealing how the Device will save lives.
Mary MacLeod plays Mary, Luis’ wife, with quiet strength. She questions Claudia’s desire for an at-home “water birth,” wondering about its practicality. Later, she remarks to Luis that she was glad he was not involved in her delivery but would have liked him to have been more involved with the baby. When Luis suggests that Claudia test the Vasquez Device during her own delivery, she helps Claudia come up with reasons why she should not, in ways that would not hurt Luis’ feelings.
Vanessa Van Note brings a youthful eagerness to Claudia. She describes with joy the benefits of “water birth” delivery and dramatically relates a tale of a friend’s woes in the hospital while giving birth. She resists Luis and Mary’s arguments against it, and is initially skeptical toward the Vasquez Device, but soon bonds with Luis over his research, helping him show it to medical people. In a vulnerable, scared moment, where she is without a plan, Luis gives her one.
Tom Byrne plays YouTube Guy, whose videos Luis watches, with excellent comic timing, perfectly capturing the quirks of technology. He talks too loudly when Luis has the volume turned up and mouths his words when muted. His trick with the cork in the wine bottle is cleverly inventive.
Hui Zhu, Colleen Isaiah, Melanie Gordon, Lena Hanrahan, Carrie Shade, and Amanda L. Matousek play the women of the group chat. While they all sit or stand while typing on their phones, in their separate areas, they react to each other with smiles or surprised looks. Sometimes they talk over each other. They set aside time for “WTF Wednesdays,” where they vent about elements of pregnancy that drive them crazy, and “Unpopular Opinion Thursdays.” Their individual personalities show through, with Zhu announcing she has gone off caffeine cold turkey and will not be getting an epidural during labor; she judges those in the group who have not. Matousek gives a powerful performance when describing her experience going through labor, surprised at how calm and “capable” she felt. They also play patients and a receptionist at a clinic where Luis discusses his Device, moving from suspicion to excitement as they try it out. Some also play women doing “water birth” videos, Hanrahan a comically relaxed one, while Gordon is much more in pain and fear.
Gemma Davimes brings an innocence to Mary, the Colonial woman preparing to give birth. She whimpers at the pains from the contractions, urgently wanting it to end. She curses her absent husband and the baby, trying to flee the house at one point. Julia Williams brings a firmness to the Midwife, casually telling Mary what to expect. She walks Mary around the room, bringing her back in when she tries to run. She has moments of compassion and understanding that connect these two different women.
Set and Properties Designers Shannon Benil and Kathy Parrott divide the stage in half. Audience left is a modern living room, with a sofa and various chairs around. On the other side are two small tables, a chair, and a rocking chair, with Colonial-feeling instruments. The living room’s cushioned coffee table becomes a bed as needed. The message board scenes use the whole stage. Duncan Hood’s Vasquez Device has a homemade feel, with some parts that look comical, but are effective. Costume Designer Shannon Benil quickly distinguishes the characters from each storyline, with the Vasquez family in contemporary clothing and the message board women all in black. Mary and the Midwife wear long Colonial dresses and caps.
Lighting Designer Eric Hufford blacks out the end of each scene and keeps the lights low at first for the message board scenes before raising them. During the Colonial scenes, lights in the back create the look of a fireplace. Sound Designer Sarah Wade throws out sounds of texting and other cell phone use, and has fun music in between scenes. Shannon Benil keeps the three different stories easily recognizable and going strong. The portrayals of online videos and group chats are done with great comic effect while still getting across the information and emotion. The actors hit all the right moments at just the right time. Everything comes together for an evening of theater filled with laughs and much to think about during and afterward. Don’t miss it!
Running Time: 90 minutes with no intermission.
Bump plays through May 17, 2025 (Thursdays–Saturdays at 8 pm; Sunday matinees March 16 and 23 at 2 pm), at Colonial Players of Annapolis – 108 East Street, Annapolis, MD. For tickets ($26), call the box office at 410-268-7373, opt 2, or purchase online. A virtual playbill is available here.
Contains strong language.
Bump
Written by Chiara Atik
Directed by Shannon Benil
