76%
(37 Ratings)
Positive
84%
Mixed
13%
Negative
3%
Members say
Entertaining, Funny, Clever, Delightful, Great acting

About the Show

Ensemble Studio Theatre presents a new play which follows three different stories of three separate quests for knowledge, all revolving around pregnancy and childbirth.

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Critic Reviews (11)

The New York Times
May 17th, 2018

“Isn’t much of a play. It’s part sketch comedy and part advertorial, with some historical fiction tossed in, too. The structure’s a mess, the characters are whisper thin. The word 'uterus' is uttered nine times. But if you are pregnant, if you have been pregnant, if you have resulted from a pregnancy, you will probably find it very funny...The tone is keen, but not sharp. It’s sweet, yet not syrupy. Under Weill’s direction, it’s all performed with zest and empathy.”
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Theatermania
May 17th, 2018

“'Bump' deals well enough with the science side of things, making an accessible and entertaining story out of a medical innovation. However, without an emotional arc to supplement, all you have is an amusing anecdote — not a fully developed play...A sometimes funny but ultimately toothless story. Atik beefs up the play with two adjacent story lines."
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Lighting & Sound America
May 18th, 2018

“Only runs ninety minutes, but it gets winded long before reaching the finish line...So little happens in 'Bump,' I hesitate to even call it a play...I'll say this for the colonial subplot: At least it distracts from the obvious fact that 'Bump' is little more than a collection of stray observations...It has been some time since I have encountered a play founded on such a rickety dramatic foundation...At least Weill, who directed, assembled an affable cast.”
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TheaterScene.net
May 18th, 2018

“Atik’s insightful, inventive and entertaining comedy about pregnancy...Atik complements her engaging contemporary scenario with creative theatricality...The totality of plot threads makes for a charming and engrossing take on the subject due to Atik’s highly skillful writing that combines an imaginative structure with snappy dialogue...Sparkling performances and lively pacing...Does have a measure of grim reality to prevent it from becoming treacle.”
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CurtainUp
May 18th, 2018

“The entire cast has good chemistry that seems to be the product of genuine stage bonding...There's a genuine warmth emanating from these actors...There's plenty of humor bubbling up in 'Bump'...What makes this play hum is its realism, as well as the infectious humor and vibrant characters...'Bump' will hit home with women who are or have been expectant mothers, as well as science buffs.”
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Front Mezz Junkies
May 17th, 2018

“Unfortunately, not quite ready to be born as of yet...Has some charming moments and, if given some more time to develop fully, a promising future. It has a professional, thoughtful cast...But the structure and the layering of ideas still needs gestating...Some more work on this fine pregnancy is required before it is brought forth, possibly needing a great dramaturge to help nurture this baby in the womb, giving it a logical formation."
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Exeunt Magazine
May 25th, 2018

"In only 90 minutes we dash from bit to bit without enough collective resonance. Nevertheless, the inventive staging by Claudia Weill and warm performances by the ensemble give us some moments to cheer for...The scientific and mechanical while curious are not as gripping as the relational...'Bump' doesn’t show us a whole lot we don’t already know. But we do get to meet a community of women and can celebrate in their joy and mourn for their losses as they make this journey."
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New York Theater
May 17th, 2018

“As entertaining as it is informative...Takes a completely unexpected and delightful turn...The three alternating threads in 'Bump' allow for smooth transitions, and Director Claudia Weill makes the most of the small stage...The acting is all fine, none finer than Gilbert Cruz as Luis, who is at first hilariously clueless but winds up being the most clued-in...‘Bump’ provides some laughs and some welcome enlightenment even to theatergoers who may be more clueless than Luis was."
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