Review by Katrina “Kat” Reynolds
FOURTEEN FUNERALS presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through April 12th. I attended the Opening Night performance.
Shonita Joshi as Sienna & Maggie Lou Rader as Millie. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.
A young woman receives a vague call regarding the deaths of distant relatives in a small town – sounds like the intro to something spooky, right? Dead wrong. This spring, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati presents FOURTEEN FUNERALS, a dusky comedy by playwright Eric Pfeffinger.
Director Torie Wiggins (who was keen to take on a comedy after a series of less-than-humourous projects) wields her artistic magic adeptly in this two-hander. With the action taking place entirely in a funeral home, Ms. Wiggins skillfully keeps the momentum going and staging animated so the space does not feel claustrophobic. The juxtaposition of this with necessary moments of stillness is superb. Scenic & Lighting Designer Brian c. Mehring offers his usual attention to detail with some amusing little Easter eggs (the boxes of tissue everywhere are a great choice). Special shoutout to Sound Designer Trey Tatum for his homage to fireworks (#IYKYK).
This show calls for two actors who have great chemistry – and ETC delivers with a dynamic duo. Shonita Joshi plays Sienna, a very anti-smalltown human who is forced to face a lot more than for which she bargained when she arrives in Blissfield, IN. Ms. Joshi is a very natural actor and excels at portraying the hardened character whose cracks slowly begin to show. Countering the hard shell of Sienna is Millie, the mortuary’s receptionist who is depicted by Maggie Lou Rader. Ms. Rader is entirely believable as a chatty and optimistic employee who struggles with typical funeral home reserve. Like her co-star, she offers an incredible take on her character’s arc as we discover some of the darker things Millie has witnessed. Dialogue flows easily between the two performing artists and laughter is elicited from their audience with seemingly little effort. Brava to a very talented pair of professionals!
In just two acts, the audience plays witness to a deep study of the human condition. Certainly grief plays a role – we are addressing death, after all; but there is so much more than one might expect. Mr. Pfeffinger has managed to write a piece filled with many emotions that still manages to end with the audience smiling – and it doesn’t take an unrealistically sappy path to get you there. This is a feel-good time at theatre in all the best ways.
Click here for more information about the production.
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