Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Presents Regional Premiere Comedy FOURTEEN FUNERALS

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is presenting the regional premiere comedy Fourteen Funerals by Eric Pfeffinger. With sharp dialogue and poignant moments,  this production offers a comedic yet touching look at the ties that bind us—sometimes even after death. Directed  by Torie Wiggins, Fourteen Funerals takes the stage March 21–April 12, 2026. Premiere Sponsor is John Goering. 

Design Sponsor is Linda R. Holthaus. 

When Sienna receives a cryptic call about the untimely deaths of distant relatives in Blissfield, Indiana, she finds  herself unexpectedly tasked with delivering eulogies for family members she’s never met. What begins as a peculiar  obligation soon transforms into a journey of self-discovery and unexpected friendship with Millie, the quirky funeral  home receptionist. This witty and heartfelt new play explores themes of identity, connection, and the stories we  inherit. 

“When I first heard the title of Fourteen Funerals, I didn’t think I was interested. After I read it, I realized it’s not a  story about death . . . it’s a story about life,” says ETC’s Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “It shares this  concept that your past brings you fully and presently into your future—how your past is something that informs who  you are and gives you the information you need to know where to go. Fourteen Funerals is a story about the family  you come from, the family you choose, and how you can celebrate both.” 

About the Cast  

Shonita Joshi (Sienna) was last seen at Ensemble Theatre in Grand Horizons. She was born in Pune, India, and now  lives in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated from Stella Adler School of Acting and has degrees in banking, finance,  and journalism. Some of her recent credits include productions at Veterans Repertory Theatre and Chenango River  Theatre in New York; Purple Rose Theatre in Michigan; The Human Race Theatre Company, Cincinnati Playhouse in  the Park, and Ensemble Theatre in Ohio; Peterborough Players in New Hampshire; and more. She recently made her  television debut in season 27 of Law & Order: SVU. 

Maggie Lou Rader (Millie) was last seen at Ensemble Theatre in I Need That. She attended William Jewell College,  Oxford University, and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. She has performed regionally with Cincinnati Playhouse  in the Park, Human Race Theatre Company, Florida Studio Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, The Kitchen  Theatre, Know Theatre of Cincinnati, and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Some of her favorite credits include The  Pilot in Grounded, Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Marie Antoinette in The Revolutionists. She’s also a national  award-winning playwright and resident artist at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. 

Production team: Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), Cat Schmeal-Swope (Costume Designer),  Trey Tatum (Sound Designer), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Curator & Design Assistant), and Jacob Dowell (Technical  Director). Production Stage Manager is Lexi Muller. Assistant Stage Manager is Maddi O’Connell. 

Performance Information 

Performances Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm. A complete calendar of performances  is available at www.ensemblecincinnati.org. 

Ticket Prices