The death of a loved one is a macabre subject around which to base a play. To take an audience through the stages of grief and loss can seem like a depressing task, but playwright Ivan Menchell decided to tackle the job — and write a comedy about death, and show that grief can possibly be the way to laughter.

Taking all things into consideration, he wrote the play “The Cemetery Club.”

Etta Berkowitz, who plays the grieving widow Ida in the comedy, has learned many things from her years being involved with theater and acting: Always learn your lines quickly, and be prepared for the emotional goodbye when a show comes to an end.

“Being in a play with a group of people is a bonding experience,” Berkowitz says. “You are really in it together.”

“The Cemetery Club” is the story of three women who go through the grieving process of losing their husbands together. The women were friends as couples and continue their friendship even after their husbands pass on. They bond as they visit the cemetery together once a month and as they fight over who is older and wiser. They even bond as they discuss when the appropriate time is to start dating again. These three best friends prove that life goes on, even after a loved one dies.

Berkowitz says Ida and her two friends Doris and Lucille experience many emotions, but Ida finds herself bouncing between two feelings.

“She misses her husband and respects his memory,” Berkowitz says. “But Lucille pushes her to play the field.”

The comedy focuses on the lighter side of dealing with death and the grief that may accompany losing a spouse. Berkowitz and the rest of the five-person cast are looking forward to the Friday night debut performance.

“I am excited,” she says. “And I am thinking, ohmigosh. We really need to have everything just right by then.”

Berkowitz says “The Cemetery Club” is a story of life, love and laughter and how three women truly bond on and off the stage.

“It is comedy with a tender side,” Berkowitz says.

When the performance comes to an end June 27, Berkowitz says she is looking forward to having some time for herself, but will also miss the cast members who have become good friends.

“It is always really mixed emotions at the end of a show,” she said. “There is some relief at the end, but then there is always sadness too.”

Berkowitz has thoroughly enjoyed playing the part of the widow, Ida, but she is also excited to find out what new parts she may take on once this show wraps up.

“If something comes up appropriate for a 50-plus woman, I will try for it,” Berkowitz says.

Thinking about closing night can wait for now. Doris, Lucille and Ida have a brand new show to put on. Berkowitz says playing a widow can be more enjoyable than typically expected.

“It really is a ton of fun,” Berkowitz said.