The Widow [To Say Nothing of the Man]

A witty, sharply observed comedy opens with a widow and a bachelor gliding down a lazy river, turning a casual canoe ride into a spirited debate about what makes a “model” wife. Their banter likens women to automobiles, coats, and hats, teasing out the contradictions of early‑20th‑century expectations while hinting at the paradoxes of love, practicality, and desire. Through rapid, sparkling dialogue the two characters reveal contrasting philosophies: the widow’s pragmatic search for a steady, dependable partner versus the bachelor’s yearning for an irresistible, tempest‑tossed romance.

The opening sets a light‑hearted, slightly satirical tone, inviting listeners to follow the widow’s quest for a “perfect” match amid societal pressures and personal quirks. As the conversation drifts from philosophy to the very real dilemmas of courtship, the stage is set for a charming exploration of marriage, ambition, and the surprising ways people try to navigate both.