WIDOWBEDOTT

Humorist David Ross Locke, whose writings were much admired by Abraham Lincoln, adapted hisWidow Bedott Papersinto a four-act comedy at the behest of female impersonatorNeil Burgess, who found in the title character a perfect vehicle. The production opened on 15 March 1880 for 56 performances at Haverly's Lyceum Theatre, but Burgess revived it frequently over the subsequent decade. The simple plot provided Burgess with ample opportunity for comedy as it centers on gossipy, meddling Widow Bedott who sets her cap for remarriage to Elder Shadrack Sniffles, despite interference from her rival, Widow Jenkins.