Hotel Topsy Turvy' opened in New York City during the 1898 season starring Marie Dressler and Edwin Foy, famous comedic actors of the time. This poster bills the play as being a new musical comedy, but this production was not among the first performances of 'Hotel Topsy Turvy' in the United States. It originated in France and had a successful run of 200 nights at the Folies Dramatiques in Paris, then was brought to the United States by entrepreneurial producers. It had a successful run at the Herald Square Theatre in New York and critics labeled the play in numerous ways, including burlesque and musical farce. 'The story is based on the farcical difficulties of a circus troupe that tries to keep a hotel. The ensuring complications and what happens to the guests can be better imagined than described. . .' (Life Magazine, 20 Oct. 1898). In 1900, producers Ryley and Dunne revived the show with Josie De Witt and Nellie Hawthorne as shown in this poster. Josie De Witt had been a successful vaudeville performer for several years, first seen with her sister, Vinie. She played the violin in vaudeville and was also known for her tuneful ballads. After her run in 'Hotel Topsy Turvy,' De Witt returned to the vaudeville circuit and became a strong favorite. She died tragically at the age of thirty-one after surgery while in Manchester, England in 1905. Production(s) represented: Louis XI. Character role(s) represented: Mr. Henry Irving (Louis XI), Mr. Martin Harvey (The Dauphin), Mr. Geo. Alexander (Duke De Nemours), Mr. Harbury (Philip De Commines), Mr. Wenman (Jacques Coiter), Mr. Tyars (Tristan L'Ermite), Mr. Archer (Oliver De Dain), Mr. Mead (Francois De Paule), Mr. Helmsley (Cardinal D'Alby), Mr. Louther (Count De Dreux), Mr. Baker (Montjoie), Mr. Davis (Monseigneur De Lude), Mr. Marion (The Count De Dunois), Mr. Johnson (Marcel), Mr. Hamilton (Richard), Mr. Lambourne (Didier), Mr. Graham (Officer of the Royal Guard), Mr. Mellish (Toison D'Or), Mr. Benn (King's Attendant), Miss Winifred Emery (Marie), Miss Foster (Jeanne), Miss Payne (Martha) , Artistic role(s) represented: Sir Henry Irving (Actor, Manager), George Alexander (Actor).