Come see the great Ella Wesner, surnamed The Captain
Published: 1885
Number of pages: 4
Subjects: Cross-dressing; Male impersonators
Description: Chromolithographic advertising poster for Ella Wesner (1841-1917), depicting her in her celebrated role as "The Captain" featured in her own 1880s touring show, "Captain of the Queen's Own".

Poster is dated later than 1884 as the founding member of the theatrical company Evans, Bryant & Hoey's Meteors, James Niles, had died that year and is omitted here  in the company's name.
Notes: Open for research.

MS Thr 1929. Houghton Library, Harvard University.

Ella Wesner began her career as a ballet dancer and actress, later dressing as a man for a male impersonation act.

In English.

Purchased from Ian Brabner, Rare Americana with funds from the Beatrice, Benjamin and Richard Bader Fund in the Visual Arts of the Theatre, 2019 March.