Young Sofia Yassilieva will play the blonde scamp who commandeers and charms an entire hotel and its staff. Julie Andrews (Victor/Victoria) is Nanny, her British guardian. Also in the cast are theatre's Christine Baranski (Sweeney Todd at the Kennedy Center), Gavin Creel (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Debra Monk (The Seagull) and Kenneth Welsh. In the movie, "The Plaza is bustling with activity as hotel manager Mr. Salomone is juggling preparations for a grand debutante ball, as well as the stately visit of a royal prince. A besotted Mr. Salomone pleads with the irrepressible Eloise not to meddle in affairs, but it's too late. Eloise is determined to get an invitation to the ball and wants the royal prince as her escort."

Author Kay Thompson published her first Eloise book in 1955. Several sequels followed and the popularity of the character has never truly abated. (The Plaza has long since traded heavily on Eloise's image and legend.) In 2002, "Eloise Takes a Bawth," appeared and was the first new installment in many years. Hilary Knight was responsible for the famous illustrations in the "Eloise" books.