Passerelle (theatre)

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Set design for U2's 2001 Elevation Tour HeartWideShot3.jpg
Set design for U2's 2001 Elevation Tour

The word passerelle is a French word that means "footbridge" or "gangway." [1] In the theatre, it refers to a small catwalk that extends from one side of the stage to the other, passing in front of the orchestra pit. [2] Besides increasing the total stage area, this stage design allows performers to be closer to the audience.

Notable examples

One of the most prominent uses of a passerelle has been in the Broadway productions of the musical Hello, Dolly!. Notably, the show's memorable title song is staged – in part – on the passerelle. [3]

Hello, Dolly! at the Shubert Theatre Hello Dolly! (2017 Revival).jpg
Hello, Dolly! at the Shubert Theatre
The 2013 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall 2013 Tony Awards Opening.JPG
The 2013 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall

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References

  1. "English Translation of "passerelle" | Collins French-English Dictionary".
  2. Winslow, Colin (2011). The Oberon Glossary of Theatrical Terms. London: Oberon Books. p. 105.
  3. Paulson, Michael (29 May 2017). "Hello? Dolly? Bette Midler Seems Unlikely to Sing at Tony Awards". The New York Times.