Passerelle (theatre)

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]

References

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

[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.

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