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Passerelle (theatre)

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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

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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
The 2013 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall

References

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  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.