HannahTaylor

An unsung hero of Marian theater is its world-renowned bridge, formally and affectionately named: Bridge. The location and purpose of Bridge, however, is shrouded in mystery. 

The bridge in question is the towering gray (or white, or black or basically any other color) structure that has been used in seven of eight shows performed at Marian in the past four years. During these years, Bridge has been painted, cut in half, put on top of itself, adorned with glow tape (to avoid anyone tripping down its stairs), had multiple railings installed and — of course — been assembled and dismantled each and every time it has been used.

Mr. Danny Fell, the director of set construction at Marian, has seen the beginnings and present disappearance of the bridge. “The bridge was first built for ‘Footloose,’” Fell said. “Footloose” was Marian’s 2021 fall musical and was built as a “train bridge” — hence the Bridge’s name.

“It cost a lot then… but it would cost more today,” Fell said. The bridge, standing 8 feet tall by 8 feet wide, was created to “fill the space.” When there’s “a 14-foot-tall stage… it’s easier to see a person who’s 8 feet up,” Fell said. 

With the Performing Arts Center’s stage being a staggering 14 feet tall, 10 feet wide and 10 feet deep, making levels on a stage is important to display as many actors as possible and gives for more room to block and play with pictures. 

Of course, the bridge has been seen in many variations due to its “modular design,” Fell said. The first iteration was in “Footloose,” where it was a straight across bridge with steps leading off into the wings. While the motives of Bridge seemed unknown, the purpose was revealed by Fell: it was for a train station set. 

In “Beauty and the Beast,” Marian’s 2022 fall musical, it was cut in two, had a landing and two staircases added to give the effect of a grand staircase in the beast’s castle. The next year, it was still cut in half, but now had white and blue villas with string lights and a dock in between the two halves to create the island in “Mamma Mia!”. With each and every interpretation, Bridge took on a new and exciting role.

However, during construction for the set of Marian’s 2025 production of “Cinderella,” a shocking announcement was made: Bridge would not be a returning member (or rather set piece). It was a shock to the cast when instead of the classic bridge or some variation of it, there was a towering castle, double flat, carriage and more scenery than ever before seen. 

“I thought it was refreshing,” said senior Layla Weedin in response to Bridge’s absence in this production. “It’s so exciting to have a completely new set… it’s fun,” said Weedin. Weedin has been in Marian productions since freshman year, seeing almost all adaptations of Bridge and its temporary retirement. 

Although Bridge is not being used in “Cinderella,” the new pieces create vignettes of the palace’s stairs, the inside and outside of the stepmother’s cottage, and the magical forest — among other scenes. Ultimately, Bridge is not indefinitely retired, and its well deserved break is being filled with new and exciting sets on Marian’s stage — who may one day reach the coveted title of having its first letter capitalized when referred to.