At OUC, we strive to be a trusted community partner by directing resources towards programs and organizations that foster a positive social change. A key focus of our various community initiatives is on STEM education, as well as making arts and cultural experiences accessible to everyone.
The Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts’ newest musical, Brooklyn’s Bridge, tells the story of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The production which focuses on women in STEM, is part of the arts center’s Community Series supported by OUC, running from February 21 to March 6.
When it opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was considered an engineering marvel. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world, providing a crucial link between Brooklyn and Manhattan.
The tumultuous 14-year construction process was marked by engineering challenges and accidents that killed nearly 20 workers, with hundreds more injured or stricken by illness. In fact, the designer, John Roebling, died of tetanus at the project’s beginning. His son, Washington Roebling, a Civil War veteran, took over as chief engineer, but soon suffered a crippling attack of decompression sickness, known as “the bends.” At that point, the project’s future was in doubt.
Turning the project’s uncertainty into a reality was Emily Roebling, Washington Roebling’s wife. Emily became the on-site de facto chief engineer while her husband was ill and confined at home. She navigated engineering and political challenges – not to mention issues related to being a woman in a male-dominated field – for nearly 11 years leading up to the bridge’s opening day.
“This story has bubbled to the surface in recent years. It’s important for us to know that without this woman, the bridge would not have been built,” says New York-based director Ray Roderick, who wrote and directs the production, with music from composer Joseph Baker. “At the core, this is a love story. It’s a story about how this couple built this bridge together.”
Brooklyn’s Bridge features a cast of local talent on stage and behind the scenes, including Laurel Hatfield, who stars as Emily Roebling. An acclaimed singer, actor, writer and director, Hatfield most recently directed Steel Magnolias at Theater West End in Sanford. She also choreographed the 10th Annual Applause Awards at Dr. Phillips Center and recently performed in front of a sold-out crowd inside Judson’s Live, Dr. Phillips’ newest live music venue.
“The music is incredible. I get emotional when I sing these songs. I’m honored to be part of this production,” says Hatfield. “I hope more people learn about Emily and this story of a woman almost forgotten in history.”
Other Orlando theater community members include pianist Assel Jean-Pierre; drummer Colin Robinson, who played with Blue Man Group; and costume designer Ethan Henry who recently won Orlando Broadway World’s Best Costume Design of a play or musical, for his work on Pippin.
For more information on Brooklyn’s Bridge, including show times, and to get your tickets, go here. Tickets are $38.50.
