STEADY SHE GOES World Premiere to Open at Forward Theater Company
Brian Cowing directs the cast, including Matt Daniels, Maya Danks and Sam Frank-Taylor, at Overture Center's Playhouse.
Forward Theater Company will kick off its 2026-27 season with the world premiere of Steady She Goes by Erica Berman. Directed by Brian Cowing, performances will run September 10-27 in the Playhouse at Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, Wisconsin.
The production is part of World Premiere Wisconsin, the statewide festival celebrating new plays and musicals running through 2026.
Steady She Goes traces the true story of Mary Ann Brown Patten, who in 1856, at 19 years old and pregnant with her first child, took command of the clipper ship Neptune's Car after her husband, the ship's captain, became gravely ill during a voyage around Cape Horn.
Facing a threatened mutiny and treacherous seas, Patten navigated the ship safely into San Francisco, becoming the first woman known to command an American merchant vessel. Berman's new play brings Patten's story to the stage accompanied by classic sea shanties, with original arrangements by Scott McKenna Campbell.
“History celebrates the moment someone steps into the spotlight without asking why they weren't standing there all along. How many voices have gone unheard? How many stories are still waiting to be told?” said director Brian Cowing.
“That's what makes Erica Berman's play feel so alive. While rooted in a remarkable true story, it asks us to look again. To question our assumptions. To recognize what is already there in the people around us before circumstance forces them to prove it.”
The cast features Matt Daniels, Maya Danks, Sam Frank-Taylor, Seth K. Hale, Andrew Linden, Andreas Transø and Jennifer Vosters.
The artistic team includes scenic and lighting designer Jason Fassl, Costume Designer Shelley Cornia, sound designer James Uphoff, props director Jolie Sarajian, technical director Aaron Sewell, stage manager Abbi Hess, assistant stage manager Kenzie Smith and music director Sam Frank-Taylor.
Performances will take place Thursday, September 10 through Sunday, September 27, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m.
The Saturday, September 26 performance at 2 p.m. will feature ASL interpretation and audio description. Additional accessibility services at the Playhouse include assistive listening devices and large-print programs.
Tickets are on sale now.
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