Madison, WI – To kickoff their 2026-27 season, Forward Theater Company will present the world premiere of Steady She Goes by Erica Berman. Directed by Brian Cowing. Performances are in the Playhouse at Overture Center for the Arts, September 10-27. This production is part of World Premiere Wisconsin, a statewide festival celebrating new plays and musicals, running through 2026.
Steady She Goes traces the real-life story of Mary Ann Brown Patten, who in 1856, at just 19 years old and pregnant with her first child, took command of the clipper ship Neptune’s Car after her husband and captain fell gravely ill during a voyage around Cape Horn. Facing down 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, set to a current of classic sea shanties, brings Patten’s little-known story to the stage.
“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?,” noted 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.”
ARTISTIC TEAM
Steady She Goes features Matt Daniels, Maya Danks, Sam Frank-Taylor, Seth K. Hale, Andrew Linden, Andreas Transø, and Jennifer Vosters.
Scenic & 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
Music Director: Sam Frank-Taylor
Additional Details:
WHAT
Forward Theater Company presents the rolling world premiere of:
Steady She Goes by Erica Berman
Original arrangements by Scott McKenna Campbell
Directed by Brian Cowing
WHEN & WHERE
Thursday, Sept 10 – Sunday, Sept 27, 2026
Evening performances at 7:30pm, Matinees (Sat & Sun, 3rd Thurs) at 2:00pm
All performances are in the Playhouse at Overture Center for the Arts, Madison, WI
TICKETS
Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased online at forwardtheater.com, or via overture.org. Tickets can be purchased via phone at 608.258.4141
Adults: $50-$63
Artist rate: $20 | Student rate: $18
Thursday, Sept 10 preview performance ticket prices – General public: $30, Students/Educators: $18
ACCESSIBILITY
ASL Interpretation: The Saturday, Sept 26 performance at 2:00pm will have ASL interpretation and audio description. Special seating is available with a view of the ASL interpreter.
Forward Theater also offers a variety of amenities in the Playhouse at Overture Center that make the theater going experience more accessible for all, including assistive listening devices, large print programs, and more. Visit forwardtheater.com/accessibility for details.
SPONSORS
Associate Sponsor: West Bend Insurance
Media Sponsor: The Cap Times
This project is supported by Dane Arts with additional funds from Diane Ballweg and the Endres Mfg. Company Foundation.
ABOUT FORWARD THEATER COMPANY
Founded in 2009, FTC creates a home base for Wisconsin theater professionals and audiences that expands the cultural and economic life of the greater Madison area.
MORE INFO
For more information, visit https://forwardtheater.com/show/steady-she-goes/
For press inquiries, photos and interviews, please contact Director of Marketing Scott Haden, (608) 234-5001, shaden@forwardtheater.com.
