WORLD PREMIERE
Steady She Goes
September 10-27, 2026
WRITTEN BY
Erica Berman
Original Arrangements by Scott McKenna Campbell
DIRECTED BY Brian Cowing
Part of World Premiere Wisconsin, a statewide festival celebrating new plays and musicals.
Riding on a current of classic sea shanties, this world premiere adventure traces the real-life story of Mary Ann Brown Patten and the clipper Neptune’s Car. When her husband the captain falls desperately ill on a voyage around Cape Horn, Mary battles treachery and superstition to captain the clipper herself.
Brave the unfathomable, in a race against time and over two oceans, to bring a ship of souls safely home.
Overture Center
for the Arts
About the show
Runtime:
2 hr, 5 min
Includes 15 min intermission
Performance Dates:
September 10-27, 2026
Age Recommendations:
Ages 13+
Accessibility
We strive to make our performances available to the entire community. We’re proud to be a resident company at Overture Center, which provides practical accessibility for a variety of needs.
Cast
Jennifer Vosters
MarySeth K. Hale
JoshuaAndreas Transø
Mr. HareMaya Danks
TommyMatt Daniels
KeelerAndrew Linden
PeterFrankie Briet
U/S Joshua, U/S PeterStephen Deeter
U/S Music Director & EnsembleDaniel Jajewski
U/S Keeler, U/S Mr. HareMadison Uphoff
U/S Mary, U/S TommyCreative Team
Brian Cowing
DirectorSam Frank-Taylor
Music Director & EnsembleJason Fassl
Scenic & Lighting DesignerShelley Cornia
Costume DesignerJames Uphoff
Sound DesignerJolie Sarajian
Props DirectorAbbi Hess
Stage ManagerKenzie Smith
Assistant Stage ManagerAaron Sewell
Technical DirectorReview:
Forward Theater’s ‘Steady She Goes’ recovers a heroine
By Charles Payne | Isthmus
Review:
Forward Theater’s ‘Steady She Goes’ sets sail in the Playhouse
By Lindsay Christians | The Cap Times
Event Recap:
Cap Times Idea Fest: Two stories of a seafaring heroine
By Lindsay Christians | The Cap Times
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The Music of Steady She Goes
Check out the Steady She Goes song list!
SONG LIST
Check out the Steady She Goes songbook, with lyrics!
Listen to recordings of the songs featured in the production:
Sea Shanty Singalongs Around Madison:
Friday, Sept 4 (1st Fridays of the month)
Awildan Distilling
5353 Maly Rd, Sun Prairie, WI
7-9pm
Tuesday, Sept 8 (2nd Tues of the month)
Roxy’s Restobar
208 W Main, Stoughton, WI
7-9pm
Tuesday, Sept 15 (3rd Tues of the month)
Muso
2040 Winnebago St, Madison, WI
7-9pm
Show Sponsors
