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Shows Category: 2020s

Steady She Goes

By Scott Haden

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.

Associate Sponsor: West Bend Insurance
Media Sponsor: The Cap Times

Gaslight

By Scott Haden

Bella’s frightfully happy. Except: she’s been seeing things. Losing things. Forgetting things. Is her hold on reality slipping? Both from inside and outside her household, help is promised. But whom should she believe?

Shine a light on the truth in Steven Dietz’ new adaptation of the thriller that gave us a word for danger far, far too close to home.

Producers: Jacqui & Steve Suleski
Sponsor: MG&E
Media Sponsor: City Cast Madison

Dakar 2000

By Scott Haden

As the world counts down to Y2K, a young Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal crosses paths with a State Department operative whose motives are enigmatic from the moment they meet. What begins as a simple assignment spirals into a charged negotiation of ambition, desire, and shifting allegiances.

Rajiv Joseph’s gripping two-hander blends spy-thriller tension with razor-sharp psychology, asking who gets to tell the truth – and who pays the price when the truth gets bent.

Producer: Jane Coleman
Associate Sponsor: Stafford Rosenbaum LLP
Media Sponsor: Our Lives magazine, Madison365

The First Lady of Television

By Scott Haden

In 1950, Gertrude Berg was a household name: writer, producer, and star of “The Goldbergs,” America’s first family sitcom. But when her co-star was accused of Communism, she faced an impossible choice: protect him and risk everything, or bow to the demands of sponsors and censors.

This vibrant new play brings a trailblazing entertainer to life in a story of art, integrity, and the political pressures that shaped (and still shape) American entertainment.

A drama about loyalty. A comedy about television. A story as relevant now as it was then.

Producers: Nancy Ciezki & Diane Kostecke
Sponsor: DeWitt LLP

2024 Wisconsin Wrights New Play Festival

By Scott Haden

The goal of Forward Theater Company and Wisconsin Wrights is to support and develop new theatrical work, via a biennial new play festival that features up to three works by Wisconsin playwrights. After a submission and selection process, selected playwrights communicate with professional directors, dramaturgs, and actors to develop their plays, culminating in public readings at the festival. Each night is dedicated to a single play.

Gutenberg! The Musical!

By Scott Haden

Bud and Doug have poured their hearts (and not much research) into their brand-new, Broadway-bound musical about Johann Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press. With nothing but trucker hats, a piano, and relentless optimism, these two lovable underdogs play the entire cast of characters in a laugh-out-loud love letter to musicals. A chaotic and hilarious celebration of big dreams, bad ideas, and the magic of live theater.

Ironbound

By Scott Haden

It takes work to dream… especially at a bus stop in New Jersey. An immigrant fighting for a better life learns what’s fleeting and what lasts, in this clear-eyed and darkly funny portrait spanning 22 years. IRONBOUND is a meditation on hope, love, and staying human.

Lady Disdain

By Scott Haden

A wildly successful romantasy series needs the best of the best to voice its audiobooks. Who better, alas, than exes Bea and Ben? Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ gets a makeover – and Beatrice and Benedick a do-over – in this fierce and sexy comedy about the hottest books on the market and standing up for those you love – including yourself.

2026 Wisconsin Wrights New Play Festival

By Scott Haden

The goal of Forward Theater Company and Wisconsin Wrights is to support and develop new theatrical work, via a biennial new play festival that features up to three works by Wisconsin playwrights. After a submission and selection process, selected playwrights communicate with professional directors, dramaturgs, and actors to develop their plays, culminating in public readings at the festival. Each night is dedicated to a single play.

King James

By Scott Haden

“King” LeBron James was just the hero that Cleveland needed. One of the greatest NBA players to ever hit the court, his influence brought promise and renewal to an entire city. Set against the backdrop of James’ electrifying basketball career, this fast-paced comedy chronicles the turbulent bond between two die-hard fans, whose intertwined fortunes are tied to those of their idol. A hilarious and heartfelt exploration of loyalty, legacy, and the shared moments that define us.

Sponsored by Counting on the Arts and The Cap Times.