Gutenberg! The Musical!

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Ross Zentner

Doug Clemons, left, and Greg Pragel in 'Gutenberg! The Musical!'

Doug Clemons, left, and Greg Pragel in 'Gutenberg! The Musical!', Forward Theater, 2025.

If a couple of newbies staging an implausible Broadway musical sounds like a plot you’ve heard before (The Producers), you’re not entirely wrong. But unlike the protagonists in the storied Mel Brooks comedy, the two behind this unlikely show, Bud and Doug, truly believe in its worth. Gutenberg! The Musical!, about the inventor of the printing press and his love for his assistant, Helvetica, is a charmer. This Forward Theater production is directed by Jen Uphoff Gray; performances are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday (no shows Nov. 26-27), 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday (no early show Nov. 8) and 2 p.m. Sunday, plus 2 p.m. Nov. 28.

media release: For just the second time in their history, Forward Theater Company will present a musical as part of their season. This time, it’s in the form of the popular Broadway hit, Gutenberg! The Musical! by Anthony King & Scott Brown. Directed by Jen Uphoff Gray. Performances are in the Playhouse at Overture Center for the Arts, November 6-30. The production features Greg Pragel and Doug Clemons.

After the success of the 2023 Broadway revival, Forward is giving Madison theatergoers a chance to join in on the fun of Gutenberg!, something audiences are hungry for.

“Gutenberg! may not be a typical Forward show - it’s a brilliantly silly musical that may not send you home thinking deeply - but it’s exactly the kind of joyful, communal experience we love bringing to our audiences,” said Artistic Director Jen Uphoff Gray. “We pride ourselves on offering a wide range of theatrical adventures, and this one delivers laughter, connection, and a much-needed break from the outside world.”

To meet demand, Forward has added five performances to the run, closing November 30. Extending Gutenberg! after Thanksgiving will give audiences the chance to begin the holiday season with a laugh. Friends & Family four-pack tickets will be available via the Overture Center box office. 

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.

Gutenberg! The Musical! features Doug Clemons and Greg Pragel, alongside musicians Joy Bauman, William Preston, and Laura Schram.

Scenic Designer: Mike Lawler

Lighting Designer: Colin Gawronski

Costume Designer: Shannon Heibler

Sound Designer: James Uphoff

Props Director: Jolie Sarajian

Technical Directors: Aaron Sewell, Steve Watson

Stage Manager: Abbi Hess

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: $48-$61

Artist rate: $20 | Student rate: $17

Thursday, September 4 preview performance ticket prices - General public: $30, Students/Educators: $15  

ASL Interpretation: The Saturday, November 22 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.  

Gutenberg! The Musical! is generously sponsored by MG&E and The Cap Times.