Steady She Goes
Ross Zentner
Seth K. Hale, left, and Jennifer Vosters in the Forward Theater production 'Steady She Goes.'
Seth K. Hale, left, and Jennifer Vosters in the Forward Theater production 'Steady She Goes.'
Remember that sea shanty craze a few years back? It will have prepped you for the tunes in Steady She Goes. The romance of the sea. The thrill of dangerous winds and waves. Mutiny. These situations worked for Melville and audiences will be reminded of why in this true story. Mary Ann Brown Patten, back in 1856, took control of a merchant marine vessel when her husband, the captain, took ill. And move over, Ahab — she was 19 and eight months pregnant at the time. Brian Cowing directs Erica Berman’s script for Forward Theater; music arrangements are by Scott McKenna Campbell. This production is part of World Premiere Wisconsin. Read Charles Payne's review here. Shows at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, plus 2 p.m. on Sept. 19, 24 and 26.
media release: 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.”
Our preshow lectures explore the themes and inner workings of our productions, presented Thursdays (6:30pm) and Sundays (1:00pm) on the Rotunda stage in the Playhouse lobby. They provide an insightful look at our production design and creative process.
Steady She Goes cast members Sam Frank-Taylor (also music director) and Andreas Transø (also a professional folk musician and sea shantyman) will perform live sea shanties in the Playhouse 15 minutes before curtain. No orchestra pit required, just voices and the songs that powered real 19th-century sailors through storms like the one in the play.
Be sure to arrive early and enjoy the show!
Once the show opens, you can also enjoy the lectures online, any time! Visit the Steady She Goes show page, or check out our YouTube channel and join FTC Artistic Associate Marcella Kearns for a filmed version. It makes for a perfect pre-or-postshow deep dive.
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.
