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- calendar_today September 15, 2026
Wisconsin audiences are experiencing a fresh look at maritime history as ‘Steady She Goes,’ a new sea shanty musical, brings the trailblazing journey of mary ann patten to center stage. Premiering with Forward Theater, the production revisits the extraordinary 1856 voyage that challenged both the oceans and the boundaries set for women leaders of the era.
A Historic Voyage Reimagined
Set against the treacherous backdrop of a cape horn voyage, ‘Steady She Goes’ unfolds the gripping true story of mary ann patten, only 19 years old and pregnant, who assumed command of the clipper ship Neptune’s Car when her captain husband was incapacitated. Navigating not just perilous seas but also resistance from a crew unaccustomed to female leadership, Patten’s legacy emerges as not only a tale of survival, but a commentary on societal recognition and authority.
From History to the Stage: Artistic Vision
The world premiere production benefits from the vision of acclaimed playwright erica berman and director Brian Cowing. Berman was drawn to patten’s narrative, eager to shed light on a rarely told chapter in maritime history. Through authentic musical arrangements and evocative set design, Forward Theater has transformed the historical play into a fully immersive experience for Wisconsin’s vibrant theater community.
The Power of Performance
Jennifer Vosters’ commanding portrayal of mary ann patten anchors the production. The performance highlights that true female leadership is cultivated over years of preparation and character, rather than sudden circumstance. The sea shanty musical style, with its stirring choruses and rhythmic drive, punctuates themes of authority and cooperation, serving both as a musical treat and as a metaphor for the camaraderie—and challenges—aboard the Neptune’s Car.
Reckoning with Gender and Authority
Throughout the play, the cast explores tensions around leadership and the societal skepticism faced by women in command. Scenes of crew mutiny and moments of mutual reliance illustrate how prejudice and trust collide under duress. The production uses these dynamics to comment on enduring biases, urging Wisconsin audiences to question who is allowed visibility as a leader, both in the past and today.
Musical Storytelling as Emotional Anchor
‘Steady She Goes’ is as much a celebration of musical innovation as it is a journey through maritime history. The sea shanty tradition animates the ship’s daily struggles and victories, connecting Wisconsin theatergoers to the enduring spirit of those who traversed the oceans in the age of the clipper ship. The music and lyrics deepen the drama and offer a reminder of the unique traditions that defined life at sea.
Community Impact and Reflection
With its thought-provoking storytelling, rich musical heritage, and unflinching look at historical bias, ‘Steady She Goes’ offers more than entertainment. The Forward Theater Company’s dedication to producing this world premiere underlines Wisconsin’s role as a supporter of new and important works in American theater. Audiences are invited not just to witness mary ann patten’s journey, but to reflect on how histories are recorded and who is given credit for courage under pressure.
A Lasting Legacy
As ‘Steady She Goes’ completes its Wisconsin run, the impact of this historical play resonates beyond the theater walls. By staging the story of mary ann patten, Forward Theater has sparked conversation about visibility, leadership, and the roles women have played—often silently—in shaping history. The production is poised to inspire future explorations of untold stories, reminding regional audiences of the value found in recognizing those whose leadership, like Patten’s, went long overlooked.
