Press Releases

McCarter Theatre Center Announces Adventurous 2023–2024 Season

With lineup of inspired theatrical productions, world-class music and dance, spoken word, and more! The Performing Arts Center’s diverse season includes visits from marquee names including Patti Smith, David Sedaris, and Jhumpa Lahiri, alongside Pulitzer-Nominated plays and new productions of classic favorites.

Bard at The Gate: Season 22-23

BARD AT THE GATE announces 3rd season: 4 plays by women, including U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo.
Season begins October 19 with SHAPESHIFTER by Laura Schellhardt
Also new this season: all productions streamed by BROADWAY ON DEMAND.

McCarter announces 2022-2023 season

McCarter has announced its 2022-23 season featuring a robust lineup of theater, music, dance, comedy, spoken word, and family programming - and a special Toni Morrison project in partnership with Princeton University. The artists and stories shared are joyous, thought-provoking, moving, invigorating, and mostly brand new to McCarter.

Paula Abreu named new Director of Special Programming

Abreu takes on role of Presented Events Curator following 60-year tenure of Bill Lockwood. 

We are thrilled to welcome Paula Abreu who will begin to work with McCarter’s Artistic team this summer, joining the company full-time in September 2022.

“Ride The Cyclone: The Musical” An Exhilarating, Emotion-Packed Production April 30 - May 29

PRINCETON, NJ - McCarter rings in Spring with Ride The Cyclone: The Musical - a wholly unexpected, wildly imaginative story that delivers surprises at every turn. The first show to be directed by McCarter’s new Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen, with book, music & lyrics by Brooke Maxwell & Jacob Richmond, The New York Times described the show as “…high-spirited and just plain fun…like an all-access pass to Disneyland.”  Watch Show Trailer

McCarter announces new board chair and welcomes 5 new trustees

McCarter is thrilled to announce new Board Chair W. Rochelle Calhoun and the appointment of five new trustees. Princeton’s premier cultural hub for the performing arts, the organization will expand its scope of leadership expertise and deepen relationships across Central New Jersey and Princeton University in welcoming Elliott Asarnow, James Barrood, Rohit Mehrotra, Neha Desai Shah, and David Walker to the Board, led by President Rochelle Calhoun.

Bill Lockwood Steps Down At McCarter Theatre Center

After a remarkable and distinguished career at McCarter, Bill Lockwood will be stepping down as the Director of Special Programming at the end of June 2022.

Drama League Stage Directing Fellowship

McCarter has partnered with The Drama League to offer a two-year experience for early-career stage directors, supported by an unprecedented $100, 000 scholarship prize per recipient, health care insurance reimbursement, and a wide range of unparalleled opportunities.

Bard at the Gate

BARD AT THE GATE - one of the break-out play series borne of last year’s lockdown - will return for an additional two seasons starting this fall when Paula Vogel's virtual start-up partners with McCarter Theatre Center.

McCarter Concerts in Palmer Square

The series of live music performances will kick off on April 25, 2021, and take place Sundays from 4-6pm through June 20, 2021. The free experience will safely reconnect the community with an afternoon of family-friendly entertainment for all ages.

Sarah Rasmussen Awarded a BOLD Theater Women’s Leadership Grant

Earlier this week, the 2021 recipients of the BOLD Theatre Women's Leadership grants were announced and Sarah Rasmussen was once again selected for this honor. Sarah had been part of the original cohort of grant recipients during her tenure at the Jungle Theater in Minneapolis. This award offers substantial support of $250,000 per year for two years.

FEBRUARY 3, 2021

The Manic Monologues

McCarter announces a unique collaboration with Princeton University Health Services, The 24 Hour Plays, and Innovations in Socially Distant Performance at the Lewis Center for the Arts.

A virtual theatrical experience that spotlights true stories to disrupt the stigma of mental illness.

OCTOBER 5, 2020

Nicole A. Watson Appointed As Associate Artistic Director

New position supported by major grant from BOLD Theater Women’s Leadership Circle.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

McCarter Announces Virtual Play Festival

A unique digital partnership with Round House Theatre features a 4-week festival honoring living legend, experimentalist — playwright Adrienne Kennedy.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

McCarter Welcomes New Board Members

At the first Board of Trustees meeting of the season, McCarter Theatre Center president, Robert J. Caruso welcomed three new members to the board.  This was also the first board meeting for McCarter’s new Artistic Director, Sarah Rasmussen.

APRIL 23, 2020

McCarter Announces Sarah Rasmussen as New Artistic Director

Innovative director and educator begins tenure on August 1.

March 31, 2020

A Message of Thanks from McCarter

Outpouring of support is greatly appreciated.

MARCH 23, 2020

UPDATE: McCarter Cancels All Performances Through June 30

The full production run of Nathan Alan Davis’ The Refuge Plays, all scheduled Presented Series events for the rest of the season including the Jazz in June Festival, and 2020 Gala featuring Michael Feinstein are affected.

MARCH 20, 2020

McCarter Receives Emergency Support Grant from the Laurents/Hatcher Foundation

Grant will provide critical support to McCarter in meeting its obligations during the current COVID-19 health crisis. 

February 26, 2020

McCarter Theatre Center Announces 2020-2021 Theater Series

Two new musicals, a culture-clash comedy, and inventive and timely takes on classic tales are on deck at Princeton’s Tony-Award winning theater

February 26, 2020

McCarter Theatre Center announces 2020-2021 Presented Season

Season lineup to feature an exciting and eclectic mix of the world’s greatest musicians, dance companies, and performing artists, including several returning favorites and McCarter debuts

December 12, 2019

McCarter Presents the World Premiere of Rachel Bonds' Goodnight Nobody

Emmy Award-winner Dana Delany is featured in Rachel Bonds’ emotionally
heartfelt new work directed by Tyne Rafaeli.

NOVEMBER 20, 2019

McCarter Announces New Musical for the 2020-2021 Season

Bhangin’ It, a co-production with La Jolla Playhouse,is an exhilarating new musical set in the high stakes world of intercollegiate competitive Bhangra dance.

NOVEMBER 18, 2019

McCarter Theatre Center Presents A Christmas Carol

Princeton’s annual holiday tradition returns December 10 – 29 with a much-loved mix of expert storytelling, community connections, and theatrical magic.

October 7, 2019

McCarter Welcomes New Board of Trustees Members

Seven community volunteers join McCarter's existing team of arts advocates. 

September 16, 2019

McCarter Theatre Presents Lookingglass Theatre Company's production of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Direct from its acclaimed world-premiere run in Chicago, Lookingglass Theatre Company returns to McCarter with a galvanic adaptation of Shelley’s undying story, running October 15 – November 3.

August 20, 2019

Princeton Symphony Orchestra and McCarter Announce new Princeton Pops Series

Performances to feature Sutton Foster, a concert of famous movie scores, and staged reading of a new musical comedy

JULY 25, 2019

McCarter Theatre Center Welcomes New President of the Board of Trustees

Robert J. Caruso elected to serve three year term. 

JULY 16, 2019

Two-Time Academy Award Nominee Mary McDonnell to Star in Gloria: A Life at McCarter Theatre Center

Gloria: A Life runs September 6 – October 6 and is produced in association with
American Repertory Theater at Harvard University

JUNE 7, 2019

McCarter Theatre Center Announces 2019 Lineup For 18th Annual Sallie B. Goodman Artists’ Retreat

César Alvarez, John Augustine, Rachel Bonds, Donnetta Lavinia Grays, Denis O'Hare, Jiehae Park, Lisa Peterson, Max Posner, Sarah Ruhl, and Lucy Simon to gather in Princeton for annual retreat.

JUNE 7, 2019

McCarter Announces Added Events for 2019-2020

Updated schedule to feature appearances from Ira Glass, Roseanne Cash, and more.

MAY 3, 2019

McCarter Presents Jazz in June

2nd annual festival to feature five events in McCarter's Berlind Theatre, June 7-22.

APRIL 18, 2019

May Events at McCarter

Including Chris Botti, Acrobuffos, Mark Morris Dance Company, Ahmad Jamal, and Dark Star Orchestra.

APRIL 5, 2019

McCarter Theatre Center Presents David Hare’s Skylight

Helmed by McCarter Artistic Director Emily Mann, Skylight runs May 3 – June 2.

APRIL 2, 2019

Something for Everyone This April at McCarter Theatre Center

Ten events in four weeks bring the best of dance, rock, classica, and magic to Princeton.

MARCH 19, 2019

McCarter Announces Highly Anticipated 2019-2020 Theater Series

Emily Mann's final season to showcase powerful themes that have defined the award-winning playwright and director’s trailblazing career.

Series features captivating stories from the next generation of artists and bold new takes on classic works.

MARCH 19, 2019

McCarter Theatre Center Announces 2019-2020 Season

The 2019-2020 Dance, Music, and Signature Series will feature an exciting and eclectic mix of the world’s greatest musicians, dance companies, and performing artists, including several returning favorites and McCarter debuts.

MARCH 5, 2019

McCarter Theatre Center Announces Public Presentation of The Migration Plays

Partnering with Princeton University, The Migration Plays will include five ten-minute works presented on McCarter's Matthews Stage on April 14.

MARCH 4, 2019

The New Yorker and WNYC Studios Announce Special Live Event: David Remnick in Conversation with Robert Caro

Live taping of "The New Yorker Radio Hour" will take place on Tuesday, May 7 at McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, New Jersey.

FEBRUARY 25, 2019

March, Music, McCarter!

McCarter celebrates this March with four eclectic musical events in four days.

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

The Return of Laurie Berkner

Laurie Berkner and her band returns to McCarter for two performances.

FEBRUARY 7, 2019

McCarter Theatre Center Presents the World Premiere of Ken Ludwig’s The Gods Of Comedy

The Gods of Comedy is directed by Amanda Dehnert and runs March 12–31, 2019.

JANUARY 29, 2019

Tony Award winner Leslie Odom Jr. to Headline McCarter Theatre Center's Annual Gala Concert

On Saturday, May 4, 2019, McCarter Theatre Center will host its Annual Gala.

JANUARY 28, 2019

McCarter to Host a Special Social Justice and Racial/Cultural Literacy Community Networking Event

Special post-show event will take place immediately following the Tuesday, February 5 performance of Eleanor Burgess' The Niceties in McCarter's Berlind Theatre.

JANUARY 25, 2019

First February Events at McCarter

McCarter fights the winter doldrums by showcasing a dozen amazing presented events.

JANUARY 14, 2019

McCarter Theatre Center Announces the 2019 LAB Spotlight New Play Festival

Three readings by three female playwrights to be featured in McCarter’s intimate Berlind Studio January 25, 28, and February 4.

JANUARY 11, 2019

Emily Mann to Retire as Artistic Director of McCarter Theatre Center Following 2019-2020 Season

Award-Winning Playwright and Director Celebrated as Fierce Champion of Works by Women and People of Color

DECEMBER 17, 2018

McCarter Theatre Center Presents World Premiere Production of The Niceties

In association with Huntington Theatre Company and Manhattan Theatre Club.

DECEMBER 17, 2018

Family Events at McCarter

Including The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show on January 19 and Potted Potter on January 26.

DECEMBER 13, 2018

All-Star Piano Quartet & The Midtown Men

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center's All-Star Piano Quartet on January 28 and The Midtown Men on February 1.

DECEMBER 10, 2018

McCarter to Present We Shall Overcome: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Featuring Damien Sneed

A powerful program of gospel, jazz, pop, and soul, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King and the inspirational power of song.

November 29, 2018

McCarter Announces the Return of Elevator Repair Service's Gatz

Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Gatz will run February 15-17.

November 29, 2018

December at McCarter

Sweet sounds at McCarter this December with The Hot Sardines and The King's Singers

NOVEMBER 15, 2018

McCarter Presents A Christmas Carol

Princeton’s annual holiday tradition returns December 4–29 with a much-loved mix of expert storytelling, community connections, and theatrical magic.

NOVEMBER 6, 2018

McCarter Theatre Center Announces Special Events for the Holiday Season

Get in the spirit of the season with a wreath building workshop and a special public reading of Charles Dickens' timeless novella, both on December 1.

OCTOBER 31, 2018

McCarter Theatre Center Announces Community Play Reading of Greensboro: A Requiem by Emily Mann

Special community event to occur on McCarter's Matthews Stage on Wednesday, November 14 at 6:30pm.

OCTOBER 23, 2018

Princeton Connections at McCarter This November

Appearance by Jessica Lang Dance highlight unique artistic connections between McCarter and Lewis Center Complex Architect Steven Holl.

OCTOBER 22, 2018

Up Next at McCarter

Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, & Edgar Meyer and The New Chinese Acrobats

OCTOBER 5, 2018

Upcoming at McCarter This Fall

BalletX, Improvised Shakespeare, FRIENDS! The Musical Parody, and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

OCTOBER 4, 2018

McCarter Theatre Center Welcomes Four New Members to Board of Trustees

Hilary Parker, Daniel Herscovici, Arslan Mian, and Ben Hammond.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

McCarter Theatre Center Presents Dominique Morisseau's Detroit '67

In association with Hartford Stage

AUGUST 8, 2018

McCarter Theatre Center Presents World Premiere of The Age Of Innocence

Douglas McGrath’s adaptation of Edith Wharton’s timeless love story to open McCarter’s 2018-2019 Theater Series, helmed by Tony Award^®-winning director Doug Hughes.

AUGUST 2, 2018

McCarter Theatre Center Announces The 2018 Adult Community Ensemble For Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

McCarter Theatre Center is proud to welcome 27 local community members who will make up this year’s Community Ensemble for its annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

JULY 31, 2018

All 2018-2019 Performances On Sale Now at McCarter Theatre Center

McCarter Theatre Center announced today that patrons can immediately access tickets for all events throughout the upcoming 2018-2019 season.

JULY 23, 2018

McCarter to Host 8th Annual Block Party

McCarter Theatre Center will celebrate the start of its new season with its 8th annual community-wide Block Party, taking place on Wednesday, August 22nd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on McCarter’s front lawn.

July 10, 2018

McCarter Theatre Center Receives Action Grant From The New Jersey Council for the Humanities

McCarter is proud to be a recipient of a $7,800 Action Grant from The New Jersey Council for the Humanities for the commissioning of plays written by emerging playwrights involved in the ongoing research project entitled "Migration: People and Cultures across Borders".

May 8, 2018

McCarter Theatre Center Receives Substantial Grant From The National Endowment For The Arts

McCarter Theatre Center is proud to be a recipient of an Art Works grant of $30,000 to support the McCarter LAB.

May 4, 2018

Presented Season comes to a close

Cirque Éloize Joshua Redman, Brookly Rider, Arlo Guthrie, Pink Martini, and Rhiannon Giddens Close Out McCarter’s 2017-2018 Presented Events

April 23, 2018

Relaxed Performances

McCarter Announces Expanded Relaxed Performances Schedule For 2018–2019

April 15, 2018

May Events at McCarter

Includes Jeremy Denk, Zakir Hussian, Dave Holland, Cirque Éloize, and Dark Star Orchestra

April 9, 2018

McCarter Theatre 2018 Gala

McCarter Theatre Center hosts annual Gala Benefit concert. Six-time Tony Award® Winner Audra McDonald to headline.

April 6, 2018

April Events at McCarter

Jugglers, magicians, Tweedy and the Trocks at McCarter this April.

April 5, 2018

McCarter Presents World Premiere of Turning Off the Morning News

Tony Award®-winning playwright Christopher Durang returns to Princeton with his third commissioned work for McCarter.

April 3, 2018

Jazz From Cuba Next at McCarter

Including Chucho Valdés and Roberto Fonseca

MARCH 16, 2018

McCarter Theatre Center Announces 2018-2019 Season

Includes Theater, Dance, Music, and Signature Series.

MARCH 6, 2018

Michael S. Rosenberg Named Managing Director of McCarter Theatre Center

A nationally respected arts leader, Rosenberg will work together with McCarter’s Artistic Director/Resident Playwright Emily Mann and Special Programming Director William W. Lockwood in leading Princeton’s Tony Award winning arts institution.

MARCH 3, 2018

March at McCarter

Including Rudresh Mahanthappa and Anaïs Mitchell

MARCH 2, 2018

McCarter Presents Jazz in June

Inaugural festival to feature four events in McCarter’s Berlind Theatre, June 8 - 15.

MARCH 1, 2018

McCarter Theatre Center Celebrates Major Funding Milestone

A successful conclusion of the Campaign for McCarter.

FEBRUARY 22, 2018

McCarter Theatre Center Announces Casting Information for Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol

Princeton’s Tony-Award winning launches its third annual search for local actors to appear in Dickens’ classic tale this December.

FEBRUARY 14, 2018

McCarter Presents the 15th Anniversary Production of Regina Taylor’s Crowns

Revised by writer/director Regina Taylor, Crowns features new music and lyrics, new movement, and a new focus. The production runs March 13 - April 1.

FEBRUARY 1, 2018

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

Accordion Virtuosi of Russia and Sleeping Beauty from the State Ballet Theatre of Russia at McCarter on back-to-back nights

January 24, 2018

McCarter Theatre Center and New York’s Public Theater Announce 2018 Lab Spotlight Presentation: Nathan Alan Davis’ Protect The Beautiful Place

A unique partnership is piloted to support the development of this new play.  Patricia McGregor directs, with public showing on Feb. 2-3, 2018 at McCarter.

January 19, 2018

McCarter Theatre Center Receives $50,000 Community Impact Grant

The Princeton Area Community Foundation is supporting McCarter's ongoing Arts Integrated Education Program in Trenton Public Schools.

January 11, 2018

Next Up at McCarter

A trio of music programs start the 2018 Presented Series calendar

January 11, 2018

ALL ABOARD! Dan Zanes returns to McCarter with Night Train 57

A Sensory-Friendly Folk Opera.

January 8, 2018

McCarter Theatre Center Dance Series Continues With Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

Current celebrating its 40th anniversary!

December 11, 2017

McCarter Presents Stones in His Pockets

Lindsay Posner directs Marie Jones’ hilariously heartfelt quick-change tour-de-force, where a small Irish town is taken over by Hollywood.

NOVEMBER 17, 2017

Celebrate the Holidays at McCarter!

A medley of festive holiday events on tap for December. Also: great gift ideas now available with multiple new events added to the 2018 schedule.

November 16, 2017

McCarter Presents A Christmas Carol

Princeton’s annual tradition returns December 5 – 31 with an expanded scenic design, a new Community Ensemble, and enhanced holiday magic.

October 8, 2017

Next at McCarter

Cuban Jazz from Pianist Alfredo Rodriguez and a ‘60s Celebration with Songs of Freedom

October 7, 2017

McCarter Theatre Center Welcomes Five New Members to Board of Trustees

McCarter is pleased to add these leading community volunteers to the existing roster of trustees who are outstanding arts advocates, supporters and business professionals dedicated to the support of McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton’s Tony Award-winning theatre.

October 5, 2017

Two Concerts, Two Music Masters: JOSHUA BELL AND LUDOVICO EINAUDI

JOSHUA BELL, violin with Alessio Bax, piano – Wednesday, November 1 at 7:30 pm
LUDOVICO EINAUDI, piano – Thursday, November 2 at 7:30 pm

October 3, 2017

McCarter Theatre Center Dance Series Opens With MALPASO DANCE COMPANY

The first in a series of Presented Events featuring the sights and sounds of Cuba, Malpaso Dance Company will perform on October 18 and 19 in the Berlind Theatre.

September 27, 2017

McCarter Theatre Center Continues 2017-2018 Theater Series With A Night With Janis Joplin

Written and directed by Randy Johnson, A Night with Janis Joplin is a celebration of groundbreaking female vocalists including Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith, Nina Simone, Odetta, and Janis Joplin herself. The production runs October 10-29.