An Exciting Project for Summer 2026!

New Seats for The Matthews Theatre

Dear Friends, 

Since 1930, the stage now known as the Ed and Marie Matthews Theatre has hosted the best of the world's talent. From Jimmy Stewart to Yo-Yo Ma, from Lucille Ball to the world premieres of Our Town and Having Our Say, the iconic red seats have seen so much — and now, they too deserve their own curtain call. 

This summer, Princeton University and McCarter are undertaking replacement of all seating in the Matthews Theatre. We are delighted that the iconic end standards, installed in 1930 featuring the Triangle Club logo, will be restored and reinstalled as part of the project in time for Princeton University student orientation and the start of McCarter’s fall season. 

Family-owned Irwin Seating Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan, which still operates the factory floor where McCarter’s original seats were manufactured in 1929, will deliver the new seats to McCarter’s stage operations crew to complete the replacement. Framed in cast aluminum, steel, and maple wood, the ergonomic new seats are padded with molded foam and upholstered in red velour. 

The current seating layout of the Matthews Theatre is being preserved, so you will find your current seats exactly where you left them—just newly upgraded in time for the new season. Carpeting throughout the theatre will also be replaced. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to call our box office directly at (609) 258-2787. We look forward to welcoming you back to our newly refreshed Matthews Theatre seats and the exciting new season to come. 

 Warmly,

Martin Miller 
Executive Director 

Photo: Seat Ends with Triangle Club Logo

Photo: Seat Ends with Triangle Club Logo

Seating Update FAQs

  • No. The seating configuration will remain the same, so your seat location will not change—only the seats themselves will be newly upgraded. 

  • The new seats will feature cast aluminum, steel, and maple wood frames. The ergonomic new seats are padded with molded foam and upholstered in red velour.

  • In addition to the same number of wheelchair accessible and companion seats, a number of transfer seats will also be added to the new seating configuration. All seats will continue to be available directly through our website. For further assistance, please contact Patron Services at (609) 258-2787.  

  • The seats are being produced by Irwin Seating Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan, a family-owned company that originally manufactured McCarter’s seats in 1929.

  • The iconic end standards featuring the Princeton Triangle Club logo—originally installed in 1930—will be carefully restored and reinstalled as part of the project. 

  • Yes. Carpeting throughout the theatre will also be replaced as part of the project. 

  • The work will be completed in time for Princeton University student orientation and the start of McCarter’s fall season. 

  • Yes. Many of our new chairs feature custom plaques on the backs to honor donors and supporters. If you are interested in sponsoring a chair or two, please contact Allison Whitehall in our Development Office at awhitehall@mccarter.org. 

  • While the seating is being replaced, the theatre’s layout, historic character, and audience experience in terms of sightlines and configuration will remain consistent.

  • If you have any further questions, please contact Patron Services at (609) 258-2787 or patronservices@mccarter.org

    We look forward to welcoming you back to our newly refreshed Matthews Theatre seats and the exciting new season to come.