McCarter Theatre Princeton
A historic professional theater showcasing over 200 drama, dance, and music productions annually, known for new musicals and diverse arts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Most performances are scheduled for evenings.
McCarter Theatre Princeton
Best Time
Most performances are scheduled for evenings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic professional theater showcasing over 200 drama, dance, and music productions annually, known for new musicals and diverse arts.
"McCarter Theatre has a knack for these kinds of shows: the ones you keep turning over in your mind long after the applause fades."
🎟️ Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Shows like 'Ride the Cyclone' and holiday performances sell out fast. Secure your tickets early!
🚗 Parking Strategy
Use the nearby garage; check hours for free parking. Allow extra time, especially during university events.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Diverse Performing Arts
Main Stage & Berlind Theatre
Experience a wide array of professional drama, dance, and music productions throughout the year.
New Musical Premieres
Main Stage
Catch exciting new musicals like 'Empire Records' and 'I & You' before they hit broader stages.
Ballet & Dance Performances
Main Stage
Enjoy captivating performances from companies like American Repertory Ballet, especially during the holidays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Parking & Arrival
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Shows like 'Ride the Cyclone' and holiday performances sell out fast. Secure your tickets early! +1
🚗 Parking Strategy
Use the nearby garage; check hours for free parking. Allow extra time, especially during university events.
🍸 Pre-Show Cocktails
Enjoy the cocktail lounge before the show for people-watching and a refreshing drink.
🎶 Diverse Programming
McCarter hosts everything from musicals and plays to dance and music concerts.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Shows like 'Ride the Cyclone' and holiday performances sell out fast. Secure your tickets early! +1
🚗 Parking Strategy
Use the nearby garage; check hours for free parking. Allow extra time, especially during university events.
🍸 Pre-Show Cocktails
Enjoy the cocktail lounge before the show for people-watching and a refreshing drink.
🎶 Diverse Programming
McCarter hosts everything from musicals and plays to dance and music concerts.
🪑 Comfortable Seating
Theaters are comfortable with excellent sound systems and good views from most seats.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
McCarter Theatre is praised for its high-quality, diverse, and inclusive programming, featuring professional drama, dance, and music. Audiences appreciate the comfortable venues, excellent sound, and the opportunity to see new and acclaimed productions. Some minor critiques mention occasional pacing issues in musical numbers or challenges with parking during peak university events.
"Updated 10/5/25
I & You
Seeing "I & You: The Musical" at McCarter Theatre Center was honestly one of the most affecting afternoons I’ve had at the theater in a while. The emotional punch caught me off guard, and I was blown away by how inventive the staging felt. Jasmine Forsberg and Benji Santiago were both phenomenal, seriously, their performances stuck with me long after the curtain call. The ending was unexpected and hit me right in the gut; it was beautiful and genuinely memorable.
Ari Afsar’s music and lyrics added so much depth to the story, and the set, lighting, and projections gave the whole production this rich emotional texture. If I had one critique, it’s that a few of the musical numbers could’ve been stronger, sometimes they just stopped and you weren’t sure they were over. There were some strong songs that I felt could have even been stronger from start to end. Still, the show managed to bring a fresh perspective to its source material, making the whole thing feel magical and satisfying. I left the theater feeling moved and really glad I had experienced this new piece.
Primary Trust
There’s a quiet power in simplicity on stage. Understated storytelling doesn’t shout for your attention, but before you know it, you’re drawn in hooked by the small moments and gentle rhythms that somehow leave the deepest mark. Characters who seem naive or unassuming at first glance often end up the most compelling, especially as they’re nudged by new experiences or stay rooted in what feels safe. That slow, believable evolution is what makes live theater linger long after the curtain falls.
That’s exactly what happens in “Primary Trust,” the Pulitzer-winning play now running at Princeton’s McCarter Theatre. The plot centers on a gentle, habit-bound man, played with quiet intensity and unguarded heart by Deshawn Harold Mitchell whose world starts to shift, bit by bit, as life pushes him to open up. Playwright Eboni Booth keeps his journey grounded, layering in fresh challenges and flashes of clarity that let his universe expand just enough to feel real, never forced.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Lilian Oben moves effortlessly between roles, making each character pop with their own energy and soul. Peter Bisgaier brings a lightness that cuts through the tension at just the right moments. And Shane Taylor, as Kenneth’s steadfast imaginary friend, is the anchor he clings to for over two decades until, finally, he steps aside and lets Kenneth find his own way.
What sticks with me most is how the production wrestles with memory, loss, and the marks our past leaves on us. There’s an honesty in the way it shows how reaching out even after years of loneliness can rewrite the story we think we’re stuck with. McCarter Theatre has a knack for these kinds of shows: the ones you keep turning over in your mind long after the applause fades. Hats off to the entire cast and crew for a performance that turned an ordinary night into something quietly extraordinary. Bravo"
P G
"Very clean, inclusive, kind, and brings lots of high quality diverse shows. Love everyone working from this theatre 🩵🩵🩵"
Seung Choi
"I and You a musical was quite good. The actors have Broadway experience and provide a beautiful performance. We sat in row C but the view should be good from any seat given the theatre layout."
Evan Wasserman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McCarter Theatre is located at 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ. It's easily accessible by car and is a short walk from Princeton University's campus. For those using public transport, NJ Transit trains stop in Princeton, and local buses can also be used to reach the theater.
McCarter Theatre does not have its own dedicated parking lot. However, there is a parking garage within a 5-10 minute walk. It's advisable to check the Princeton University calendar for events, as parking and traffic can be challenging during peak times like Reunion weekend.
Yes, taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to get to McCarter Theatre, especially if you're coming from a nearby town or train station. The address is 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ.
Yes, McCarter Theatre is accessible via NJ Transit trains to Princeton Station. From the station, you can take a short taxi/rideshare or a local bus to reach the theater.
To avoid traffic, aim to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before showtime, especially on weekends or during university events. Checking the Princeton University event calendar can help you anticipate potential congestion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased directly from the McCarter Theatre website, by calling their box office, or in person at the box office. It's highly recommended to book in advance, as popular shows often sell out. +1
Showtimes vary depending on the production, but most performances are scheduled for evenings, typically starting between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Matinee performances are often held on weekends. Check the specific show's schedule on the McCarter website. +1
McCarter Theatre sometimes offers discounts for students, seniors, and groups. It's best to check their website or contact the box office directly for current discount information and eligibility.
The seating at McCarter Theatre is generally comfortable, and the theater layout provides good views from most locations. Some reviews mention that balcony seating may require stairs.
While it's possible to get tickets on the day of the show if they haven't sold out, it's not guaranteed. For popular productions, booking tickets weeks or even months in advance is strongly advised. +1
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
McCarter Theatre hosts a diverse range of professional performing arts, including dramas, musicals, dance performances, and music concerts. They are known for premiering new musicals and showcasing acclaimed theater productions. 
McCarter Theatre strives to be inclusive and offers accessible seating and facilities. It's recommended to contact the box office in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs.
The theater offers comfortable seating, excellent sound systems, and a pre-show cocktail lounge. Restrooms are available, though some may be located downstairs or require stairs.
Generally, photography and videography are prohibited during performances to avoid disturbing the audience and performers. Check with ushers or signage for specific policies regarding lobby photography.
McCarter Theatre is known for its high-quality, diverse, and inclusive programming. Audiences often describe the atmosphere as sophisticated and appreciative of the arts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are many dining options within walking distance or a short Uber ride from McCarter Theatre in downtown Princeton. Many restaurants are located along Nassau Street.
Outside food and beverages are typically not allowed inside the theater. However, you can enjoy drinks at the pre-show cocktail lounge.
For a nice dinner before a show, consider restaurants on Nassau Street. Options range from casual to upscale, with many offering BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) choices for a more budget-friendly experience.
Yes, McCarter Theatre has a pre-show cocktail lounge where patrons can enjoy drinks and socialize before performances.
Princeton offers a wide variety of cuisines, including Italian, American, Asian, and more. You'll find options to suit various tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited during performances to ensure the best experience for all audience members and performers.
The theater's architecture and the lobby area can offer some nice photo opportunities before or after a show. The exterior of the building is also picturesque.
The best times for photos are typically before the show begins or during intermission in the lobby or exterior areas. Avoid using flash photography.
While general policies prohibit photos during performances, it's always best to check with ushers or signage for any specific rules or guidelines regarding photography in different areas of the venue.
Consider capturing the grand architecture of the theater, the vibrant lobby, and any interesting art installations. If permitted, candid shots of the audience enjoying the pre-show atmosphere can also be memorable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the theater itself is comfortable, it's wise to check the specific content of plays and musicals to ensure they are appropriate for your children's age group. The proximity to downtown Princeton also means you can easily find casual dining options for a family meal before or after the show.
🎭 Theater Enthusiasts
You'll have the opportunity to see Broadway-caliber talent and experience innovative staging and storytelling. Keep an eye on their schedule for world premieres and limited engagements, as these are often highlights of the season. The intimate setting of the Berlind Theatre also offers a unique experience for those who appreciate more focused and intense theatrical performances.
🎶 Music & Dance Aficionados
The excellent acoustics of the theater enhance the listening experience for concerts and musical theater. These performances often draw a dedicated crowd, so booking tickets in advance is advisable, especially for well-known artists or popular holiday shows. The variety ensures there's something for every musical and dance preference throughout the year.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy of Performing Arts
+1Over the years, McCarter has hosted renowned artists and productions, earning a reputation for excellence. They are particularly noted for their role in developing and premiering new works, especially musicals, giving audiences a chance to experience groundbreaking theater. This dedication to innovation, combined with a consistent delivery of classic and contemporary performances, makes McCarter a vital cultural institution.
The theater's connection to Princeton University also enriches its offerings, fostering collaborations and providing a dynamic environment for artistic exploration. This synergy ensures that McCarter remains at the forefront of the performing arts, consistently delivering memorable and impactful experiences for its patrons.
+1Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities
For dining, the proximity to Nassau Street offers a plethora of options, from casual eateries to more upscale establishments. Many Redditors suggest exploring these nearby restaurants for a pre-show meal, with BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) options being a popular choice for budget-conscious patrons. The theater also features a pre-show cocktail lounge, perfect for a relaxed start to your evening.
When it comes to the theater experience itself, the comfortable seating and excellent sound system are frequently praised. The venue is also committed to inclusivity, with efforts made to accommodate patrons with disabilities. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, as popular shows can sell out quickly, ensuring you don't miss out on the performances you're eager to see.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit