Various show times throught the year
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Gravitas: Proximity:
McCarter Theater is one of the finest regional theaters in the country (and has won the Tony award to prove it), producing plays ranging from classics to edgy new works (6 productions in 2015-16). The production quality is incredible, featuring some of the best professional directors, designers, and actors working in the US.
Performances are staged in two major spaces: 1) the original Matthews Theatre, 1,100 seats, which was fully renovated a few years ago. Besides looking pretty, a state of the art computerized audio system was installed, improving the acoustics; and 2) the Berlind Theatre, 360-seats, which opened about a decade ago. Most stage plays are produced in the Berlind, which is the nicer venue, imo, though “big” musicals or comedies, and productions like the annual Christmas Carol, still show up in the Matthews.
McCarter also programs a diverse range of performing arts: classical music, jazz, singer-songwriters, cabaret, and dance. “Big names” show up in the Matthews, smaller acts in the Berlind. A few classical performances are staged in other Princeton venues such as Richardson Auditorium.
Anyway, it’s an incredible array of live performing arts. It’s all just 20 minutes up the road, on University Place, right on the edge of the Princeton University campus, next to the old “dinky” train station.
The other good news is that it doesn’t have to be expensive. Although single ticket prices can be steep: up to about $100, serious discounts are available, especially if you’re willing to be spontaneous.
- Pay What You Can Tickets are available for “select” Theater productions on the day of performance only. You have to show up in person to buy the ticket: essentially you’re buying a seat that would almost certainly otherwise go empty.
- Discounts (10-15%) are available for members to a number of organizations (e.g. AAA, WHYY members, Discover Jersey Arts cardholders, TCG and Drama League members).
- Student Tickets for seats ($15) or standing room ($10) are made available for most Theater Series.
- Young at Art Membership is open to patrons 35 and under. It costs $25 per person, but cuts the price of the member’s tickets for most events to $20 (and guest tickets to $40).
Arts & Entertainment | Dance | Live Music | Theater