(PRINCETON, NJ) -- After two straight galas that had to be held virtually due to covid, McCarter Theatre Center has announced that the highly anticipated annual tradition will return with a live 2022 event in Princeton, on Saturday, June 4th.  The not-to-be-missed fun-filled summer party is a long-standing tradition in the Princeton community where all are welcomed to come together to share the joy and thrill of the performing arts and to support one of central New Jersey’s cultural gems. 

The soiree kicks off with cocktails at 5:30pm, followed by an unforgettable performance by Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter at 7:00pm. Afterward, guests will enjoy dinner, dancing, a live auction, and a sneak peek of the 22/23 theatrical season.

Known for his warm baritone vocals, Gregory Porter rose to acclaim a decade ago with his earthy, cross-pollinated brand of jazz, soul, and gospel. A gifted singer of standards as well as contemporary soul, Porter has earned comparisons to Nat King Cole, Donny Hathaway, and Stevie Wonder. 

The evening’s co-chairs are Neha and Shalin Shah, Mark and Courtney Thierfelder; and the committee includes McCarter Board Members W. Rochelle Calhoun, President; Ashley Aitken-Davies, VP; Daniela Bonafede-Chhabra, VP; Ben Hammond, VP; Anne M. VanLent, Treasurer; Karen Schmitt, Secretary; Elliot Asarnow, and James Barrood, Leonard J. Berlik, Robert J. Caruso, Paul T. Decker, Sharon Dietrich, Jill Dolan, Christi Gautam, James P. Herring, Duncan MacMillan, Dr. Rita McGrath, Elizabeth McNeilly, Rhonda Medina, Rohit Mehrotra, Arslan Mian, Robert A. Mintz, Kathleen Nolan, Wilma Nurse, Aquatia Owens, Douglas H. Palmer, Hilary A. Parker, Ex-Officio, Neha Desai Shah, Mark Thierfelder, David Walker, Ronald S. Ward.

The Gala is McCarter’s main fundraiser that helps sustain the organization’s artistic and educational programming. Tickets start at $300 and tables of 10 start at $6,000. For tickets, corporate sponsorships and more information visit mccarter.org/gala2022 or email Director of Development Piper Burrows, pburrows@mccarter.org.  

An independent not-for-profit performing arts center located between NYC and Philadelphia – and on the campus of Princeton University – McCarter Theatre is a multi-disciplinary creative and intellectual hub offering theater, music, dance, spoken word, and educational programs for all ages. Celebrated for developing new work, and winner of the 1994 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, world premieres include Christopher Durang's Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Tony, Best Play), Tarell Alvin McCraney's The Brother/Sister Plays, and Emily Mann's Having Our Say.

Renowned artists who have appeared at McCarter include Alvin Ailey, Yo-Yo Ma, Audra McDonald, David Sedaris, The Moth, Terence Blanchard, Roseanne Cash, Lake Street Dive, Shawn Colvin, more. McCarter connects with the community year-round with a Shakespeare Reading Group, digital programming, a free outdoor concert series, on-site classes, and in-school residencies. McCarter and Princeton University share a long history of unique partnerships and creative collaborations.