Princeton's McCarter Theatre To Premiere New Carter Bays Comedy In 2027

PRINCETON, NJ — McCarter Theatre Center has announced the fifth production of its 2026–27 season: the world premiere of "True Marriage," a new comedy by Carter Bays, co-creator of "How I Met Your Mother."

Directed by McCarter Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen, "True Marriage" runs May 8–30, 2027, in the Berlind Theatre.

The play follows Dave and Rosemary, a couple five years into their marriage, who sign up for an experimental treatment that lets them hear each other's thoughts — all of them, all the time — in a bid to reignite their relationship.

"We are delighted to welcome Carter Bays to McCarter for this world premiere," Rasmussen said. "Carter is one of the funniest writers working today, and we can't wait to share his new comedy with our audiences. It's a thought-provoking and hilarious story about love, intimacy, and the things we might be better off keeping to ourselves."

Bays, who served as showrunner across all nine seasons of "How I Met Your Mother," said he wanted the play to spark conversation without any real-world casualties.

"I set out to write a funny and true play about marriage," Bays said. "I hope the result is a fun night at the theater that leads to lots of good conversations, and zero divorces."

Bays previously wrote for "The Late Show with David Letterman" and produced for "American Dad!" His novel, "The Mutual Friend," was published by Dutton Books in 2022. He currently teaches as an adjunct assistant professor in Columbia University's School of the Arts film program.

Rasmussen, McCarter's artistic director, previously led Minneapolis' Jungle Theater, where the Star Tribune named her Artist of the Year for her directing. Her directing credits include Arena Stage, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Guthrie, Dallas Theater Center, Actors Theatre of Louisville and La Jolla Playhouse.

Tickets and information are available at mccarter.org, by calling Patron Services at (609) 258-2787, or at the box office at 91 University Place in Princeton. ASL-interpreted, audio-described and open-captioned performances are available on select dates.

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