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Terrence McNally

Birth Place: St. Petersburg, FL, USA

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BIO

McNally has had a remarkably far-ranging career spanning six decades. In 2018 he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He is a recipient of the Dramatists Guild Lifetime Achievement Award and the Lucille Lortel Lifetime Achievement Award. He has won four Tony Awards for his plays Love! Valour! Compassion! and Master Class and his musical books for Kiss of the Spider Woman and Ragtime.


He has written a number of TV scripts, including "Andre's Mother," for which he won an Emmy Award. He has received two Guggenheim Fellowships, a Rockefeller Grant, four Drama Desk Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards, two Obie Awards, and three Hull-Warriner Awards from the Dramatists Guild. In 1996 he was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.
He wrote the libretto for the operas Great Scottand Dead Man Walking, both with music by Jake Heggie. Other plays include Mothers and Sons; Lips Together, Teeth Apart; The Lisbon Traviata; A Perfect Ganesh; The Visit; The Full Monty; Corpus Christi; Bad Habits; Next; The Ritz; Anastasia; It’s Only a Play; Where Has Tommy Flowers Gone?; and The Stendhal Syndrome.

Photos

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
Book Writer
 
[US Tour, 2018] Cancelled [Replacement]
Book[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Book
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Playwright
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Plawright
 
[Williamstown, MA (Regional), 2014]
Playwright
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Playwright
 
[Broadway, 2000] Cancelled
Book Revisions
 
[New York, 1998]
Book Revisions
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Adaptation

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Book Writer
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter


TV Shows

The Young and the Restless
Dr. Robert Lynch

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Revival of a Play

Terrence McNally, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune


winner
Tony Awards - 2019 - Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre

Terrence McNally

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Terrence McNally, Anastasia

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Book of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Terrence McNally, Anastasia

Drama League Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Revival of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play

Terrence McNally, It's Only a Play


winner
The Lortels - 2015 - Lifetime Achievement Award

Terrence McNally

Tony Awards - 2015 - Best Book of a Musical

Terrence McNally, The Visit


winner
- 2014 - Legend of Off Broadway Honorees

Terrence McNally

Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Play

Terrence McNally, Mothers and Sons

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Play

Terrence McNally, Some Me


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2004 - The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee and Gilbert Mead

Terrence McNally


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Terrence McNally, A Man of No Importance

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Book of a Musical

Terrence McNally, The Full Monty


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Terrence McNally, The Full Monty


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Best Book of a Musical

Terrence McNally, Ragtime

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Musical

Terrence McNally, Ragtime


winner
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Book of a Musical

Terrence McNally, Ragtime


winner
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Play

Terrence McNally, Master Class


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Play

Terrence McNally, Love! Valour! Compassion!


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Play

Terrence McNally, Love! Valour! Compassion!


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1995 - Best American Play

Terrence McNally, Love! Valour! Compassion!


winner
Obie Awards - 1995 - Playwriting

Terrence McNally, Love! Valour! Compassion!


winner
Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Play

Terrence McNally, Love! Valour! Compassion!

The Pulitzer Prize - 1994 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Terrence McNally, A Perfect Ganesh


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Musical

Terrence McNally, Kiss of the Spider Woman


winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Book of a Musical

Terrence McNally, Kiss of the Spider Woman


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding New Play

Terrence McNally, Lips Together, Teeth Apart


winner
The Lortels - 1992 - Outstanding Body of Work

Terrence McNally

Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding New American Play

Terrence McNally, The Ritz


winner
Obie Awards - 1974 - Distinguished Plays

Terrence McNally, Bad Habits

Videos

News


Lyda Jade Harlan, Roe Hartrampf & More to Star in ANASTASIA at Bucks County Playhouse

This holiday season, Bucks County Playhouse will debut an all-new production of 'Anastasia: The Musical' starring Lyda Jade Harlan, Roe Hartrampf and more. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Nichelle Lewis Sings 'Your Daddy's Son' in RAGTIME

Nichelle Lewis is taking on the iconic role of Sarah in the New York City Center gala production of Ragtime. Watch as she performs 'Your Daddy's Son' in this video.
Photos: RAGTIME at City Center Opening Night Gala

Go inside the opening night performance and gala dinner for Ragtime at City Center in the photos here!
Photos: Angelina Jolie, Jane Fonda, & More Attend MARIA Film Screening

On October 30, cast, crew, and several special guests attended a Los Angeles screening of Netflix's Maria at the Ross House. In attendance was Angelia Jolie, who plays the legendary opera singer in the film, as well as director Pablo Larraín, guests Ed Lachman, Jane Fonda, Olivia Wilde, and more. Take a look at the photos here!
Review Roundup: RAGTIME at New York City Center

Ragtime is back onstage in NYC! Winner of four Tony Awards in 1998, Ragtime follows three fictional families in pursuit of the American Dream at the turn of the 20th century. See what the critics are saying...
Character Breakdown: RAGTIME Cast Unpacks Their Roles

The music of Ragtime plays on at New York City Center until November 10! The annual gala presentation for 2024 is the sweeping, powerful musical adaptation of E.L. Doctorow’s novel of the same name features music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and a book by Terrence McNally. An all-star cast brings the iconic characters to life onstage. Watch in this video as the cast unpacks their roles.
Photos: RAGTIME, with Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz & More

Ragtime is back onstage in NYC! The musical opened last night, October 30. Check out new photos of the cast in action here! The musical stars Joshua Henry, Nichelle Lewis, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz and Tabitha Lawing.
Video: RAGTIME at New York City Center

Ragtime is back onstage in NYC! The musical opens tonight, October 30, with a benefit performance followed by a gala dinner at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. Check out highlights of the cast in action in this video!
Theatre Tuscaloosa to Hold Open Auditions for MASTER CLASS

Theatre Tuscaloosa will hold open auditions for MASTER CLASS. Directed by Dr. Allison Upshaw, the play explores the life of opera diva Maria Callas at an elite training program. Learn more about the auditions and see how to attend.
Angelina Jolie Casts Doubts on Broadway Future Amid MARIA Role

Despite playing legendary opera singer Angelina Jolie in an upcoming biopic, The Outsiders producer doesn't think that performing on Broadway is in her future. 
Review: ANASTASIA at Titusville Playhouse

History, romance and a captivating mystery told in a breathtakingly magical way – that’s the thrilling combination you get with ANASTASIA, the latest production from Titusville Playhouse. The beloved musical, inspired by the classic 1997 animated film, takes audiences on a “Journey to the Past” through early 20th-century Russia and Paris and does so with a stellar cast and a beautiful creative vision that shines on the Titusville stage with vibrant energy and heartfelt emotion. Whether you are a longtime fan of the musical or experiencing it for the first time, this rendition promises to enchant and inspire.
Video: RAGTIME Rehearses for New York City Center

Something's beginning at New York City Center next week. The annual gala presentation for 2024 is Ragtime. In this video, watch as the cast and creative team get ready for the start of performances and talk about how they're approaching the production!
Video/Photos: Main Trailer for Maria Callas Biopic Starring Angelina Jolie

The main trailer for the upcoming Maria Callas biopic has just dropped. The film, which made its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, stars Angelina Jolie as the legendary soprano. It will be available on Netflix December 11, 2024, following a select theatrical release. Take a look at the new trailer and photos for Maria now!
Michael Urie to Host The York Theatre Company Gala; Andrew Rannells & More Join

The York Theatre Company has revealed the roster of performers for a concert celebration at the 32nd Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, which will honor musical theater legend Bernadette Peters and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Photo: Netflix Reveals Official Poster Art for MARIA

The official poster for the upcoming Maria Callas biopic has just dropped. The film, which made its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, stars Angelina Jolie as the legendary soprano. Take a look at the new poster here!
OPERA America Reveals 2024 Opera Hall of Fame Inductees

OPERA America has announced the induction of seven exemplary artists, administrators, and advocates to the Opera Hall of Fame as the class of 2024.
Photos: Inside RAGTIME Rehearsals at City Center With Caissie Levy, Shaina Taub & More

See photos from Ragtime rehearsals at City Center. It follows three fictional families in pursuit of the American Dream at the turn of the 20th century: Black pianist Coalhouse Walker Jr. (Joshua Henry) and his sweetheart Sarah (Nichelle Lewis); a wealthy white family led by Mother (Caissie Levy); and Latvian immigrant Tateh (Brandon Uranowitz).
Leslie Uggams to be Honored by Encompass New Opera Theatre

Encompass New Opera Theatre will honor Tony Award winner Leslie Uggams with a musical tribute on October 27, 2024. Learn more about Uggams and about the event.
Nichelle Lewis Replaces Joaquina Kalukango in RAGTIME at City Center

Nichelle Lewis will join the cast of the Annual Gala Presentation of Ragtime as Sarah. She replaces previously announced Joaquina Kalukango. See who else is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Patti LuPone in Plays- A History

On Broadway alone, Patti has appeared in 28 shows- 14 of them are plays. This season, she's appearing opposite the great Mia Farrow in Jen Silverman's The Roommate, which is now running on Broadway at the Booth Theatre. Let's look back on some of her other great dramatic performances with these videos.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Terrence McNally written?

Terrence McNally has written 41 shows including The Lady of the Carnellias (Playwright), Maggie May (Playwright), And Things That Go Bump in the Night (Playwright), Here's Where I Belong (Bookwriter), Sweet Eros/ Witness (Playwright), Adaptation/ Next (Playwright), Where Has Tommy Flowers Gone? (Playwright), Broadway, Broadway (Bookwriter), The Rink (Bookwriter), It's Only a Play (Playwright), Urban Blight (Bookwriter), The Lisbon Traviata (Playwright), Bad Habits (Playwright), Lips Together, Teeth Apart (Playwright), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Bookwriter), A Perfect Ganesh (Playwright), Love! Valour! Compassion! (Playwright), Love! Valour! Compassion! (Playwright), Master Class (Playwright), By the Sea, By the Sea, By the Beautiful Sea (Playwright), Ragtime (Bookwriter), Corpus Christi (Playwright), The Visit (Bookwriter), The Full Monty (Bookwriter), A Man of No Importance (Bookwriter), Frankie And Johnny In The Clair De Lune (Playwright), Short Talks on the Universe (Playwright), The Stendhal Syndrome (Playwright), Dedication or The Stuff of Dreams (Playwright), Catch Me If You Can (Bookwriter), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Bookwriter), The 24 Hour Plays 2006 (Playwright), Some Men (Playwright), Deuce (Playwright), The Ritz (Playwright), Golden Age (Playwright), Mothers and Sons (Playwright), In Your Arms (Story), Anastasia (Book Writer), Fire and Air (Playwright), Pride Plays (Author).

What awards has Terrence McNally been nominated for?

Best Revival of a Play (Tony Awards) for Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (Tony Awards), Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Anastasia, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Anastasia, Outstanding Revival of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play (Drama League Awards) for It's Only a Play, Lifetime Achievement Award (The Lortels), Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Visit, Legend of Off Broadway Honorees (), Best Play (Tony Awards) for Mothers and Sons, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Some Me, The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee and Gilbert Mead (Helen Hayes Awards) for , Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for A Man of No Importance, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Full Monty, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Full Monty, Best Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Ragtime, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Ragtime, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Master Class, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Love! Valour! Compassion! , Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Love! Valour! Compassion!, Best American Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Love! Valour! Compassion!, Playwriting (Obie Awards) for Love! Valour! Compassion!, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Love! Valour! Compassion!, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for A Perfect Ganesh, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lips Together, Teeth Apart, Outstanding Body of Work (The Lortels), Outstanding New American Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Ritz and Distinguished Plays (Obie Awards) for Bad Habits.

What awards has Terrence McNally won?

Terrence McNally has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. He was honored with the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Lortels. He has been recognized as a Legend of Off Broadway Honoree and received The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee and Gilbert Mead, at the Helen Hayes Awards. In terms of specific productions, he won Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for A Man of No Importance and The Full Monty, and both Best Book of a Musical and Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Ragtime. McNally received the Best Play Tony Award for Master Class and won Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Love! Valour! Compassion!, which also earned him the Best American Play award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, Playwriting at the Obie Awards, and the Best Play Tony Award. He was also awarded Best Musical from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman and won Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for the same production. Additionally, he received the Outstanding New Play award from the Drama Desk Awards for Lips Together, Teeth Apart, the Outstanding Body of Work award from The Lortels, and Distinguished Plays at the Obie Awards for Bad Habits.

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