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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


WAITRESS & More Leads Dallas' April 2025 Top Picks
by Joshua Wright - Mar 27, 2025

Dallas is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for April 2025 include Dallas Theatre Center's Waitress and more.
The Fulton Theatre to Present ANASTASIA in April
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 26, 2025

The Fulton Theatre will present a production of the Broadway musical Anastasia, bringing the captivating story of a lost princess to life on its historic stage. The show will run from April 11 to May 11, 2025 on the Fulton Theatre’s Mainstage.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Movie Hitting Theaters This Fall
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 25, 2025

Kiss of the Spider Woman, the much-anticipated movie musical, has officially landed a distributor and release date. The film is expected to hit theaters this fall in conjunction with awards season.
Chita Rivera's New York House Put on the Market
by Michael Major - Mar 25, 2025

The late Chita Rivera's house in Blauvelt, NY has been put on the market. In a new real estate listing, the property was 'lovingly maintained' by the Tony-winning Broadway legend.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Nearing U. S. Theatrical Deal with Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 24, 2025

The Kiss of the Spider Woman film is in final talks to be distributed by Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate, and LD Entertainment in the U.S. This news comes after the movie made its world premiere in January at the Sundance Film Festival.
Jason Alexander-Directed SWEENEY TODD and More Set For La Mirada's 2025/2026 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2025

La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment have announced its 2025/2026 season of shows. The season will include a production of Sweeney Todd, directed by Jason Alexander.
American Blues Reveals Winner of 2025 Blue Ink Award for Playwriting
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 21, 2025

American Blues Theater has revealed the recipient of the 2025 Blue Ink Award is Alyssa Haddad-Chin for her play You Should Be So Lucky. Learn more about Haddad-Chin and about the award.
Mamie Parris, Brennyn Lark, Edward Watts and More to Star in RAGTIME at Goodspeed Musicals
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 14, 2025

Goodspeed Musicals will present Ragtime as its first production of the 2025 season, starring Mamie Parris and more. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Elsinore to Make Chicago Debut With THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 14, 2025

Elsinore will make their Chicago debut with the timely dramatic comedy The Lifespan of a Fact by Jeremy Kareken & David Murrell and Gordon Farrell at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture. Learn more!
A Guide to Upcoming Movie Musicals- MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, GUYS & DOLLS & More
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 14, 2025

Though many are eagerly awaiting Wicked: For Good, there are plenty of other upcoming movie musicals to get Broadway fans on their feet, some of which we will see before November. Take a look at our guide to all upcoming movie musicals!
Review: SpeakEasy Stage's Splendid A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE is Paul Daigneault's Fitting Farewell to the Company He Founded
by R. Scott Reedy - Mar 7, 2025

What did our critic think of A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE at Roberts Theatre, Calderwood Pavilion At Boston Center For The Arts?
Kentwood Players Will Host Pride Night For LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 5, 2025

PRIDE NIGHT is a special celebration for members of the LGBT+ community. The pre-show reception features drinks, light appetizers, raffles, music and a fundraiser for AIDS Project Los Angeles.
THRILL ME Comes To The Pieter Toerien Theatre at Monte in March
by Stephi Wild - Feb 28, 2025

Pieter Toerien will present Stephen Dolginoff's internationally acclaimed murder-musical, THRILL ME: The Leopold & Loeb Story at Montecasino next month. Learn more here!
FROZEN, HAIRSPRAY, and More Set For Broward Center's Slow Burn Theatre Company 2025/2026 Season
by Stephi Wild - Feb 27, 2025

Slow Burn Theatre Company has announced its upcoming season of five shows, Frozen, Hairspray, Alanis Morisette’s Jagged Little Pill, and more. Check out the full season lineup here!
LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! to Open at Kentwood Players in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 20, 2025

Kentwood Players will present Love! Valour! Compassion! by Terrence McNally, in March at the Westchester Playhouse. Learn more and see how to attend performances!
Joan Rivers Play, COME FROM AWAY, ANASTASIA & More Set for Cape Playhouse 2025 Summer Season
by Joshua Wright - Feb 18, 2025

Discover the Cape Playhouse's 2025 'Season of Hope,' featuring productions like BUDDY, RENT, ANASTASIA, and more. The season will run June 4 to September 20 at the historic Cape Playhouse in Dennis, MA.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN to Hold Private Screening for International Distributors
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 7, 2025

Following its world premiere at Sundance, Kiss of the Spider Woman is continuing to look for a distributor. The Jennifer Lopez-led musical film will hold a private screening next week for potential buyers in Berlin.
A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE Comes To SpeakEasy Stage This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 5, 2025

SpeakEasy Stage Company will present the award-winning musical A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE, featuring a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.  
Video: Christy Altomare, John Bolton, Alex Joseph Greyson & More Are Bringing Back ANASTASIA
by Joey Mervis - Feb 5, 2025

Rumor has it that Anastasia will be back in NYC this winter when it arrives at David Geffen Hall in Lincoln Center. The one-night-only event arrives as a part of Manhattan Concert Productions' Broadway Series. Watch this video to find out more about how they are preparing for the event and what audiences can expect.
San Francisco Opera Reveals 2025"26 Season Lineup
by Stephi Wild - Feb 5, 2025

San Francisco Opera has announced details for the Company's 2025–26 Season. The Company's 103rd season, which marks Shilvock's tenth as general director, kicks off September 5.

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

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