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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


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 2025â€"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.
Previews: PROVA A PRENDERMI al TEATRO BRANCACCIO
by Ettore Farrattini - Jan 31, 2025

PROVA A PRENDERMI al TEATRO BRANCACCIODebutto al Teatro Nazionale di Milano il 27 febbraio per poi approdare a Roma il 19 marzo per l'adattamento in italiano del musical ispirato al celebre film
FAT HAM Comes to the San Francisco Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Jan 30, 2025

Playwright James Ijames turns William Shakespeare’s Hamlet on its head in this piping hot play that transports the drama to a modern-day barbecue in the American South.
Jennifer Lopez, Bill Condon & More Talk KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN at Sundance World Premiere
by Tyler Hinton - Jan 28, 2025

BroadwayWorld was on hand at the Sundance world premiere of KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN on January 26, 2025 and spoke with the creative team and performers on the carpet. Filled with breathtaking intimate moments, and stunningly edited and designed with meaningful visuals, it is a love letter to the classic movie musical that transcends the genre with moving messages about how we can allow ourselves to evolve through acceptance.
Review: MASTER CLASS at Diamond Head Theatre
by F.H. Kekoa - Jan 28, 2025

There is magic afoot at Diamond Head Theatre with the Tony-winning American classic Master Class, penned by the late great Terrence McNally. With beautiful set design (and cameos!) by Randy Tandal, deft direction by Bryce Chaddick, and an incomparable performance by leading lady Amy K. Sullivan, this one is not to be missed.
Video: Jennifer Lopez Recalls Auditioning for CHICAGO, EVITA, & More
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 27, 2025

During the Sundance Film Festival this past weekend, Jennifer Lopez shared that she previously auditioned for film adaptations of Chicago, Evita, and Nine.
Review Roundup: KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Film Starring Jennifer Lopez Premieres at Sundance
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025

The new film version of Kiss of the Spider Woman officially made its premiere this past weekend at the Sundance Film Festival. Starring Jennifer Lopez, this new adaptation is written and directed by Bill Condon. Learn more about the film's origins and see what the critics thought of the new film.
Bill Condon Shares Differences in New Film Version of KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025

Bill Condon, who has written and directed the upcoming Kiss of the Spider Woman film, recently discussed the film at the Sundance Film Festival. He talked about the differences between this version versus others, and more.
Video: Jennifer Lopez Shares if She'll Ever Appear in BYE BYE BIRDIE
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025

With Jennifer Lopez appearing in the new movie musical adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman, the rumor mill is circulating about what musical she may be seen in next.
Joe Mantello Gifts $1M to University of North Carolina School of the Arts
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 26, 2025

The School of Drama at UNCSA has announced a $1 million gift from acclaimed actor and two-time Tony Award-winning director of stage and screen Joe Mantello, a graduate of the school’s class of ’84.
Jennifer Lopez Reveals New Look at KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
by Blair Ingenthron - Jan 25, 2025

Jennifer Lopez has released a new look at Kiss of the Spider Woman on her Instagram account. The upcoming movie musical, based on the Broadway show of the same name, is making its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah this weekend.
Joan Almedilla Will Lead MASTER CLASS at Sierra Madre Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2025

Sierra Madre Playhouse will wrap its multi-week Lunar New Year celebration with Terrence McNally’s Tony Award-winning play Master Class, a theatrical production inspired by the legendary masterclasses presented by iconic opera diva Maria Callas.
Live-Capture Performance of THE MERRILY CHAPTERS to be Screened in February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2025

Open Jar Studios and Stage Door Foundation will present an exclusive opportunity to view the live-capture performance of THE MERRILY CHAPTERS the true story of how Stephen Sondheim created MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. Learn more.
FAT HAM Comes to Canadian Stage Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Jan 16, 2025

In February, Canadian Stage will present the 2022 Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama, James Ijames’ FAT HAM. Learn more about the upcoming performance and find out how to get tickets here!
Karen Ziemba to Star in MASTER CLASS at Riverside Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 14, 2025

Riverside Theatre has revealed the first production of the 2024-2025 Waxlax Stage season, Terrence McNally’s Master Class starring Tony Award-winning actress Karen Ziemba. Learn how to purchase tickets.

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, including: - Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (Tony Awards) - Lifetime Achievement Award (The Lortels) - Legend of Off Broadway Honorees - The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee and Gilbert Mead (Helen Hayes Awards) - Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for A Man of No Importance - Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Full Monty - Best Book of a Musical (Drama Desk 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! - 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! - 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) - Distinguished Plays (Obie Awards) for Bad Habits.

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