News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Terrence McNally Headshot

Terrence McNally

Birth Place: St. Petersburg, FL, USA

Get Terrence McNally Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

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


FAT HAM Comes to Canadian Stage Next Month

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

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.
THIS IS GOVERNMENT by Nina Kissinger Wins the 2025 Stanley Drama Award

Wagner College Theatre has announced that Nina Kissinger is the winner of the 2025 Stanley Drama Award for her dark comedy, THIS IS GOVERNMENT. The play follows three interns trapped in a lockdown as they navigate the chaos of political disarray-and confront the question of what power, if any, they truly possess.
THE RINK Comes to TheatreZone Next Month

TheatreZone will continue its 20th anniversary season as Naples' premier musical theatre with the opening of The Rink, the musical about a mother seeking to move on with her life and a long-estranged daughter hoping to come back home.
Opera Parallele Will Celebrate 15th Anniversary and Jake Heggie

Opera Parallèle has announced the details about the company's upcoming benefit evening, In Pursuit of a Dream: A 15th Anniversary Celebration Honoring Composer Jake Heggie.
Jennifer Lopez Comments on WICKED Success; Says KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN is 'More Indie'

In a new interview, Jennifer Lopez commented on the success of Wicked, which has achieved enormous box office and commercial success, before discussing her new movie adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman.
Photos: OUR TOWN's Jim Parsons Receives Sardi's Portrait

Jim Parsons, who is currently starring on Broadway in Our Town and is most known for starring in the CBS hit The Big Bang Theory, recently received his portrait at Sardi's. BroadwayWorld was there for the unveiling and you can check out photos here!
Sierra Madre Playhouse Celebrates Lunar New Year With Multi-Week Festival

Sierra Madre Playhouse (SMP) pulls out the stops to present a multi-week Lunar New Year festival running from January 25 through March 9, 2025 featuring eight compelling theater, music, dance, film, and family programs that embrace a wide range of themes.
Review: RAGTIME Rides on the Wheels of a Dream at The Ruth

RAGTIME rides on the wheels of a dream of founders, artists, and donors as it opens the brand-new home of the former Hale Center Theater Orem. The magnificent musical is the inaugural production in the Smith Grand Theater at the beautifully designed, spacious yet intimate Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater (The Ruth) on the dōTERRA campus in Pleasant Grove.
Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman To Receive GMHC 2025 Howard Ashman Award 

GMHC will honor legendary songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman with the 2025 Howard Ashman Award. The award will be presented at GMHC's 10th annual Cabaret & Howard Ashman Award, a fundraising event hosted by Joe's Pub at The Public Theater.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN's Tonatiuh Praises 'Breathtaking' Co-Star Jennifer Lopez

Kiss of the Spider Woman star Tonatiuh has discussed his experience working on the film adaptation of the Kander and Ebb musical classic with show business legend, Jennifer Lopez.
Photo: Lynn Ahrens Visits ANASTASIA Cast at the Bucks County Playhouse

Tony award winning lyricist, Lynn Ahrens, visited the cast of Bucks County Playhouse’s production of “Anastasia: The Musical” after the matinee on Sunday, December 29. Check out a photo here!
Submissions Open For The Blank Theatre's 33rd Annual Young Playwrights Festival

The Blank Theatre is now seeking submissions from playwrights 19 years of age and younger for its 33rd Annual Young Playwrights Festival (YPF). Learn more about how to apply here!
Photo Special: Celebrating BC/EFA Executive Director Tom Viola

All of us here at BroadwayWorld wanted to pay tribute to Tom, and to our strong partnership, by taking a look back with this photo gallery below. 
THE RINK is Now Available For Licensing From Concord Theatricals

The Rink is now available for licensing from Concord Theatricals. The musical features a book by Terrence McNally, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Movie Sets World Premiere at 2025 Sundance Festival

Kiss of the Spider Woman has set its world premiere. The upcoming movie musical, based on the Broadway show of the same name, will make its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Photos: ANASTASIA At Bucks County Playhouse

 Bucks County Playhouse has released production photos of its new production of “Anastasia: The Musical,” which opened November 22 and continues on the historic stage through January 5.
MASTER CLASS Announced At Theatre Tuscaloosa

Theatre Tuscaloosa will present 'Master Class' Feb. 5-9, 2025, in the Alabama Power Recital Hall on the Martin Campus of Shelton State Community College (9500 Old Greensboro Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405).
San Francisco Opera Awards Opera Medal to Head of Properties Lori Harrison

San Francisco Opera Dianne and Tad Taube General Director Matthew Shilvock presented the Company’s longtime Head of Properties, Lori Harrison, with the San Francisco Opera Medal, the Company’s highest honor.
Bucks County Playhouse To Host Special ANASTASIA Scavenger Hunt

The hunt is on! Bring your friends and search for clues! Bucks County Playhouse (through Watson Adventures) is hosting a special Anastasia scavenger hunt on Sunday, December 8 at 2 pm.

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

Get Terrence McNally Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos