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Terrence McNally

Birth Place: St. Petersburg, FL, USA

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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.

Terrence McNally Photos

Terrence McNally Productions

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

Writing

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Bookwriter
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Terrence McNally TV Shows

The Young and the Restless
Dr. Robert Lynch

Terrence McNally 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


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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

Terrence McNally Videos

Terrence McNally News


Tyne Daly to Appear at Terrence McNally Documentary Screening This Month

Theatre West will screen the Emmy-nominated documentary EVERY ACT OF LIFE about Terrence McNally on June 23, 2024, followed by a discussion with director Jeff Kaufman, producer Marcia Ross, and Tyne Daly.
The Metropolitan Opera's Summer HD Festival To Return To Lincoln Center Plaza

The Metropolitan Opera’s Summer HD Festival will return to Lincoln Center Plaza this August. See full programming and learn how to attend!
Jennifer Lopez Cancels Summer Tour to 'Be With Her Children, Family and Close Friends'

Jennifer Lopez has announced that she will no longer be embarking on her summer tour, effectively canceling all 30 shows. This follows a previous cancellation of seven dates in March. In support of her new album, This is Me...Now, the tour would have been her first North American tour in five years.
MASTER CLASS Comes to Ensemble Theatre in June

Ensemble Theatre will present Terrence McNally’s Tony award-winning play, Master Class, offering an explosive homage to the legendary opera singer Maria Callas and featuring live operatic performances, from Friday 14th June to Saturday 20th July.
Applications For New Foundry Members Open June 2024

Applications for new Foundry members open in June 2024.
PROUD OUT LOUD Comes to Theatre West in June

For its Third Annual Proud Out Loud celebration, Theatre West will present a weekend of programming honoring the achievements of five-time Tony Award winning playwright and librettist Terrence McNally (1938-2020).
JOB, Starring Peter Friedman and Sydney Lemmon, Will Open on Broadway This Summer

Following two sold-out runs Off-Broadway, JOB, the smash hit play by Max Wolf Friedlich, will open on Broadway this summer starring acclaimed original cast members Peter Friedman and Sydney Lemmon. We have all of the details!
Video: Joshua Henry Sings Acoustic Version of 'New Music' From RAGTIME

Joshua Henry, who will be starring as Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime at New York City Center, took to Instagram to share an acoustic version of the song 'New Music'. Watch here!
Bay Street Theater Announces Cast And Crew For MASTER CLASS

Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts has announced that this season's second Mainstage production Terrence McNally's Tony Award Winning MASTER CLASS will star Vicki Lewis ('NewsRadio,' 'Finding Nemo,' 'Curb Your Enthusiasm') as opera diva Maria Callas.
Jeanna de Waal, Jay Armstrong Johnson, and More Will Lead ANYTHING GOES at the Muny

Jeanna de Waal, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Kevin Chamberlin, George Abud, Kimberly Immanuel, Adrianna Hicks, Ann Harada, Lara Teeter, Eric Jordan Young, Danny Gardner, Spencer Jones and Joe Capstick will star in the Muny production of Anything Goes.
Interview: Craig Smith of THE FULL MONTY at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

The Full Monty, adapted from the 1997 British film, features a score by David Yazbek and book by Terrence McNally. The show introduces the audience to six unemployed steelworkers who come up with a seemingly crazy way to raise some money—performing a Chippendales-style act. The Full Monty, which first opened on Broadway in 2000, follows these characters and their families as they work to overcome both external and internal struggles. Actor Craig Smith takes the stage as Jerry in The Full Monty at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre.
Jennifer Lopez Says John Kander Was Involved in KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Movie

According to a new report, Jennifer Lopez, who recently finished filming the upcoming film Kiss of the Spider Woman, said working with composer John Kander on the film was 'a dream.' Kander wrote the score for the 1993 Broadway musical, winning a Tony alongside lyricist and frequent collaborator Fred Ebb. “John Kander, who is 97 years old, was in the studio with me,” Lopez said. “He is the most beautiful man.'
THE SMALLEST SOUND, IN THE SMALLEST SPACE Staged Reading Announced At Lincoln Center

Experience a staged reading of THE SMALLEST SOUND, IN THE SMALLEST SPACE at Lincoln Center on May 30th.
SpeakEasy Stage Company Reveals 34th Season

The joyous and timely Tony-nominated play JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING; a re-imagining of the acclaimed Ahrens & Flaherty musical A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE; the witty, life-affirming drama PRU PAYNE; the laugh-packed, Tony–nominated satire AIN’T NO MO’; and the  fiesta-fueled comedy LAUGHS IN SPANISH will make up SpeakEasy Stage Company’s 34th Season.
Video: Jennifer Lopez Discusses 'Exhilarating' KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Film

Last week, Jennifer Lopez stopped by Live with Kelly and Mark and briefly discussed the upcoming film adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman, based on the hit Kander and Ebb musical. “I just finished a movie called Kiss of the Spider Woman, where it was all singing and dancing, which was equal parts exhilarating and exhausting as well,' Lopez said. Watch the interview!
RAGTIME, THE WILD PARTY, URINETOWN & More Set for NY City Center's 2024/25 Season

A new season is on the way at New York City Center! The line-up is set to include a star-studded gala performance of Ragtime, in addition to three new Encores! productions, which will include Urinetown, Love Life, and The Wild Party. Check out all of the details here!
The Capitol Theatre Port Hope Unveils Cast & Tour For BED & BREAKFAST

Get ready for a summer of laughter at The Capitol Theatre Port Hope with Mark Crawford's comedy BED & BREAKFAST. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Terrence McNally New Works Incubator Cycle 2 Fellows Revealed

Discover the newly announced fellows of Cycle 2 for the Terrence McNally New Works Incubator. Get to know the talented individuals selected for this prestigious theatre program.
Westport Country Playhouse Will Host a Script in Hand Playreading of MRS. CHRISTIE

Westport Country Playhouse will present a Script in Hand playreading of the comedic mystery, “Mrs. Christie,” a fictional account of the unsolved 1926 disappearance of Agatha Christie, one of the most-read mystery writers, written by Heidi Armbruster and directed by Mark Shanahan, on Monday, May 13, at 7 p.m.
Kerry Butler To Direct THE PIN-UP GIRLS Musical Developmental Readings At York Theatre Company

Join the York Theatre Company for developmental readings of THE PIN-UP GIRLS, a musical love letter directed by Kerry Butler, on May 20.

Terrence McNally 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?

Terrence McNally has been nominated for various awards throughout his career, including Best Revival of a Play at the Tony Awards for "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune," a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Anastasia," Outstanding Revival of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play at the Drama League Awards for "It's Only a Play," and a Lifetime Achievement Award at The Lortels. He has also received nominations for Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "The Visit," Best Play at the Tony Awards for "Mothers and Sons," and Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Some Me." Additionally, McNally has been honored with The Helen Hayes Tribute at the Helen Hayes Awards, as well as various other accolades for his contributions to the theater industry.

What awards has Terrence McNally won?

Terrence McNally has won several prestigious awards throughout his career, including Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Lortels, The Helen Hayes Tribute for Outstanding Book of a Musical for "A Man of No Importance" and "The Full Monty," Best Book of a Musical for "Ragtime," Best Play for "Master Class," and Outstanding Play for "Love! Valour! Compassion!" He has also received accolades such as the Legend of Off Broadway Honorees, Best American Play from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and Playwriting recognition from the Obie Awards. McNally's contributions to Broadway have been celebrated with awards like Best Musical for "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and Outstanding New Play for "Lips Together, Teeth Apart." Additionally, he has been honored with awards for his Distinguished Plays and Outstanding Body of Work.

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