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Terrence McNally Headshot

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

 
[Broadway, 2025]
Book
 
[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
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Playwright
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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


Interview: John Churchwell of Merola Opera Program's 2025 SUMMER FESTIVAL
by Jim Munson - Jun 19, 2025

In Celebration of Pride Month, BroadwayWorld chats with Merola Opera Program 2025 Summer Festival's John Churchwell about his role in mentoring young artists to set them on the path to international careers.
ANASTASIA Comes to Moonlight Stage Productions in July
by Stephi Wild - Jun 18, 2025

Moonlight Stage Productions’ 44th season will continue with Anastasia, the second of three regional premieres. Based on the 20th Century Fox Animation 1997 film of the same name.
Video: Sandy Rustin's ALWAYS SOMETHING THERE In Rehearsal at Marriott Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 13, 2025

The World Premiere musical! Always Something There…, by Sandy Rustin (The Cottage, Clue, Mystic Pizza) is currently in rehearsals at Marriott Theatre. Check out video from inside the rehearsal room.
Interview: MSMT Panel Explores ANASTASIA and the World of the Romanovs
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 12, 2025

MSMT resumed its 11th season of the popular series, Peek Behind the Curtain, on June 11, 2025, presenting a panel of stars from the current production of ANASTASIA together with MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark and BWW moderator Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold. Held at  Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick, the event drew through an enthusiastic crowd. Among the panelists were a Mary Ernster (Broadway WAR PAINT, THE NOTEBOOK, Winner 2 Jeff Awards), who portrays the Dowager Empress; Amanda Rose (Broadway MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, WICKED, National Tours of OKLAHOMA, WICKED,HOLIDAY INN), who plays Countess Lily; and Christopher Page-Sanders (THE FROGS, THE WIZ, DREAMGIRLS), who serves as Associate Choreographer and Dance Captain of the show.
Review: A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE at Players' Ring
by Dan Marois - Jun 11, 2025

The Players' Ring in Portsmouth, in its latest offering, invites audiences into the unassuming yet profoundly resonant world of “A Man of No Importance.” This 2002 musical, with its tender book by Terrence McNally and the soaring melodies of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, (They wrote the musical, “Ragtime.”) gently peels back the layers of common day life into a universe of heartfelt human connection and quiet courage.
Video: Jennifer Lopez Stars in KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Teaser Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 9, 2025

The first teaser trailer for the highly anticipated film adaptation of Broadway's Kiss of the Spider Woman, starring Jennifer Lopez, has just been released. Watch it now!
SOFT Comes to Thymele Arts
by Stephi Wild - Jun 9, 2025

Donja R. Love’s SOFT drops the viewer into Mr. Isaiah’s classroom at a men’s correctional facility. Six men wrestle with their interpersonal dynamics while reckoning with the people and the situations that got them lock’d up!
Video: Watch New Clips From RAGTIME At Goodspeed Opera House
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 7, 2025

Watch brand new video from Ragtime at Goodspeed Opera House as Mamie Parris and Behr Marshall perform, 'The Night That Goldman Spoke at Union Square' and 'Journey On'. 
Videos You Missed This Week: Prep for Tonys Weekend
by Sidney Paterra - Jun 6, 2025

It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! It's Tony Awards weekend! Catch up on all the latest from the week ending June 6, 2025 with videos from Heathers, Hadestown, and more!
Review: The Romance of the Romanov's: MSMT's Stunning ANASTASIA Opens 2025 Season
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 6, 2025

For more than a century since the Russian Revolution, the mystery and romance of the bygone Romanov era has continued to fascinate audiences. The opulence, the glamour, the faded memories all create the enduring allure of nostalgia. In presenting the Maine premiere of ANASTASIA, Maine State Music Theatre (in a co- production with the Fulton Theatre) has not only achieved an industry coup, but has also masterfully brought to life a compelling journey to the past, as well as a personal story that is poignant, heartfelt and uplifting.
Industry Pro Newsletter: As The Broadway Box Office Booms, States Look at Reducing Funds
by Alex Freeman - Jun 3, 2025

This week, we’re looking at key data on the financial health of the industry from Broadway's record-setting season to the critical role of stable real estate for smaller New York City companies, as revealed by A.R.T./NY's 'HEALTH + WEALTH' report. While we celebrate achievements like the Excellence in Theatre Education Award and the Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations, we also look at ongoing challenges in arts funding across the nation, with states like California, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire facing proposed cuts and shrinking resources.
Kerry Washington and Kara Young in THE WHOOPI MONOLOGUES and More Set for LCT 25-26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 2, 2025

Lincoln Center Theater has revealed its 2025-2026 season of productions in the Vivian Beaumont, Mitzi E. Newhouse, and Claire Tow Theaters. See the full lineup here!
Photos: East 9th Street is Officially Renamed Terrence McNally Way
by Emmy Rice - Jun 2, 2025

On Friday, May 30, East 9th street between Broadway and University Place was officially co-named Terrence McNally Way in honor of the late legendary playwright Terrence McNally, who proudly lived on East 9th Street for 24 years. See the photos here!
FROZEN & More Lead Los Angeles's June 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - May 30, 2025

Los Angeles 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 June 2025 include La Mirada's FROZEN & more!
Video: Watch the RAGTIME Cast Perform the Title Song at Lincoln Center
by Michael Major - May 28, 2025

Watch a video of the cast of Ragtime performing the title song, including Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy and Brandon Uranowitz, along with the newly-announced Nichelle Lewis, Colin Donnell, Ben Levi Ross, Shaina Taub, and Rodd Cyrus.
Opera Montana Unveils 2025-26 Season Including RAGTIME Directed By Francesca Zambello
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 28, 2025

Opera Montana - the state's oldest professional opera company -  has revealed its 2025-2026 season, the company's 48th. See the full season and learn how to purchase tickets.
Former Home Street of Terrence McNally Will Be Named in His Honor
by Stephi Wild - May 28, 2025

East 9th street between Broadway and University Place will be co-named in honor of the late legendary playwright Terrence McNally, who proudly lived on East 9th Street for 24 years.
Colin Donnell, Shaina Taub, Nichelle Lewis, and More Join RAGTIME Cast
by Stephi Wild - May 28, 2025

Lincoln Center Theater has announced additional casting and creative team for RAGTIME, incoming Artistic Director Lear deBessonet’s first production of her inaugural season. Learn more here!
No Guarantees Productions Takes Over Astor Place Theater, Former Home of BLUE MAN GROUP
by Stephi Wild - May 27, 2025

Following the closing of Blue Man Group after 34 years, Astor Place Theater is being taken over by No Guarantees Productions. Learn more about what this means for the future of the theater!
Video: 'Success' from Goodspeed's RAGTIME
by Joshua Wright - May 23, 2025

Watch David R. Gordon (Tateh) perform 'Success' with the cast of Goodspeed's Ragtime in this all-new clip. Ragtime features a book by Terrence McNally. Music is by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. The musical is based on the novel “Ragtime” by E. L. Doctorow.

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 Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre and the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Lortels. He is also recognized as one of the Legend of Off Broadway Honorees. Additionally, he received The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee and Gilbert Mead, from the Helen Hayes Awards. McNally won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book of a Musical for A Man of No Importance, The Full Monty, and Ragtime. He earned the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for Ragtime. His play Master Class won the Tony Award for Best Play. Love! Valour! Compassion! received multiple accolades, including Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Play, the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best American Play, the Obie Award for Playwriting, and the Tony Award for Best Play. Kiss of the Spider Woman was honored with the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical and the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical. McNally also won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play for Lips Together, Teeth Apart, The Lortels Award for Outstanding Body of Work, and the Obie Award for Distinguished Plays for Bad Habits.

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