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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
Playwright
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Bookwriter
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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


RAGTIME Will Return to Broadway This Fall
by Nicole Rosky - May 6, 2025

A strange, insistent music is coming back to Broadway. BroadwayWorld has just learned that Lincoln Center Theater will soon present Ragtime at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre. Performances begin September 26. Member onsale May 13. Public onsale May 28.
Video: Lincoln Center Teases RAGTIME Revival: 'Something's Beginning'
by Michael Major - May 5, 2025

Lincoln Center Theater has teased a potential upcoming Ragtime revival on their social media. In a new video, an actor walks to a piano near the Vivian Beaumont Theatre to play the iconic opening chords from the musical.
Video: Edward Watts, Mamie Parris & More in RAGTIME at Goodspeed
by Joshua Wright - May 2, 2025

Get a first look at the company of Goodspeed Musicals' Ragtime - the first production of the 2025 season. A powerful musical about the dreams of three American families woven together with ragtime, jazz and show tunes, Ragtime runs through June 15, 2025 at The Goodspeed in East Haddam, Conn.
Best Cabaret in May 2025: Betty Buckley, Elizabeth Gillies, Reeve Carney & More
by Rebecca Kaplan - May 1, 2025

See some of the biggest names performing at cabaret venues ii May 2025 - at a range of budget points. Find out how you can get tickets this month to shows from Sandra Bernhardt, Alex Newell, Mario Cantone and more!
Photos: Dramatists Guild Awards Honor David Henry Hwang, Shaina Taub and More
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 30, 2025

Last night, the Dramatists Guild of America honored the recipients of their 2025 Awards with a ceremony at Green Fig at which playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists celebrated their fellow theatre writers. Check out photos here!
Theatre for a New Audience Appoints Arin Arbus as Artistic Director
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2025

Theatre for a New Audience has announced that OBIE Award-winning director Arin Arbus will be its next Artistic Director when Founding Artistic Director Jeffrey Horowitz steps down on August 31, 2025.
Photos: RAGTIME at Goodspeed Musicals
by Emmy Rice - Apr 26, 2025

Production photos have been released for Ragtime at Goodspeed Musicals, running through June 15. See here for the photos of the production and more information!
Video: Edward Watts, Mamie Parris & More in Rehearsals for RAGTIME at Goodspeed
by Joshua Wright - Apr 25, 2025

Get a first look at the company of Goodspeed Musicals' Ragtime performing 'Journey On' from the first production of the 2025 season. A powerful musical about the dreams of three American families woven together with ragtime, jazz and show tunes, Ragtime runs from April 25 – June 15 at The Goodspeed in East Haddam, Conn.
Harvey Fierstein Will Receive a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 24, 2025

The Tony Awards Administration Committee announced that legendary actor and writer, and four-time Tony Award winner, Harvey Fierstein will receive the 2025 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.
I'M ASSUMING YOU KNOW DAVID GREENSPAN Adds Performance At Atlantic Theater Company
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 21, 2025

Atlantic Theater Company has added one additional performance of their sold out, world premiere play I'm Assuming You Know David Greenspan due to popular demand.
Video: Goodspeed's RAGTIME Rehearses 'Gettin' Ready Rag'
by Michael Major - Apr 18, 2025

The cast of Goodspeed's Ragtime rehearses 'Gettin' Ready Rag.' The video features Shaunice Maudlyn Alexander, Jordan Alexander, Yophi Adia Bost, Jalyn Crosby, Jeremiah Valentino Porter, Rory Shirley, Denver Andre Taylor and Michael Wordly.
Video: Watch the Cast of Goodspeed's RAGTIME Perform 'New Music'
by Michael Major - Apr 15, 2025

Watch the cast of Goodspeed's Ragtime rehearse 'New Music,' before performances begin on April 25. The video features Michael Wordly and Brennyn Lark with Shaunice Maudlyn Alexander, Jordan Alexander, Mia Bergstrom, Tommy Betz, and more.
Video: First Look at ANASTASIA at Maine State Music Theatre
by Michael Major - Apr 14, 2025

Watch a first look at the New England Regional Premiere of Anastasia the Musical at Maine State Music Theatre. Check out the new video video. Book by Terrence McNally Music by Stephen Flaherty Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Movie Sets Fall Release Date
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 11, 2025

Kiss of the Spider Woman, the much-anticipated movie musical, has officially landed a release date. It will hit U.S. theaters on October 10th from Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate, and LD Entertainment.
Video: Watch a Sneak Peek of ANASTASIA at Fulton Theatre
by Michael Major - Apr 11, 2025

Watch the trailer video for Anastasia at Fulton Theatre. From the Tony-winning creators of such Broadway classics as Ragtime and Once On This Island, the new production is running at Fulton Theatre’s Mainstage.
Theatre Tuscaloosa to Hold Auditions for ANASTASIA in May
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 10, 2025

Theatre Tuscaloosa will hold open auditions for 'Anastasia' in the Wilson Carr Rehearsal Hall on the Martin Campus of Shelton State Community College. Learn how to attend.
ANASTASIA, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, and More Set For Geva Theatre's 2025/26 Season
by Stephi Wild - Apr 8, 2025

Geva Theatre has announced its upcoming 2025/26 season. The One Geva subscription offers a full season of exciting work across our two theatres – now with five shows in the Wilson and two shows in the Fielding!
ANASTASIA THE MUSICAL Comes to Encore Theatre Group
by Stephi Wild - Apr 7, 2025

Encore Theatre Group will present its spring mainstage musical production: the sweeping, romantic, and adventure-filled Anastasia: The Musical. Learn more about the show here!
David Henry Hwang To Receive Dramatist Guild Lifetime Achievement Award
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 2, 2025

The Dramatists Guild of America has announced that the recipient of its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award is playwright David Henry Hwang. The award will be presented at the Guild’s annual awards ceremony on Monday, April 28. 
ANASTASIA Musical to Premiere in Australia in 2025
by Joshua Wright - Apr 1, 2025

Opera Australia, in partnership with Crossroads Live, will bring the Broadway hit musical ANASTASIA, will have its Australian premiere at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne in December 2025 before touring to Perth and Sydney in 2026.

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 (Tony Awards) and the Lifetime Achievement Award (The Lortels). He was honored as a Legend of Off Broadway Honoree and received The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee and Gilbert Mead (Helen Hayes Awards). His accolades for the Outstanding Book of a Musical include Drama Desk Awards for A Man of No Importance and The Full Monty, as well as Tony Awards for Ragtime. He won the Tony Award for Best Play for Master Class and received the Outstanding Play Drama Desk Awards for Love! Valour! Compassion!, which also earned him the Best American Play award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, the Playwriting award at the Obie Awards, and the Tony Award for Best Play. In 1998, McNally was recognized for his work on Kiss of the Spider Woman, receiving Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical honors from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and Tony Awards, respectively. He also earned the Outstanding New Play Drama Desk Award for Lips Together, Teeth Apart, the Outstanding Body of Work award from The Lortels, and the Distinguished Plays award from the Obie Awards for Bad Habits.

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