Terrence McNally
Birth Place: St. Petersburg, FL, USA
2026 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List (Apr 20, 2026)
Industry Pro Newsletter: The UK Is Investing in Theatre — Is It Enough? (Apr 20, 2026)
Video: RAGTIME Stars Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz & More Perform at WNYC Event (Apr 17, 2026)
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
Alma Cuervo, Mare Winningham, Da'Von T. Moody, Kara Mikula, Jim Parsons, Nathaniel Stampley, A.J. Shively, Mary Beth Peil, Jessica Tyler Wright, Tom Kirdahy (holding a photo of husband Book Writer Terrence McNally), Mara Isaacs, Thom Sesma, Shereen Ahmed, Joel Waggoner and William Youmans
From: Photos: On the Red Carpet for A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE Opening Night
Arin Arbus, Terrence McNally, Audra McDonald and Michael Shannon during the Opening Night Curtain Call for "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune" at the Broadhurst Theatre on May 29, 2019 in New York City.
From: Photo Coverage: A Look Back on the Most Memorable Performances of 2019
.jpg?format=auto&width=600)
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Bookwriter
TV Shows
Dr. Robert Lynch
Awards and Nominations
Terrence McNally, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune
winner
Terrence McNally
Terrence McNally, Anastasia
Terrence McNally, Anastasia
Terrence McNally, It's Only a Play
winner
Terrence McNally
Terrence McNally, The Visit
winner
Terrence McNally
Terrence McNally, Mothers and Sons
Terrence McNally, Some Me
winner
Terrence McNally
winner
Terrence McNally, A Man of No Importance
Terrence McNally, The Full Monty
winner
Terrence McNally, The Full Monty
winner
Terrence McNally, Ragtime
Terrence McNally, Ragtime
winner
Terrence McNally, Ragtime
winner
Terrence McNally, Master Class
winner
Terrence McNally, Love! Valour! Compassion!
winner
Terrence McNally, Love! Valour! Compassion!
winner
Terrence McNally, Love! Valour! Compassion!
winner
Terrence McNally, Love! Valour! Compassion!
winner
Terrence McNally, Love! Valour! Compassion!
Terrence McNally, A Perfect Ganesh
winner
Terrence McNally, Kiss of the Spider Woman
winner
Terrence McNally, Kiss of the Spider Woman
winner
Terrence McNally, Lips Together, Teeth Apart
winner
Terrence McNally
Terrence McNally, The Ritz
winner
Terrence McNally, Bad Habits
Videos
Video: Joshua Henry and RAGTIME Cast Perform 'Gettin' Ready Rag'
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-03-03 11:33:52
Video: Joshua Henry Performs 'Make Them Hear You' From RAGTIME on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-02-16 14:10:05
Video: Joshua Henry, Shaina Taub, & Ben Levi Ross Record 'He Wanted to Say' From RAGTIME
by Michael Major - 2026-02-06 12:30:02
Joshua Henry Receives Emotional Note From Brian Stokes Mitchell on RAGTIME Opening
by Michael Major - 2025-10-20 11:28:25
Video: JJ Niemann Sings 'Goodbye' in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN at Marriott Theatre
by Michael Major - 2025-10-08 15:45:37
Video: Jennifer Lopez New Musical Clip from KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-10-08 11:12:13
Video: Jennifer Lopez Opens Up About Seeing Her First Broadway Show
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-10-06 13:44:57
Video: Extended Highlights from CATCH ME IF YOU CAN at Marriott Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 2025-09-30 15:58:17
Video: Watch Joshua Henry & Nichelle Lewis Perform 'Wheels of a Dream' From RAGTIME
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-30 10:08:13
Video: Jennifer Lopez Talks Lifelong Love of Musicals on CBS SUNDAY MORNING, Previews KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-29 11:43:08
Video: Go Inside the First Performance of RAGTIME on Broadway
by Michael Major - 2025-09-29 10:27:25
Video: JEOPARDY! Highlights Broadway with Recent Theater-Themed Category
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-26 12:13:55
Listen: Tonatiuh Sings 'She's a Woman' From KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-26 11:49:34
Video: Watch Caissie Levy & Brandon Uranowitz Rehearse 'Our Children' From RAGTIME
by Michael Major - 2025-09-25 15:26:28
Video: Jennifer Lopez, Tonatiuh, & More on Bringing KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN to Life
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-22 15:43:17
Video: Joshua Henry & RAGTIME Cast Rehearse 'Gettin’ Ready Rag'
by Michael Major - 2025-09-19 10:52:52
Video: Jennifer Lopez Sings Title Song From KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
by Stephi Wild - 2025-09-05 07:51:03
News
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026
The Drama League has announced the 2026 Drama League Awards Nominees, which include Chess, Heathers, Ragtime, The Rocky Horror Show, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Titanique, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and more. Check out the full list here!
by Alex Freeman - Apr 20, 2026
From Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater suspending operations and Central Works announcing its closure after 36 years, to Duluth Playhouse navigating a leadership transition, regional companies across the U.S. are grappling with the pressures of rising costs and uncertain funding. Across the Atlantic, the UK theatre sector is meeting similar headwinds head-on, with the government distributing £127.8 million to 130 cultural organizations, Stagetext securing funds to expand captioning access nationwide, and SOLT and UK Theatre sounding the alarm over strains on the touring ecosystem.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 17, 2026
The cast of Broadway's Ragtime visited WNYC on Friday for a special appearance as part of the Broadway On The Radio series. Watch the hour-long event, featuring performances from Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz, Nichelle Lewis, Ben Levi Ross, and Shaina Taub.
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 16, 2026
Roundabout Theatre Company has just announced the 2026-2027 season on Broadway and Off-Broadway marking Roundabout’s 60th Season. The season includes two world premieres, three revivals, and two musicals, including The Heart and The Full Monty. We have all of the details!
by Michael Major - Apr 15, 2026
New video footage has been released of Brandon Uranowitz, Shaina Taub, Rodd Cyrus, John Rapson, and the ensemble of Ragtime recording 'Success' for the 2025 Broadway Cast Recording of the beloved musical.
by R. Scott Reedy - Apr 14, 2026
Seven years ago, an already hot summer in Boston heated up even more during a pre-Broadway tryout of a truncated version of playwright Matthew Lombardo’s “Tea at Five” at the Huntington Theatre when its star, Academy Award winner Faye Dunaway, was fired after allegations that she physically and verbally assaulted crew members on the troubled production.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 13, 2026
Craig Lucas and Jake Brasch and more will present scenes from new plays commissioned through the Terrence McNally Recovery Commissions at the Guggenheim, followed by a discussion on storytelling and recovery.
by Alex Freeman - Apr 13, 2026
On Broadway, the Justice Department's resolution of its investigation into Broadway Across America signals growing scrutiny of market power in the touring industry, while the Tony Awards season heats up with eligibility decisions, a surprise celebrity host announcement in P!NK, and a $100 million facelift planned for Studio 54.
by Jade Kops - Apr 12, 2026
ANASTASIA is Stephen Flaherty (Music), Lynn Ahrens (Lyrics) and Terrence McNally’s (Book) musical theatre fairytale imagining of the last Romanov, inspired by 20th Century Fox Animation’s 1997 movie of the same name.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 10, 2026
Oklahoma City University's Bass School of Music will present Anastasia at the Kirkpatrick mainstage, featuring a 31-member cast and original costumes. Tickets are on sale now.
by Michael Major - Apr 10, 2026
Watch videos of Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowtiz, Shaina Taub, and Ben Levi Ross performing “The Night That Goldman Spoke at Union Square,” “Our Children,” and “Make Them Hear You' from Ragtime in the subway station.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2026
Ragtime will host a special post-show panel, titled “The Black Experience in RAGTIME” next week. Producer Lamar Richardson will moderate the conversation, featuring original RAGTIME stars Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 9, 2026
RAGTIME, SiriusXM’s On Broadway, and Concord Theatricals Recordings will present a SiriusXM Front Row event and cast album signing at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center on Thursday, April 23.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 9, 2026
Kiss of the Spider Woman, the 2025 film adaptation of the Broadway musical, is getting a physical media release, courtesy of boutique label Kino Lorber.
by Joshua Wright - Apr 9, 2026
Casting has been announced for a new international production of The Full Monty, which will play Japan this summer. Performances begin August 19 at Tokyo International Forum Hall C, where the production will run through September 7.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 8, 2026
Production photos have been released for the new UK revival of KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN. The co-production is now running at Curve Leicester before stops in Bristol and Southampton.
by Neil Brewer - Apr 8, 2026
Catch Me If You Can is a stage musical based on the real-life story of master con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. With a book by Terrence McNally and music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the show premiered in 2009 before opening on Broadway in 2011, earning multiple Tony Award nominations. It is celebrated for its slick storytelling and its infectious, 1960s-inspired score.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 7, 2026
The Broadway musical ANASTASIA opens at Sydney Lyric Theatre in April 2026, starring Georgina Hopson, Rhonda Burchmore, and Nancye Hayes, following a acclaimed Melbourne run.
by - Apr 7, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 7, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 6, 2026
David Gersten, Vice-President of ATPAM, the Association of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers (IATSE Local 18032), died on Monday, April 6 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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).
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.
Terrence McNally has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. His accolades include the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (Tony Awards), the Lifetime Achievement Award (The Lortels), and he is recognized as a Legend of Off Broadway Honoree. Additionally, he received The Helen Hayes Tribute sponsored by Jaylee and Gilbert Mead (Helen Hayes Awards). For his work, he won the Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for A Man of No Importance and The Full Monty. He also received the Best Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) and Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime. McNally earned the Best Play (Tony Awards) for Master Class and Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Love! Valour! Compassion!, which also earned him the Best American Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) and the Playwriting award (Obie Awards). Furthermore, he was awarded Best Play (Tony Awards) for Love! Valour! Compassion!, and he won Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) and Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman. He received the Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lips Together, Teeth Apart, the Outstanding Body of Work (The Lortels), and the Distinguished Plays (Obie Awards) for Bad Habits.
Videos