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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
Playwright
Playwright
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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


Michael Arden, Dane Laffrey, and More Will Receive Transporting American Theatre Award
by Stephi Wild - Feb 19, 2026

Michael Arden, Dane Laffrey, Hillary Blanken, and Fred Gallo will be honored with the Transporting American Theatre Award by Transport Group on April 28.
DEATH OF A SALESMAN Extends An Additional Eight Weeks on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Feb 18, 2026

Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman will be extended for an additional eight weeks of performances on Broadway. Learn more about the production and how to get tickets here!
Video: Joshua Henry Performs 'Make Them Hear You' From RAGTIME on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 16, 2026

Tony Award nominee Joshua Henry took over The View stage on Monday to perform a powerful rendition of Make Them Hear You from the musical revival of Ragtime. Check out his performance now.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN and More Set for City Springs Theatre Company Ninth Season
by Caroline Powell - Feb 13, 2026

Atlanta’s fastest-growing performing arts organization, City Springs Theatre Company (CSTC) has announced its ninth season of musicals at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center (SSPAC).
Broadway Cast of RAGTIME Set for Monday Performance on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 13, 2026

On Presidents Day, the cast of Broadway's Ragtime will take the stage on The View for a special performance from the hit revival. Tune in to watch the performance, airing Monday, February 16, at 11 a.m.-12 p.m. EDT on ABC.
Shakespeare & Company Unveils Its Full Season 2026 Line-up
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 13, 2026

Shakespeare & Company has unveiled its full line-up for Season 2026, unveiling a slate of new titles, returning acts, free and low-cost community events, and more.
Avery Deutsch Wins 2025 Neukom Playwriting Award for THE AGE OF MARY
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 13, 2026

Avery Deutsch's play 'THE AGE OF MARY' has been selected for the 2025 Neukom Playwriting Award, with upcoming workshops and public readings in Vermont and New Hampshire.
ANASTASIA Comes to Brisbane's Lyric Theatre QPAC in 2026
by Stephi Wild - Feb 12, 2026

Broadway musical ANASTASIA will premiere in Brisbane's Lyric Theatre at QPAC from September 2026. The crowd-favourite musical made its Australian debut in December at Melbourne's Regent Theatre wowing audiences and critics alike.
DARLIN' World Premiere and More Set for Bridge Street Theatre 2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 9, 2026

Bridge Street Theatre has revealed its 2026 MainStage Season and SoloFest lineup, a dynamic year of theatre that spans comedy, drama, world premiere work, and intimate solo performances.
A Complete History of RAGTIME
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Feb 8, 2026

The Broadway production of Ragtime was a glorious accomplishment, a riveting testament to the original American musical and to all that America itself could be. The show ran for 834 performances at the Ford Center, closing in the final year of the 20th century. It was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, taking home four.
From Ethel Merman to Liza Minnelli: Revisit the Best of Broadway on THE MUPPET SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 7, 2026

It's time to meet Broadway's best on The Muppet Show tonight! With the new special now streaming, we have rounded up some of the best of Broadway talent during the show's original run.
Video: Joshua Henry, Shaina Taub, & Ben Levi Ross Record 'He Wanted to Say' From RAGTIME
by Michael Major - Feb 6, 2026

Ragtime has released a video of Joshua Henry, Shaina Taub, and Ben Levi Ross recording 'He Wanted to Say' from the acclaimed revival. The track is featured on the recently released cast recording, which dropped in January.
Tickets Available This Week for ANASTASIA's Adelaide Season at Festival Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2026

Tickets for Broadway musical Anastasia's Adelaide season, at Festival Theatre from August 2026, are on sale this week. The crowd-favourite musical made its Australian debut in December at Melbourne's Regent Theatre.
Full Cast Set for KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN; Layton Williams Departs
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2026

Co-producers Curve, Bristol Old Vic and Mayflower Southampton have revealed the full cast for the upcoming revival of John Kander and Fred Ebb’s musical, Kiss of the Spider Woman.
Submissions Open for The Blank Theatre's 34th Young Playwrights Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 4, 2026

The Blank Theatre is now seeking submissions from playwrights 19 years of age and younger for its 34th Annual Young Playwrights Festival. The festival is a nationwide competition that produces the work of 12 young writers each year.
Broadway Streaming Guide: February 2026 - Where to Watch KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN & More
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 30, 2026

This February, Broadway fans will be treated to many new things to stream, including a new episode of The Muppet Show with Sabrina Carpenter, an animated movie featuring Cole Escola, Ryan Murphy's Love Story, and Kiss of the Spider Woman with Jennifer Lopez.
Video: RAGTIME's Caissie Levy Performs ‘Back to Before’ on TODAY
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 27, 2026

Caissie Levy, who is currently playing the role of 'Mother' in the Broadway revival of Ragtime, visited TODAY on Tuesday for a performance of 'Back to Before' as part of the Citi Concert Series. Check it out now!
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN to Make Hulu Streaming Debut in February
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 26, 2026

Kiss of the Spider Woman, the 2025 adaptation of the Broadway musical, will be available to stream on Hulu beginning February 27, 2026, in the United States.
Mark Consuelos, Christopher Fitzgerald, and More Join FALLEN ANGELS
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2026

Roundabout Theatre Company has announced the complete cast and design team for the upcoming production of Fallen Angels by Noël Coward. Learn more about the full cast here!
Cast Announced for MASTER CLASS at The Wilton Playshop's
by Gillian Blum - Jan 17, 2026

The cast for Master Class at The Wilton Playshop in Fairfield has been announced, ahead of the production's opening on February 13, with the run lasting through February 28.

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

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