Terrence McNally
Terrence McNally: A Life of Passionate Storytelling
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Terrence McNally was born as James Terry McNally on November 3, 1938. He is commonly known for his stage name, Terrence McNally.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: November 3, 1938
Died: March 24, 2020 (aged 81)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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McNally was an American playwright, librettist, and screenwriter. He is best known for his work in the theater world.
Early Life and Background
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Terrence McNally grew up in a family that encouraged artistic pursuits. His mother, Margaret, was an artist, while his father, James, worked as a lawyer. McNally's early life was marked by a love of storytelling, which would eventually become the hallmark of his career.
As a young man, McNally attended Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, where he developed his interest in theater. He later went on to study at New York University, where he began writing plays and developing his craft.
Major Accomplishments
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Throughout his illustrious career, McNally earned numerous awards and accolades for his work. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:
The Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical (1994) for Kiss of the Spider Woman
The Tony Award for Best Play (2006) for Master Class
A Pulitzer Prize nomination for Drama (1985) for The Lisbon TraviataNotable Works or Actions
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McNally's body of work is a testament to his innovative spirit and dedication to the art of storytelling. Some of his most notable works include:
Kiss of the Spider Woman (1978), which tackles themes of love, oppression, and the human condition
The Lisbon Traviata (1989), a play that explores the complexities of relationships and identity
Master Class (1995), a one-woman show that delves into the life of opera diva Maria Callas
Impact and Legacy
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Terrence McNally's contributions to the world of theater have left an indelible mark on audiences everywhere. His work has:
Pushed boundaries in terms of subject matter, style, and format
Inspired a new generation of playwrights and librettists
Continues to be performed and admired by theaters around the globeWhy They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Terrence McNally's impact on the world of theater is multifaceted. His:
Innovative storytelling approach has inspired countless artists and writers
Passion for exploring complex themes and issues continues to resonate with audiences today
Unwavering dedication to his craft has left a lasting legacy in the world of theater
Quotes by Terrence McNally
I’ve had wonderful collaborators. They’re very different, just as actors are. Working on a show with Nathan Lane is different from working on a show with Chita Rivera. It keeps you on your toes because it’s different every time.
In those days, you had to like one or the other. You couldn’t like Sutherland AND Callas.
MARIA. So. How is everyone? Can you hear me? I don’t believe in microphones. Singing is first of all about projection. So is speech. People are forgetting how to listen. They want everything blasted at them. Listening takes concentration. If you can’t hear me, it’s your fault. You’re not concentrating.
I like to surprise myself. I’ve always been attracted to projects where I don’t know how they’re going to turn out.
I’m of the school ‘Write what you know.’ You can educate yourself, but the best writing usually comes from the heart.
There are so many rules about play writing. I’d have a nervous breakdown if I followed them.
Write plays that matter. Raise the stakes. Shout, yell, holler, but make yourself heard. It’s time for playwrights to reclaim the theatre. We do that by speaking from the heart about the things that matter most to us. If a play isn’t worth dying for, maybe it isn’t worth writing.
I may think I have inalienable rights to be alive and happy, but I don’t – life is a blessing.
I don't think I've ever written anything even remotely naturalistic. The closest probably would be seen as 'Frankie and Johnny,' and that's only 'cause they eat a sandwich and make an omelet in act two. But it's a romantic fairy tale, and I'm very aware of that. I don't think it helps the actors in my plays to lose themselves in the reality of talking to another person. A good McNally actor always knows he's in a play with an audience.
Write plays that matter. Raise the stakes. Shout, yell, holler, but make yourself heard. It's time for playwrights to reclaim the theatre. We do that by speaking from the heart about the things that matter most to us. If a play isn't worth dying for, maybe it isn't worth writing.