Terrence McNally

Terrence McNally (1938-2020) was an American playwright, librettist, and screenwriter who became one of the most significant voices in contemporary American theater. Over his six-decade career, he won four Tony Awards for his plays "Love! Valour! Compassion!" and "Master Class," and his books for the musicals "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and "Ragtime." McNally was particularly noted for his sensitive portrayal of gay life, social commentary, and explorations of human relationships. His works were among the first to address the AIDS crisis and gay rights on Broadway, with plays like "The Ritz" (1975) and "Lips Together, Teeth Apart" (1991) breaking new ground in mainstream theater. As a librettist, McNally demonstrated versatility in both musical theater and opera, writing the books for "The Full Monty," "The Visit," and "Dead Man Walking." His play "Master Class," about opera singer Maria Callas, showcased his ability to blend music, drama, and historical biography. The playwright's career spanned from Off-Off-Broadway in the 1960s to major Broadway productions in the 21st century, during which he received numerous accolades including an Emmy Award, four Drama Desk Awards, and the 2019 Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement. His work consistently addressed themes of love, connection, and the search for acceptance, establishing him as a pivotal figure in American dramatic literature.

Readers frequently highlight McNally's authentic character development and dialogue, particularly in his portrayal of LGBTQ+ experiences and relationships. Many reviews mention his ability to balance humor with serious social commentary. Readers appreciate: - Natural dialogue that captures real human interactions - Complex exploration of relationships and family dynamics - Integration of music and drama in works like "Master Class" - Treatment of AIDS crisis with honesty and compassion - Character depth in ensemble pieces Common criticisms: - Some plays feel dated in their cultural references - Occasional heavy-handedness with political messages - Uneven pacing in longer works On Goodreads, "Love! Valour! Compassion!" averages 4.1/5 stars from 1,200+ ratings, with readers praising its emotional impact. "Master Class" holds 4.3/5 from 900+ ratings, with comments highlighting the compelling portrayal of Maria Callas. Amazon reader reviews average 4.2/5 across his published works, though individual ratings vary significantly by title. Theater review aggregator Show Score indicates audience ratings between 75-85 for recent productions of his plays.

And Things That Go Bump in the Night (1964) - A family retreats to their basement during an unnamed crisis while facing their fears and relationships.

Next (1969) - A one-act play depicting a military draft physical examination.

Where Has Tommy Flowers Gone? (1971) - The story of a young rebel attempting to navigate American society in the 1960s.

The Ritz (1975) - A straight man hides from the mob in a gay bathhouse in Manhattan.

Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (1987) - Two middle-aged people navigate the possibility of love after a first date.

The Lisbon Traviata (1989) - Two gay opera enthusiasts discuss Maria Callas while one faces relationship troubles.

Lips Together, Teeth Apart (1991) - Two straight couples spend Fourth of July weekend at a gay community's beach house during the AIDS crisis.

Kiss of the Spider Woman (1992) - A musical adaptation about two cell mates in a Latin American prison.

Love! Valour! Compassion! (1994) - Eight gay men spend three summer holiday weekends together at a vacation house.

Master Class (1995) - A dramatization of opera diva Maria Callas teaching a master class at Juilliard.

Corpus Christi (1998) - A modern retelling of the Jesus story set in Texas with a gay Christ-like figure.

Dead Man Walking (2000) - An opera adaptation of Sister Helen Prejean's book about her relationship with a death row inmate.

Some Men (2006) - A non-linear examination of gay life in America across several decades.

Golden Age (2012) - A behind-the-scenes look at the premiere of Bellini's final opera in 1835 Paris.

Tony Kushner writes plays dealing with gay identity, AIDS, and broader social justice themes in contemporary America. Like McNally, he combines personal relationships with political commentary in works like "Angels in America."

Paula Vogel explores LGBT themes and family dynamics through a mix of comedy and drama. Her work "How I Learned to Drive" addresses trauma and complicated relationships similar to McNally's character studies.

Edward Albee crafts dialogue-driven plays focused on dysfunctional relationships and social criticism. His examination of human connections and caustic wit parallels McNally's approach to dramatic writing.

Larry Kramer writes about gay life and AIDS activism with direct social commentary. His plays like "The Normal Heart" share McNally's focus on the AIDS crisis and its impact on the gay community.

Richard Greenberg creates theater pieces centered on complex family dynamics and sexual identity. His work "Take Me Out" examines sexuality in sports culture with the same kind of character depth found in McNally's plays.