The Dramatists Guild mourns the passing of its longtime Council member Terrence McNally, one of the most celebrated playwrights and librettists in the American canon.
A five-time Tony award honoree, McNally's oeuvre explored a host of subjects in the national consciousness, from the immigrant experience (Ragtime) to the transformative power of art (Lisbon Traviata, Master Class, It's Only A Play) to the social and political emergence of gay men in the larger culture (Love! Valour! Compassion!, Andre's Mother, Corpus Christi).
His works were groundbreaking in both their form and content. As a person, we will remember McNally as a devoted advocate for his fellow writers, a warm and genial presence, and a font of wisdom about our craft. We send our deepest condolences to his husband Tom Kirdahy, and wish to acknowledge how he enriched our lives through both his art and his grace.
Doug Wright
President of the Dramatists Guild of America