A Man of Much Importance

The Life of Terrence McNally

Chris Bryne

For nearly sixty years, playwright Terrence McNally has been a force in American theater. His work, encompassing plays, musicals, teleplays, and opera, have been performed around the world. McNally is the consummate artist, delving into the human soul, fearlessly examining both the lighter and darker natures of existence in an uncertain—and sometimes frightening—world.

This book looks at McNally's work against the backdrop of a dynamic culture and the ways in which an artist grows and responds to reality. Starting in the Off-Off-Broadway movement in the 1960s, McNally's work has reflected a changing culture, from the anti-war movements of the 1960s through AIDS to gay marriage.

Based on extensive interviews with McNally, it also features interviews with many of the artists—actors, designers, producers—with whom he’s collaborated, including Nathan Lane, Chita Rivera, Angela Lansbury, Audra McDonald, Swoosie Kurtz, John Glover, Joe Mantello, Arin Arbus, Paul Libin, and many more.

A Man of Much Importance presents a warm and affectionate look at the people and the process that is unique to the theater and performing arts. It goes beyond a traditional biography and illuminates the evolution of the artist—not merely as an individual creative force but within the context of a collaborative, interdependent community of artists who inspire one another and give voice and dimension to the creative process.

Globe Pequot / Applause

Pages: 272 • Trim: 6 x 9

978-1-4930-5377-3 • Hardback • May 2022 • $29.95 • (£22.95)

978-1-4930-5379-7 • eBook • May 2022 • $28.50 • (£21.95) (coming soon)

Subjects: Performing Arts / Theater/ Biography, Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts

A Man of Much Importance

The Life of Terrence McNally

Hardback

Summary

For nearly sixty years, playwright Terrence McNally has been a force in American theater. His work, encompassing plays, musicals, teleplays, and opera, have been performed around the world. McNally is the consummate artist, delving into the human soul, fearlessly examining both the lighter and darker natures of existence in an uncertain—and sometimes frightening—world.

This book looks at McNally's work against the backdrop of a dynamic culture and the ways in which an artist grows and responds to reality. Starting in the Off-Off-Broadway movement in the 1960s, McNally's work has reflected a changing culture, from the anti-war movements of the 1960s through AIDS to gay marriage.

Based on extensive interviews with McNally, it also features interviews with many of the artists—actors, designers, producers—with whom he’s collaborated, including Nathan Lane, Chita Rivera, Angela Lansbury, Audra McDonald, Swoosie Kurtz, John Glover, Joe Mantello, Arin Arbus, Paul Libin, and many more.

A Man of Much Importance presents a warm and affectionate look at the people and the process that is unique to the theater and performing arts. It goes beyond a traditional biography and illuminates the evolution of the artist—not merely as an individual creative force but within the context of a collaborative, interdependent community of artists who inspire one another and give voice and dimension to the creative process.

Details

Globe Pequot / Applause

Pages: 272 • Trim: 6 x 9

978-1-4930-5377-3 • Hardback • May 2022 • $29.95 • (£22.95)

978-1-4930-5379-7 • eBook • May 2022 • $28.50 • (£21.95) (coming soon)

Subjects: Performing Arts / Theater/ Biography, Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts

Author

CHRISTOPHER BYRNE is an author and theater critic. Since 1996, he has been the contributing theater editor for Gay City News. He began his career as a stage manager and producer and is a graduate of Boston University’s College of Fine Arts. He is the host of the Open Call podcast, designed for young people pursuing theater careers. In his not-so-secret double life, he is a leading expert on toys and play, publishing seven books on the topic, writing extensively, speaking, and appearing on many television programs worldwide.

A Man of Much Importance

The Life of Terrence McNally

Chris Bryne

A Man of Much Importance

The Life of Terrence McNally

ALSO AVAILABLE