American Masters

The Tony Award for Best Play goes to Terrence McNally's Master Class Terrence is able to get to the core of the human condition in so many different ways I defy you to name another playwright who can do that? Edward Albee said the first time he laid eyes on Terrence McNally. He saw the most beautiful face he'd ever seen in his life. He said would you like to come up for a nightcap which was... not very coded for you know what. Those times were really really really difficult and frightening for gay men and women. He started so early to show Americans who gay people are. Terrence did it before anyone else. He did it better than anyone else. Terrence was way ahead of his time John Steinbeck said let me give you one bit of advice don't write for the theater It'll break your heart. Our defense is just doing the very best we can and screw it otherwise. I'd have no career if it wasn't for Terrence McNally. When it comes to Terrence McNally tributes I'm pretty much on speed-dial for the tri-state area. He'd read one line one line we go. Where have you been? Yes, you have the part. Thank you very much Winning awards does not change the struggle to be an authentic person. I said to him, why are you destroying yourself? You're a brilliant writer. Stop drinking. Not many people will fess up to love at first sight, but I will and I believe in it. I love you. An artist responds to their world and tries to make sense of it. The arts are an attempt to hold in our hands those moments that are full and right and true and just life. I want more of these moments.