PHILADELPHIA (November 20, 2008) - Terrence McNally, author of “Unusual Acts of Devotion,” now playing at Philadelphia Theatre Company (PTC) and starring Richard Thomas and Faith Prince, will speak to members of The University of the Arts community Friday, November 21 from 3 – 4 p.m. in the Caplan Center Studio Theater (Terra Hall, 16th floor). Seating is first come, first served.

“Unusual Acts of Devotion” depicts residents of a Greenwich Village walk-up gathering on the roof during the summer to celebrate a wedding anniversary, only to confront some of the uncomfortable truths that inform their lives and relationships. The play looks at things done – and not done – all in the name of love.

This production of “Unusual Acts of Devotion” at PTC is its world premiere. PTC has premiered two of McNally’s other plays, “Master Class” (Tony Award best play) and more recently “Some Men” (Drama Desk nomination for best play). McNally’s last play, “Deuce,” opened on Broadway in 2007 and featured Angela Lansbury and Marian Seldes. His other plays include “A Perfect Ganesh,” “Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune,” “Love! Valour! Compassion!” (Tony Award) and “The Lisbon Traviata.” He has written the books for musicals including “Ragtime” (Tony Award), “Kiss of the Spider Woman” (Tony Award) and “The Full Monty.”

His future projects include the books for “The Visit” (with Kander and Ebb) and “Catch Me If You Can” (with Wittman and Shaiman). Last fall, McNally was honored at the opening gala for PTC’s new home at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. In addition to four Tony Awards, McNally has received two Guggenheim Fellowships, a Rockefeller Grant, the Lucille Lortel Award, the Hull-Warriner Award, and a citation from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He has been a member of the Dramatists Guild Council since 1970 and has served as vice-president since 1981. He is considered one of the leading American dramatists still writing today.

 

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