@dramatistsguild @donnahoke

In April, we were fortunate to have Traveling Master Terrence McNally come to Buffalo for not one, but two events that not only exposed Buffalonians to McNally’s work, but also provided insight to his career and his personal and professional relationship with Broadway producer Tom Kirdahy.

The first event, An Evening with Terrence McNally, was a fundraiser to benefit Buffalo United Artists, which stages its eighth Terrence McNally play—It’s Only a Play—this month. Held at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, the event featured McNally reading excerpts from his new book, Terrence McNally: A Memoir in Plays, interspersed with Buffalo actors performing brief scenes. VIP ticket holders were invited to a reception afterward, where McNally sat for more than two hours, signing every last book.

The following morning, McNally and husband Tom Kirdahy, a Broadway producer, visited the Donald Savage Theater on the campus of Buffalo State College for a free, public event moderated by Buff State Assistant Dean of Humanties, Artvoice theater editor, WBFO Theater Talk co-host, and founder of the annual Artie awards Anthony Chase, and me (clearly, I need a few titles!). Prior to the formal Q&A, Dramatists Guild members were treated to a private meet-and-greet with our guests.

“This was so fulfilling on several levels, not only meeting my favorite living playwright but actually having a conversation with him followed by a master class,” says Karen McDonald. “It was a most inspiring event. And I’ve already devoured his book. Terrence McNally has accomplished practically everything a writer could, being a social conscience, winning the top awards, writing about universal issues, and for great actors. Yet he is still so excited about the work which to me is the most encouraging part, so encouraging that I have been writing nonstop ever since. Now I leave notebooks everywhere I might find myself, gym bags, the car, my sister’s…just in case. I also really appreciated Tom Kirdahy and learning more about the producer’s contribution. And as a couple, well it’s always heartening to see happily married folks, especially in this crazy business.” Darryl Schneider, too, notes that listening to McNally encouraged him to “not give up, and Cathy Lanski appreciate the business insights, and says, “Terrence reminded me that there is no single path or method to becoming a successful playwright.”

The subsequent Q&A was attended by more than 100 playwrights, actors, and students who lobbed questions at the pair for nearly two hours. Afterward, they happily chatted and signed books (even hugged!) for nearly another hour—genuine enthusiasm and dedication that did not go unnoticed. “It was incredible to be in the presence of these two passionate, personable, and down-to-earth men who truly wanted to be exactly where they were while visiting us,” says Buffalo State senior Lilly Inglut. Echoed classmate Molly Bader: “Having the opportunity to meet Terrence McNally and Tom Kirdahy was a remarkable learning experience. Both men were humble and incredibly willing to share their experiences in the theater. I feel that I learned a lot and was inspired by them.”

“The chance to interact with a playwright of Terrence McNally’s stature was an inspiration for our students. I would go so far as to say that his message about his career and life in the theater was, in many instances, life altering,” offers Dr. Chase. “The City of Buffalo is on the rebound from its years as a Rust Belt town. Nonetheless, without the support of the Dramatists Guild Fund, our students would never have been able to access such a rich opportunity. They listened intently; their questions were passionate and purposeful.”

As it turns out, Terrence McNally’s visit may be the first of what nearly amounts to a playwright windfall in Buffalo, with at least two more prominent playwrights visiting WNY in the upcoming calendar year. This fall, Jewish Repertory Theatre welcomes Amy Herzog and Donald Margulies will be Road Less Traveled Productions’ 2017 American Theater Master. Stay tuned for events with both playwrights!

dhoke@dramatistsguild.com

Photo courtesy DGF Traveling Masters Program