East 9th Street Conamed for Village Legend Terrance McNally
In a heartfelt celebration of one of America’s most influential playwrights, East 9th Street between University Place and Broadway has officially been co-named Terrence McNally Way, honoring the five-time Tony Award winner whose words helped shape modern theatre—and whose spirit continues to shape the Village.
From Left: Santino DeAngelo, Erik Botcher, Francis Jue, Carlina Rivera, Caissie Levy, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Tom Kirdahy, Brandon Uranowitz, Stephen Flaherty, Donna Murphy, Jonathan Groff, and Lynn Ahrens in attendance at the ceremony.
The street naming ceremony, held on May 30, brought together Broadway luminaries, city officials, and longtime friends and collaborators of McNally. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jonathan Groff, and Brandon Uranowitz were among the stars in attendance, offering tributes that captured the wit and warmth of a man who transformed stages and lives alike.
McNally’s husband, Tom Kurdahy, unveiled the new street sign.
McNally, who lived on the renamed street for 24 years, was deeply rooted in the fabric of the Village. Over a career that spanned six decades, he brought stories of queer love, artistic ambition, and human connection into the cultural mainstream with landmark works like And Things That Go Bump in the Night, Ragtime, and Love! Valour! Compassion!
Described as “the bard of American theater” by The New York Times, McNally’s credits include an Emmy Award, two Guggenheim Fellowships, a Rockefeller Grant, four Drama Desk Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards, two Obie Awards, and three Hull-Warriner Awards.
The co-naming recognizes McNally’s achievements and his lifelong commitment to uplifting voices through his work. It’s a reminder of what makes the Village so extraordinary. It’s a place where creative giants have walked, where activism and art intersect, and where the next generation of storytellers continue to find their voice.
From Left: Santino DeAngelo, Executive Director of the Terrence McNally Foundation; Jonathan Groff; Tom Kirdahy, Husband of the late Terrence McNally; Lin-Manuel Miranda