Corpus Christi - The Play was written by Terrence McNally, a prolific and celebrated American playwright whose accolades include multiple Tony Awards and a 2019 Tony Lifetime Achievement Award. McNally’s work spans from musical theatre to intimate dramas, with a distinctive voice that blends wit, empathy, and fearless storytelling. This particular work, first staged Off-Broadway at the Manhattan Theatre Club Stage 1 in 1998, reimagines biblical figures as modern-day LGBTQ+ characters. The original production faced protests but ultimately returned to the stage, underscoring McNally’s impact on contemporary theatre and the ongoing conversation about representation and faith in art.
As a creator, McNally’s legacy includes Kiss of the Spider Woman, Ragtime, Love! Valour! Compassion!, and Master Class. His contributions to theatre are celebrated worldwide, and his licensing is managed through Concord Theatricals, which provides access to the script, cast details, and performance rights for national and international productions.