Collector Terrence McNally cherishes the light in art. Until it goes out.

THE NEW YORK TIMES
Show Us Your Walls
By Ted Loos

Terrence McNally (seated) and his husband, Tom Kirdahy, in their living room in front of two Jane Freilicher paintings: “Still Life in Greenwich Village” (1977), center, and “The Black and White Set” (1990-91), upper right.

Having a documentary made about you can prompt reflection, and “Every Act of Life” is having that effect on its subject, the four-time Tony-winning playwright and librettist Terrence McNally, who just turned 80. “Every Act of Life” was released digitally [recently], after making the festival rounds. “It brings up conflicting emotions,” Mr. McNally added, that are “sometimes funny, sometimes painful.” But there is no conflict in Mr. McNally’s art-collecting principles, which are as clearheaded and articulately stated as the words he gives his characters in plays like “Master Class” and “Love! Valour! Compassion!” “I like cityscapes in the city, and country landscapes in the country,” Mr. McNally said. He and Mr. Kirdahy also have a place in the Hamptons. “What I don’t have much of is portraits.” [More]