Jack Neary, a renowned writer, director, and performer, has made a significant contribution to his alma mater, UMass Lowell. His professional papers, which include a wealth of published plays, draft scripts, notes, short stories, articles, playbills, press clippings, and correspondence, have now been added to the Center for Lowell History at UMass Lowell. This donation showcases Neary's extensive creative output and his deep connection to his hometown.

Unlock the Creative Legacy of Jack Neary

Early Career and Educational Background

Neary's creative journey began in Lowell's Sacred Heart neighborhood. In 1973, he earned an English degree from Lowell State College, one of UMass Lowell's predecessor institutions. After pursuing a career as an actor, he turned to playwriting and achieved great success. His initial effort, "First Night," which started as a one-act play, became a full-length production that was staged across the country, including off-Broadway at the Westside Theater in New York City. This early success laid the foundation for his subsequent career in the arts.His works often explore various aspects of American culture, from baseball to religion and the daily lives of modern people. He has mined his hometown experience for inspiration, creating characters and stories that resonate with audiences. As Paul Marion, a writer and fellow UMass Lowell graduate, praised, "Jack Neary is the Neil Simon of Lowell, for the way audiences connect with the humanity in his characters and stories."

Acting Career and Film Appearances

Neary's acting career has been equally impressive. He has appeared on television in shows like "Spenser: For Hire," "Law and Order," and "Brotherhood," and in films such as "The Town" and "Black Mass," alongside notable actors like Ben Affleck and Johnny Depp. His diverse range of acting credits showcases his talent and versatility as an artist.

Theater Companies and Directorial Work

Neary founded two theater companies as their producer and artistic director. New Century Theatre ran for 27 years at Smith College, while the Greater Lowell Music Theatre was based at UMass Lowell from 2012 through 2015. Co-founded by fellow UMass Lowell alumnus Leon Grande and Phyillis Long George, this company produced four summers of full-scale musicals and concerts. He also served as the producer and artistic director of Mount Holyoke College Summer Theatre from 1983 to 1985 and again from 1998 to 1999. His directorial work has left a lasting impact on regional theater across New England.Recently, he staged the award-winning "The Stands" at Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport and his adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" at the Players' Ring Theatre in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. These productions demonstrate his continued creative prowess and ability to bring classic works to life.Researchers interested in theater arts, English, creative writing, and related fields can make an appointment with the center via an email to archives@uml.edu to view and use the collection. The Center for Lowell History, located in the Mogan Cultural Center at 40 French St. in Lowell, contains archives and special collections dedicated to the preservation of Greater Lowell and UMass Lowell history. With materials dating back to before Lowell's founding and spanning to the present day, these collections provide a wealth of information for researchers in various fields.