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Elaine May

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BIO

Elaine May was a founding member of the improvisational theater groups the Compass Players and The Second City. She first came to national prominence with Nichols and May, her improvisational comedy duo with Mike Nichols, which became an immediate and overnight sensation, and stands as one of the most iconic comedy teams in history. Their hit recordings include the Grammy Award-winning chart-topping classic, An Evening With Mike Nichols and Elaine May, Improvisations to Music, Mike Nichols and Elaine May Examine Doctors, and In Retrospect; and their work has influenced many of the greatest comedians of our time, including Steve Martin, Lily Tomlin, Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, and the "Saturday Night Live" Not Ready for Prime Time Players. By perfecting the art of improvisation and introducing it to the public through their appearances in clubs and on television and radio, Nichols and May forever changed the face of comedy, and our collective sense of humor. Ms. May's select writing credits include the films The Birdcage starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane (reuniting her with Mike Nichols), Heaven Can Wait, Wolf, Reds, Primary Colors, A New Leaf, and Ishtar (she also directed the latter two films). Ms. May also directed the hit 1972 film, The Heartbreak Kid. The Waverly Gallery marks Elaine May's first appearance on Broadway since her 1960 debut in An Evening With Mike Nichols and Elaine May.


Photos

STAGE CREDITS

The Waverly Gallery The Waverly Gallery
[Broadway]
Broadway Premiere, 2018
Gladys Green
Power Plays
[Off-Broadway]
1998
Ms. Asquith/Sue
An Evening with Mike Nichols and Elaine May
[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1960
The Office
[Broadway]

Productions

Adaptation/ Next
 
[Off-Broadway, 1969]
Director

Writing

Power Plays
Playwright
3 x 3
Playwright

Movies

Enter Laughing
[ 1967 ] Angela Marlowe
Luv
[ 1967 ] Ellen Manville
A New Leaf
[ 1971 ] Henrietta Lowell
Such Good Friends
[ 1971 ] writer
Mikey and Nicky
[ 1976 ] writer
California Suite
[ 1978 ] Millie Michaels
Heaven Can Wait
[ 1978 ] writer
Ishtar
[ 1987 ] original songs
In the Spirit
[ 1990 ] Marianne Flan
The Birdcage
[ 1996 ] writer
Primary Colors
[ 1998 ] writer
Small Time Crooks
[ 2000 ] May
The Same Storm
[ 2021 ] Ruth Lipsman Berg

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Elaine May, The Waverly Gallery

Drama League Awards - 2019 - Distinguished Performance Award

Elaine May, The Waverly Gallery


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Elaine May, The Waverly Gallery


winner
Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Elaine May, The Waverly Gallery


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1969 - Most Promising Playwright

Elaine May, Adaptation


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1969 - Best Director

Elaine May, Adaptation/ Next


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1968 - Best New Playwright

Elaine May, Adaptation/ Next

Videos

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News


New York Theater Festival Will Present THE DISCERNING DUMMY World Premiere Photo
New York Theater Festival Will Present THE DISCERNING DUMMY World Premiere
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 22, 2025

New York Theater Festival will premiere The Discerning Dummy by Juan Carlos Hernandez at The LATEA Theater, running November 17–22, 2025. The play follows a young seminarian and his ventriloquist dummy as they navigate questions of faith, corruption, and conscience.
The 92nd Street Y, New York to Present Gabriel Kahane & Friends: ONLY LIGHT CAN DO TH Photo
The 92nd Street Y, New York to Present Gabriel Kahane & Friends: ONLY LIGHT CAN DO THAT
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 10, 2025

The 92nd Street Y, New York (92NY) will present Gabriel Kahane & Friends: only light can do that, a 92NY commission, in October. Learn more and see how to attend!
Who Are the Oldest Actors to Star in a Broadway Show? Photo
Who Are the Oldest Actors to Star in a Broadway Show?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 30, 2025

June Squibb is a beloved actor with an incredibly long career—but does 96 make her the oldest actor to play Broadway in a regular production with 8 performances a week? According to our research, that is indeed the case! 
IT’S A BIRD... IT’S A PLANE... IT’S SUPERMAN! Takes the Stage at The Broadwater Photo
IT’S A BIRD... IT’S A PLANE... IT’S SUPERMAN! Takes the Stage at The Broadwater Mainstage in August
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 1, 2025

Foster Cat Productions will take audiences on a nostalgic flight this August with a rare staging of It’s a Bird... It’s a Plane... It’s Superman!, the campy cult musical from the creators of Annie and Bye Bye Birdie.
EVITA, RENT, GREASE and More Lead Boston's Hot Summer 2025 Theater Picks Photo
EVITA, RENT, GREASE and More Lead Boston's Hot Summer 2025 Theater Picks
by R. Scott Reedy - Jul 1, 2025

Because of its great cultural and intellectual influence, Boston has been known as the Athens of America for centuries. That sobriquet is as true today as ever thanks to the area’s vibrant theater scene featuring pre-Broadway productions and national tours, Tony Award-winning regional theaters, and a host of other theater companies presenting everything from Shakespeare to classic and contemporary plays, musicals and concerts.
Jason Kravits Returns To Joe's Pub Next Month Photo
Jason Kravits Returns To Joe's Pub Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Jun 26, 2025

Television and Broadway star (and Snow White's 'Sneezy'), Jason Kravits, returns to Joe's Pub with his critically acclaimed solo show, “OFF the TOP!” Learn more here!
Elaine May to Direct World Premiere of Renée Taylor's DYING IS NO EXCUSE at Berkshir Photo
Elaine May to Direct World Premiere of Renée Taylor's DYING IS NO EXCUSE at Berkshire Theatre Group
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 18, 2025

Berkshire Theatre Group to present a landmark theatrical event this summer with the world premiere of Dying is No Excuse, written and performed by Renée Taylor and directed by the legendary Elaine May.
EGOT Explained: Who Has Joined the Elite Group and Who Is Close to Making History? Photo
EGOT Explained: Who Has Joined the Elite Group and Who Is Close to Making History?
by Sidney Paterra - May 26, 2025

Few honors in entertainment are as coveted—or as rare—as achieving EGOT status. This elite distinction marks a career filled with versatility, longevity, and extraordinary talent across multiple mediums. What does it all mean? We're taking a closer look at the artists who have managed to join one of the industry’s most exclusive clubs.
Meet the Cast of GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK, Now in Previews on Broadway Photo
Meet the Cast of GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK, Now in Previews on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2025

Good Night, and Good Luck is now in previews on Broadway,  The new play by George Clooney and Grant Heslov and directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer, stars Clooney in his Broadway debut. Meet the cast here!
THE MOUSETRAP, MATILDA And More Announced for Berkshire Theatre Group 2025 Season Photo
THE MOUSETRAP, MATILDA And More Announced for Berkshire Theatre Group 2025 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 1, 2025

Bershire Theatre Group's 2025 Summer Season, featuring a lineup of plays and musicals at both The Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge and The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. 
Review Roundup: CONVERSATIONS WITH MOTHER, Starring Matt Doyle and Caroline Aaron Photo
Review Roundup: CONVERSATIONS WITH MOTHER, Starring Matt Doyle and Caroline Aaron
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 24, 2025

Conversations with Mother, a new comedy by Matthew Lombardo starring Caroline Aaron and Matt Doyle, just celebrated its opening night at Theater 555. Check out what the New York theater critics are saying about the new play...
David Saint Will Retire as Artistic Director of George Street Playhouse Photo
David Saint Will Retire as Artistic Director of George Street Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Feb 19, 2025

George Street Playhouse has announced that Artistic Director David Saint will retire as Artistic Director at the conclusion of the 2024/2025 season.  George Street Playhouse will honor Saint at the 2025 Gala.
When Is a Performance Not One? The ALL IN Debate Photo
When Is a Performance Not One? The ALL IN Debate
by Cara Joy David - Jan 13, 2025

Buyers of tickets to live performances sometimes feel like they should get their money back, but it’s usually when a star drops out, after seeing a show, or at least after the reviews come out. All In: Comedy About Love instead had several people requesting refunds when they simply heard more about it.
New York Premiere Of SUMP'N LIKE WINGS Enters Final Week At Theatre Row Photo
New York Premiere Of SUMP'N LIKE WINGS Enters Final Week At Theatre Row
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 29, 2024

Discover the final week of the New York premiere of SUMP'N LIKE WINGS at Theatre Row.
Photos: Mint Theater Company Presents SUMP'N LIKE WINGS Photo
Photos: Mint Theater Company Presents SUMP'N LIKE WINGS
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 30, 2024

Mint Theater Company has released a first look at the New York Premiere of Sump'n Like Wings by Lynn Riggs, author of more than thirty plays including Green Grow the Lilacs, the basis for Rodgers & Hammerstein’s landmark musical Oklahoma! Written in 1925, Sump'n Like Wings was published in 1928. 
Review: Klea Blackhurst & Billy Stritch Toast Hoagy Carmichael at Chelsea Table + Sta Photo
Review: Klea Blackhurst & Billy Stritch Toast Hoagy Carmichael at Chelsea Table + Stage
by Ricky Pope - Sep 18, 2024

In show business, there are very few sure things. But Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch singing songs by Hoagy Carmichael is about as close as it gets. The September 15th show was perfection.
SERIOUS BUSINESS is Coming to The Hobgoblin Playhouse Photo
SERIOUS BUSINESS is Coming to The Hobgoblin Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 21, 2024

Foster Cat Productions' Serious Business will bring Alan Arkin's Virtual Reality and Elaine May's Hotline to The Hobgoblin Playhouse. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Full Cast Set For JUNO AND THE PAYCOCK Starring J. Smith-Cameron and Mark Rylance Photo
Full Cast Set For JUNO AND THE PAYCOCK Starring J. Smith-Cameron and Mark Rylance
by Stephi Wild - Aug 21, 2024

The full cast has been announced for the new production of Seán O'Casey's timeless masterpiece, Juno and the Paycock, directed by Tony and Olivier award-winner Matthew Warchus.
Cast Set for SUMP'N LIKE WINGS at Mint Theater Company Photo
Cast Set for SUMP'N LIKE WINGS at Mint Theater Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 14, 2024

The cast has been revealed for the NY premiere of SUMP'N LIKE WINGS at Mint Theater Company. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Julian Schlossberg And Friends Celebrate The Release of MY FIRST BOOK- PART 2 Photo
Photos: Julian Schlossberg And Friends Celebrate The Release of MY FIRST BOOK- PART 2
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Aug 14, 2024

Legendary stage and screen producer, broadcaster, podcaster and author Julian Schlossberg and friends gathered to celebrate the legendary producer’s 6 decades in show business, and the launch of Schlossberg’s new memoir, My First Book – Part 2, A Producer’s Life Continues. See photos from the event!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Elaine May been in?

Elaine May has appeared on Broadway in 4 shows.

How many West End shows has Elaine May been in?

Elaine May has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Elaine May been nominated for?

Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Waverly Gallery, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Waverly Gallery, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Waverly Gallery, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Waverly Gallery, Most Promising Playwright (Drama Desk Awards) for Adaptation, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Adaptation/ Next and Best New Playwright (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Adaptation/ Next.

What awards has Elaine May won?

Elaine May has won several prestigious awards, including Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Waverly Gallery, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Waverly Gallery, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Waverly Gallery. Additionally, she received the Most Promising Playwright award (Drama Desk Awards) for Adaptation. Elaine May also earned Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) and Best New Playwright (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Adaptation/Next.

How many shows has Elaine May written?

Elaine May has written 11 shows including An Evening with Mike Nichols and Elaine May (Playwright), 3 x 3 (Playwright), Adaptation/ Next (Playwright), Mr. Gogol and Mr. Preen (Playwright), Death Defying Acts (Playwright), Power Plays (Playwright), Taller Than A Dwarf (Playwright), Short Talks on the Universe (Playwright), Adult Entertainment (Lyricist), After the Night and the Music (Playwright), Relatively Speaking (Playwright).

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