Elaine May
Latest News on Elaine May:
NEW YORK JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL 2026 Lineup Unveiled (Dec 11, 2025)
Review: Lena Moy-Borgen's A VERY JEWISH CHRISTMAS STORY A Real Gift at Don't Tell Mama (Dec 7, 2025)
New York Theater Festival Will Present THE DISCERNING DUMMY World Premiere (Oct 21, 2025)
NEW YORK JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL 2026 Lineup Unveiled (Dec 11, 2025)
Review: Lena Moy-Borgen's A VERY JEWISH CHRISTMAS STORY A Real Gift at Don't Tell Mama (Dec 7, 2025)
New York Theater Festival Will Present THE DISCERNING DUMMY World Premiere (Oct 21, 2025)
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
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STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Writing
Lyricist
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Movies
Enter Laughing
[ 1967 ] Angela Marlowe
[ 1967 ] Angela Marlowe
Luv
[ 1967 ] Ellen Manville
[ 1967 ] Ellen Manville
A New Leaf
[ 1971 ] Henrietta Lowell
[ 1971 ] Henrietta Lowell
Such Good Friends
[ 1971 ] writer
[ 1971 ] writer
Mikey and Nicky
[ 1976 ] writer
[ 1976 ] writer
California Suite
[ 1978 ] Millie Michaels
[ 1978 ] Millie Michaels
Heaven Can Wait
[ 1978 ] writer
[ 1978 ] writer
Ishtar
[ 1987 ] original songs
[ 1987 ] original songs
In the Spirit
[ 1990 ] Marianne Flan
[ 1990 ] Marianne Flan
The Birdcage
[ 1996 ] writer
[ 1996 ] writer
Primary Colors
[ 1998 ] writer
[ 1998 ] writer
Small Time Crooks
[ 2000 ] May
[ 2000 ] May
The Same Storm
[ 2021 ] Ruth Lipsman Berg
[ 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
Video: Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for NEW YORK, NEW YORK; Plus Watch a New Trailer!
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-02-01 12:00:20
VIDEO: Renée Taylor Recalls Jack Paar in MY LIFE ON A DIET
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2019-11-14 12:34:02
VIDEO: Lucas Hedges Talks About His Broadway Debut in THE WAVERLY GALLERY
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2018-12-14 15:59:51
VIDEO: Lucas Hedges Talks to Seth Meyers About His Broadway Debut in THE WAVERLY GALLERY
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2018-11-06 08:36:05
VIDEO: Lucas Hedges Discusses His 'Big Break' on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2018-10-24 12:44:11
VIDEO: Netflix Shares the Trailer for SOMEBODY FEED PHIL Season 2
by Macon Prickett - 2018-06-27 11:42:38
VIDEO: The Second City Borrows A Classic Movie Musical Moment To Say 'Bye, Bye, Bernie'
by Michael Dale - 2016-07-13 14:33:56
VIDEO: First Look - Meryl Streep Pays Tribute to Mike Nichols in Upcoming PBS Documentary
by Caryn Robbins - 2016-01-28 10:02:02
VIDEO: First Look - Matthew Broderick & More in AMERICAN MASTERS Mike Nichols Documentary
by Caryn Robbins - 2016-01-26 14:16:24
STAGE TUBE: A Mike Nichols Retrospective: Remembering the Entertainment Icon
by Tyler Peterson - 2014-11-20 10:19:09
STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek at The Directors Company's JERICHO at 59E59
by Stage Tube - 2013-10-21 20:35:00
STAGE TUBE: Marlo Thomas Talks RELATIVELY SPEAKING on THE VIEW
by Nicole Rosky - 2011-12-14 14:49:23
AUDIO: Marlo Thomas and Steve Guttenberg Talk RELATIVELY SPEAKING on the Leonard Lopate Show!
by Kelsey Denette - 2011-11-17 20:23:07
STAGE TUBE: RELATIVELY SPEAKING's Marlo Thomas Visits JOY BEHAR SHOW
by Nicole Rosky - 2011-11-15 14:00:57
TV: BACKSTAGE WITH RICHARD RIDGE: Marlo Thomas Relatively Speaking - Talks Career, Charity and Being Back on Broadway
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - 2011-11-15 08:02:50
News
Review: Lena Moy-Borgen's A VERY JEWISH CHRISTMAS STORY A Real Gift at Don't Tell Mama
by Stephen Mosher - Dec 7, 2025
Don't be confused by the graphic! This is no take-off on that movie about Ralphie...
by Stephen Mosher - Dec 7, 2025
Don't be confused by the graphic! This is no take-off on that movie about Ralphie...
New York Theater Festival Will Present THE DISCERNING DUMMY World Premiere
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 21, 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.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 21, 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.
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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 Berkshire Theatre Group
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 17, 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.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 17, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 + 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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).
Videos