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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
Performer
The Office
[Broadway]
Performer

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


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!
Foster Cat Productions to Present POWER PLAYS at The Groundlings Photo
Foster Cat Productions to Present POWER PLAYS at The Groundlings
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 9, 2024

Foster Cat Productions will present Power Plays at The Groundlings, featuring one-act plays by Elaine May and Alan Arkin. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Julian Schlossberg Releases New Book MY FIRST BOOK - PART 2 Photo
Julian Schlossberg Releases New Book MY FIRST BOOK - PART 2
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 30, 2024

My First Book – Part 2, A Producer's Life Continues, the latest  memoir from legendary stage and screen producer Julian Schlossberg, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook read by the author, from Amazon. Learn more!
Jason Kravits Adds Special Guest Tony Danza For Show at Joe's Pub Photo
Jason Kravits Adds Special Guest Tony Danza For Show at Joe's Pub
by Stephi Wild - Jul 17, 2024

Television and Broadway star, Jason Kravits, will return to Joe's Pub on Friday evening, July 26, 2024 with his critically acclaimed solo show, “OFF the TOP!” - an unforgettable evening of spontaneous music and comedy -with a portion of the show benefiting The Creative Coalition. Joining Jason will be special guest star, Tony Danza.
BREAKING THE AUDIO FICTION FORM: AN EVENING WITH VETERAN PRODUCER JULIAN SCHLOSSBERG Photo
BREAKING THE AUDIO FICTION FORM: AN EVENING WITH VETERAN PRODUCER JULIAN SCHLOSSBERG Comes to The Coffee House Club
by Stephi Wild - Jul 17, 2024

The Coffee House Club will bring the salon series, Breaking the Audio Fiction Form. The past decade has seen a resurgence of audio listening in podcast form, but even with this growth, audio fiction has remained a minor genre within podcasting.
Tony Kushner Will Receive Pen/Mike Nichols Writing For Performance Award At Pen Ameri Photo
Tony Kushner Will Receive Pen/Mike Nichols Writing For Performance Award At Pen America Literary Awards
by Stephi Wild - Apr 12, 2024

PEN America announced that playwright and screenwriter Tony Kushner among the career achievement honorees for its 2024 PEN America Literary Awards  hosted by Academy Award-nominated writer and comedian Jena Friedman.
Photos: Tony Shalhoub, Ellen Burstyn, And More Attend Joseph Feury's Humanitarian Aid Photo
Photos: Tony Shalhoub, Ellen Burstyn, And More Attend Joseph Feury's Humanitarian Aid Art Opening
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 27, 2024

Many movie world favorites came out to support artist Joseph Feury and Ukraine as he revealed his humanitarian aid exhibit in New York City. See photos of guests including Ellen Burstyn, Elaine May, Jeannie Berlin, Taylor A. Purdee, Candice Bushnell, Tony Shalhoub, John Donchak, Dinah Manoff, Susie Essman, Joy Behar, Ed Bianchi, Marlo Thomas, and Brenda Vacarro, as they step out to support the Oscar-winning artist.
Amy Pietz To Teach Viola Spolin's Improv Acting Technique Photo
Amy Pietz To Teach Viola Spolin's Improv Acting Technique
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 11, 2024

Sills/Spolin Theater Works has announced esteemed actress of TV and film Amy Pietz will be teaching a new generation of actors the technique of Viola Spolin, the legendary theater innovator known as the 'Mother of improvisational theater.'
Photos: MADWOMEN OF THE WEST Opens At the Actors Temple Theatre Photo
Photos: MADWOMEN OF THE WEST Opens At the Actors Temple Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 6, 2023

Madwomen of the West opened last night (December 4) at the Actors Temple Theatre and will run to December 31 with Marilu Henner, Caroline Aaron, Melanie Mayron and Brooke Adams. See photos from inside opening night!
The Drama Book Shop Announces Upcoming Author Events Photo
The Drama Book Shop Announces Upcoming Author Events
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 2, 2023

The Drama Book Shop presents a series of events featuring new theatrical literary works by authors and playwrights. Join them for inspiring discussions and celebrations of the power of American theater. Reserve your seat on their website.
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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 numerous awards, including Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for The Waverly Gallery. She also received the Outstanding Actress in a Play award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Waverly Gallery. Additionally, she won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for The Waverly Gallery. In terms of playwright accolades, she was awarded Most Promising Playwright at the Drama Desk Awards for Adaptation. She received the Best Director award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Adaptation/Next, and was recognized as Best New Playwright at the 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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