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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

[Broadway]
Broadway Premiere, 2018
Gladys Green

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Ms. Asquith/Sue

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1960
Performer

[Broadway]
Performer

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 1969]
Director

Writing

Playwright
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

News


New York Premiere Of SUMP'N LIKE WINGS Enters Final Week At Theatre Row

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Comes to The Coffee House Club

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 America Literary Awards

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 Art Opening

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

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

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

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.
See Bowen Yang, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Elaine May & More At 92NY in October and November

Get ready for an exciting lineup of stars at 92NY, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bowen Yang, Elaine May, and more. Learn how to purchase tickets!
THE PEOPLE VERSUS LENNY BRUCE Comes to 3 West Club This Week

Food For Thought Productions continues celebrating the oft-neglected one-act play and theatre at its best with Award-winning actors, writers and directors, with a unique series set for its 2023 Season. Learn more about The People Versus Lenny Bruce and find out how to get tickets here!
Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells, Jake Gyllenhaal & More to Join Upcoming 92NY Events

Join the star-studded lineup of 92NY events featuring Josh Gad, Andrew Rannells, and Jake Gyllenhaal. Experience unforgettable performances by renowned actors in an unmissable series of events. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness their talent firsthand.
RENT and More Set For Bergen County Players 2023-24 Season

The Bergen County Players, one of America's longest-running little theater companies, is proud to announce its 2023/24 season with an ambitious, joyous, and playful year of audience-pleasing musicals and innovative plays for its 91st season.

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 the following awards: - 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 - 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 - 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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