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Elaine May

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Elaine May 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.

Elaine May Photos

Elaine May STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Broadway Premiere, 2018
Gladys Green

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Ms. Asquith/Sue

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1960
Performer

[Broadway]
Performer

Elaine May Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 1969]
Director

Writing

Playwright
Playwright

Elaine May 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

Elaine May 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

Elaine May Videos

Elaine May News


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.

F. Murray Abraham Announced As Guest For Jason Kravits' OFF THE TOP! at Joe's Pub


Academy Award Winner, Broadway legend and White Lotus star F. Murray Abraham will join Jason Kravits for Joe's Pub debut.

Sophie Zucker to Bring SOPHIE SUCKS FACE to Edinburgh Fringe 2023 This Summer


The Daily Show and Apple TV's Sophie Zucker will be coming to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the first time this year with her unique blend of musical comedy to perform her show Sophie Sucks Face at the Underbelly in Bristo Square.

Sophie Zucker Makes Edinburgh Fringe Debut With SOPHIE SUCKS FACE


The Daily Show and Apple TV’s Sophie Zucker will be coming to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the first time this year with her unique blend of musical comedy to perform her show Sophie Sucks Face at the Underbelly in Bristo Square. 

Dorset Theatre Festival Opens 46th Season With Adaptation Of Stephen King's MISERY


Dorset Theatre Festival will open the 46th Season of professional summer theatre at the Dorset Playhouse with William Goldman's edge-of-your-seat adaptation of Stephen King's novel, Misery, which inspired the 1990 Oscar-winning film, directed by Jackson Gay.

Jason Kravits Will Make Joe's Pub Debut July 14th With Smash Hit Show OFF THE TOP!


OFF the TOP! with JASON KRAVITS, the Award-Winning Completely Improvised Cabaret, Heads Downtown to JOE'S PUB on July 14th at 7 pm

FRASIER Star Dan Butler and Director Aneesha Kudtarkar to Join Dorset Theatre Festival's 2023 Season


Dorset Theatre Festival has announced full casting for Stephen King's Misery, adapted for the stage by William Goldman, which will open the 46th Season (June 23 - July 8), and the director for the third show of the season, Kate Hamill's Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson - Apt. 2B (August 11 - 26). 

UNLUCKY GAL is the Second Segment Of ALL THE COURT'S A STAGE A Series Of One-Act Plays Based On Seven Of Martin Garbus' Law Cases


Unlucky Gal is the second segment of 'All The Court's A Stage,' a series of one-act plays that are based on seven of Martin Garbus' cases and directed by Antony Marsellis.

Original Cast Album For SOPHIE SUCKS FACE is Available Now


The original cast album for Sophie Zucker's one woman musical 'Sophie Sucks Face' is currently available to listen on Spotify. Music and lyrics are written by Sophie Zucker ('The Daily Show', Apple TV's 'Dickinson') and produced by James Lambros a.k.a. Jimmy Lit.

SOPHIE SUCKS FACE and SIDE BY SIDE Head to MITU580 in June


Sophie Zucker ('The Daily Show') and Maggie Crane (New York Comedy Festival) are teaming up to bring their solo acts in a hilarious double header to Theater Mitu on June 1-2 before they cross the pond to make their Edinburgh Fringe Festival debuts in August.

Full Cast and Creative Team Set to Join Mike Faist and Lucas Hedges in BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN


The full cast and creative team have been announced for world premiere of Brokeback Mountain, a new play with music, written by Ashley Robinson with songs by Dan Gillespie Sells, based on Annie Proulx's short story, and directed by Jonathan Butterell.

Interview: Broadway Producer Julian Schlossberg


Producer Julian Schlossberg's autobiography, TRY NOT TO HOLD IT AGAINST ME, is a chronicle of singular moments and stars of Broadway.

Elaine May 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?

Elaine May has been nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Waverly Gallery," Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for "The Waverly Gallery," Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Waverly Gallery," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "The Waverly Gallery," Most Promising Playwright at the Drama Desk Awards for "Adaptation," Best Director at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Adaptation/Next," and Best New Playwright at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Adaptation/Next."

What awards has Elaine May won?

Elaine May has won several awards for her work, including Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards and the Outer Critics Circle Awards for her role in "The Waverly Gallery." She also won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for the same production. Additionally, she received the Most Promising Playwright award at the Drama Desk Awards for her work on "Adaptation" and the Best Director award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Adaptation/Next." May was also recognized as the Best New Playwright by 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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