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The Mother of Improv Comedy: Elaine May
“The devastating thing about Elaine is that she’s better at everything - writing, directing, acting - than anyone else I know.” That quote comes from director Clive Donner regarding the one and only Elaine May.
Elaine May is the woman behind so many pivotal comedic moments you know and love. From the Second City and Nichols & May, to A New Leaf and Mikey and Nicky, to directing the massive flop that was Ishtar and coming back with the script for The Birdcage, Elaine May has always been relentlessly talented. She still is! She also has a reputation for being a difficult director. The dreaded D word. Is she difficult? Is that a fair assessment? We talk all about it! Listen to hear about her inspiring life, her many creative endeavors, triumphs, and everything in between.
This episode originally aired on Grab Bag Collab earlier in 2026. Directora was created by Stephanie Weber, who researches, writes, records, edits, and hosts every episode. Artwork by Brock Alter.
Check out film clips and stills from these movies on our Instagram and TikTok. Follow along! Email questions, concerns, press opps to directorapodcast@gmail.com. Rate and review as kindly as possible!
Sources:
Coleman, Janet. The Compass Players: The Improvisational Theater that Revolutionized American Comedy. University of Chicago Press. November 1, 1991.
Couregan, Carrie. Miss May Does Not Exist: The Life and Work of Elaine May, Hollywood's Hidden Genius. St. Martin's Press. 2024.
Griggs, Jeff. Guru: My Days with Del Close. Ivan R. Dee. April 25, 2005.
"Ishtar". What Went Wrong. Bassett, Lizzie and Winterbauer, Chris. February 1, 2021.
May, Elaine. Power Plays. Samuel French.
May, Elaine. Not Enough Rope: A Play in One Act. Samuel French.
May, Elaine. Mikey & Nicky. Criterion Collection DVD Special Features.
McGrath, Douglas. Becoming Mike Nichols. 2016.
Mikey & Nicky Restoration Documentary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bZVWLwQvbw
Nichols and May: Take Two. American Masters. PBS. May 1996.
Elaine May at Mike Nichols AFI Achievement Awards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgjBxiDmJyU
Elaine May and Mike Nichols in Conversation. 2006. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShLPGHoXJFY
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