Miss May Does Not Exist

Nichols & May were one of the greatest comedy duos of all time-- they performed together for only four years (and were lovers for only three days, or so the legend goes) but their comedy shaped a generation. After disbanding their act, the talented and charming Mike Nichols goes on to be an incredibly successful director of stage and screen, while the brilliant but “difficult” Elaine May has more of a roller...

Nichols & May were one of the greatest comedy duos of all time-- they performed together for only four years (and were lovers for only three days, or so the legend goes) but their comedy shaped a generation. After disbanding their act, the talented and charming Mike Nichols goes on to be an incredibly successful director of stage and screen, while the brilliant but “difficult” Elaine May has more of a roller coaster career, struggling as a screenwriter and director, ultimately making a living as a ghostwriter and go-to script doctor. When her old partner approaches her to write the screenplay for a comedy he’s set to direct-- an English adaptation of the French film La Cage Aux Folles -- Elaine must wrestle with what matters more: succeeding on her own, or reuniting with the partner who has always known her true worth. A comedy with plenty of belly laughs and a couple of solid gut punches.

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

Miss May Does Not Exist

Recommended by

  • Jewish Plays Project: Miss May Does Not Exist

    Jewish Plays Project congratulates MISS MAY DOES NOT EXIST for receiving our COMMENDED status for the 15th National Jewish Playwriting Contest in 2025. Commended plays received strong advocacy for consideration through our signature Jewish Artistic Democracy community reading process out of the 315+ plays we received. Our readers appreciated the tension between genders and how they're perceived professionally, which readers found frustratingly relatable, as well as distinctively Jewish humor.

    Jewish Plays Project congratulates MISS MAY DOES NOT EXIST for receiving our COMMENDED status for the 15th National Jewish Playwriting Contest in 2025. Commended plays received strong advocacy for consideration through our signature Jewish Artistic Democracy community reading process out of the 315+ plays we received. Our readers appreciated the tension between genders and how they're perceived professionally, which readers found frustratingly relatable, as well as distinctively Jewish humor.

CHARACTERS
ELAINE: Elaine May, in her 20s and 30s and 60s.
MIKE: Mike Nichols, in his 20s and 30s and 60s.
* There are also a few lines of dialogue from an Announcer and a Producer, which can be pre-recorded or cast (local celeb cameos would be fun)