Richard Brody reviews “Miss May Does Not Exist,” Carrie Courogen’s new biography on the performer, writer, and director Elaine May.
May’s life has had two and a half acts—comedy, directing, and everything since—and it can be hard to figure out what they have to do with one another or what to do during the long intermissions. Among the many merits of “Miss May Does Not Exist,” a deeply researched, psychologically astute new biography of May by Carrie Courogen, is that the author sees continuities and patterns in a career that is unified, above all, by the force of May’s character.
At a resort, Lenny meets Kelly Corcoran , a Christian college student from Minnesota, and, on the spur of the moment, he leaves Lila for her. Call it a metaphorical murder. May’s first departure from Simon’s conception was in the casting. Simon wanted Diane Keaton to play the jilted wife; May insisted on Berlin, whose manner was less glamorous, more “average,” as May said, which would produce a bigger contrast with Kelly.
Biography Directors Writers Standup Mike Nichols
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
A revelatory look at the elusive Elaine MayAuthor Carrie Courogen couldn’t get the comedian to cooperate, but “Miss May Does Not Exist” is still packed with great material.
Read more »
Election InformationEarly Voting: Monday, May 20 - Friday, May 24; Election Day: Tuesday, May 28
Read more »
Walters: Decadeslong Delta tunnel water project may finally be nearing a historic decisionAfter nearly 50 years of debate, state water agency insists the project’s new $20 billion price tag still pencils out.
Read more »
Mysterious 'Seahenge' Structure in UK May Finally Be ExplainedThe Best in Science News and Amazing Breakthroughs
Read more »
The cold lunar night may have finally swallowed Japan's SLIM moon landerSamantha Mathewson joined Space.com as an intern in the summer of 2016. She received a B.A. in Journalism and Environmental Science at the University of New Haven, in Connecticut. Previously, her work has been published in Nature World News.
Read more »
The Sun Has a Mysterious Heartbeat, And We May Finally Know WhyThe Best in Science News and Amazing Breakthroughs
Read more »