Elaine May is back on a Broadway stage after more than 50 years, and making the most of it in The Waverly Gallery, Kenneth Lonergan’s meticulously observed, funny and sad play about a woman’s decline and its effect on her family. May is not alone. She is one of five stellar cast members, notably Lucas Hedges making a splendid Broadway debut. They turn this 18-year-old play into…if not required, certainly well-rewarded viewing. So does Lila Neugebauer in her overdue Broadway directorial debut.

But it is especially thrilling to watch May, who is herself 86 years old..

Full review on D C Theater Scene

Click on any photograph by Brigitte Lacombe to see it enlarged.

Joan Allen as Ellen fixing the hearing aid of her mother Gladys, portrayed by Elaine May, in The Waverly Gallery

Lucas Hedges in The Waverly Gallery by Kenneth Lonergan directed by Lila Neugebauer.

David Cromer in The Waverly Gallery by Kenneth Lonergan, directed by Lila Neugebauer.

A worried daughter, Joan Allen

Lucas Hedges and Elaine May in The Waverly Gallery by Kenneth Lonergan, directed by Lila Neugebauer.

The cast of The Waverly Gallery: Lucas Hedges, Elaine May, Joan Allen, David Cromer, Michael Cera

Lucas Hedges in The Waverly Gallery by Kenneth Lonergan, directed by Lila Neugebauer.

Elaine May in The Waverly Gallery by Kenneth Lonergan, directed by Lila Neugebauer.

Lucas Hedges and Elaine May in The Waverly Gallery by Kenneth Lonergan, directed by Lila Neugebauer.

Lucas Hedges, Elaine May, Michael Cera in The Waverly Gallery by Kenneth Lonergan, directed by Lila Neugebauer.

Elaine May in The Waverly Gallery by Kenneth Lonergan, directed by Lila Neugebauer.