written & performed by Renée Taylor
directed by Elaine May
by special arrangement with Gabriel Bologna
The legendary Renée Taylor takes the stage in the World Premiere of Dying is No Excuse, a hilarious and heartfelt new play directed by the incomparable Elaine May, a Tony Award-winning legend. Best known for her quick wit and larger-than-life presence, Taylor—an Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning actress, writer, and comedian—brings her signature humor to this deeply personal journey through love, marriage and loss.
This isn’t just Taylor’s story—it’s the story of her extraordinary partnership with her late husband, the brilliant actor and writer Joe Bologna. With warmth, wit and unflinching honesty, Taylor reminisces about their whirlwind romance, from their first meeting to their unconventional live TV wedding on The Merv Griffin Show just three and a half months later. She recalls the joy and challenges of their early years—navigating their careers, collaborating on plays and films and embracing parenthood, all while keeping their bond filled with laughter. From their struggles with Hollywood, the unexpected success of Lovers and Other Strangers and Bologna’s rise as a leading man (much to Taylor’s jealousy as women threw themselves at him), to the heartache of his final days battling cancer, Taylor paints a portrait of a marriage built on love, humor and an unbreakable friendship.
Guiding this production is the iconic Elaine May, whose fearless vision has shaped some of the most unforgettable moments in theatre and film. A trailblazer in comedy and storytelling, May’s ability to balance humor with poignancy makes her the perfect collaborator for Taylor’s razor-sharp wit and boundless charm.
Together, these two entertainment icons bring you a World Premiere event that is as laugh-out-loud funny as it is deeply touching. Dying is No Excuse is not just a memoir—it’s a celebration of a love story that defied the odds, proving that even in the face of loss, laughter and love endure. Don’t miss the chance to witness these legends at work in a performance that promises to be as unforgettable as the life it honors.
Recommended for ages 12 and up.
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