Marc Shaiman's Candid Memoir Chronicles Showbiz Life with Pessimistic Humour
Award-winning Hollywood and Broadway composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman cheerfully describes himself as "a card-carrying pessimist" and "Eeyore" despite a remarkably successful career spanning decades. His new memoir, "Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner," published this week, offers a revealing look at his journey through the entertainment industry, filled with humorous anecdotes and candid reflections.
From Bette Midler to Broadway: A Prodigy's Rise
The New Jersey-born musical prodigy charts his extraordinary rise from serving as Bette Midler's musical director in his teens to scoring beloved films like "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Mary Poppins Returns." His Broadway successes include the Tony Award-winning musical "Hairspray" and "Catch Me If You Can," showcasing his versatility across stage and screen.
Shaiman's career has brought him into collaboration with numerous entertainment legends. He has worked extensively with Billy Crystal, Martin Short, and Rob Reiner, while also experiencing creative tensions with figures like producer Scott Rudin and writer Nora Ephron. His early influence extended to the formative years of "Saturday Night Live," where he made significant contributions to the show's musical landscape.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories with Hollywood Icons
The memoir is packed with intimate, often hilarious stories about working with entertainment royalty. One particularly memorable incident involves legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, whom Shaiman accidentally got "so high on pot at a party" that the iconic figure collapsed multiple times. Shaiman recalls thinking, "I've killed Stephen Sondheim," though Sondheim later gave permission for the story to be told after his passing.
Another revealing moment came while working on "Mary Poppins Returns" with Meryl Streep. After hearing her repeatedly rehearsing a song, Shaiman and his writing partner Scott Williams knocked on her door to express admiration for her dedication. Streep responded with characteristic humility, telling them, "Well, guys, fear can be a powerful motivator."
Shaiman explains his motivation for sharing these stories: "I'm mostly just trying to show how human everyone is — even these bold-faced names." The two-time Grammy and Emmy winner doesn't shy away from self-deprecation, including stories about his own struggles with substance abuse and professional misunderstandings with stars like Barbra Streisand and Harry Connick Jr.
Career Lessons and Broadway Realities
One key lesson Shaiman hopes to impart to aspiring artists is the importance of persistence and presence. "What you can do is show up. Show up to everything. Say yes to everything because I'm a good example of that," he advises. He illustrates this philosophy with a story about pursuing work with Bette Midler, where he withdrew all his money from the bank, flew from New York to Los Angeles, and called her from a phone booth to announce his availability.
Despite his numerous accolades, including a Tony Award for "Hairspray" and additional nominations for "Catch Me If You Can" and "Some Like It Hot," Shaiman expresses frustration with the current Broadway landscape. His recent shows, while critically acclaimed, have fallen victim to high production costs and unpredictable audiences, leading to premature closures that disappoint him deeply.
"I wish the shows kind of stunk and I could go, 'Oh, man, that really stunk. People are really not liking this,'" he admits. "But when they're enjoying it?" The disconnect between critical success and commercial viability continues to perplex the veteran composer.
A Star-Studded Audiobook and Lasting Legacy
Demonstrating Shaiman's enduring influence and friendships within the industry, the audiobook version of his memoir features performances by an impressive roster of talent. Billy Crystal, Martin Short, Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, and Ben Whishaw are among those contributing their voices to bring Shaiman's stories to life.
Billy Crystal, who first met Shaiman at "Saturday Night Live," praises his friend's remarkable versatility and talent. "Look at his range: From 'Misery' to the beautiful score from 'The American President.' He's just so uniquely talented as an artist," Crystal remarks in a separate interview, highlighting Shaiman's ability to move between different musical styles and projects seamlessly.
As he contemplates his future, Shaiman acknowledges that retirement might prove challenging for someone with his temperament and drive. "I don't know how well I'll actually do with retirement, but I'd like to give it a try," he says with characteristic humour, suggesting that even after decades of success, the self-proclaimed pessimist continues to expect the other shoe to drop.
