Marc Shaiman: Happy at Last?

With a mantle full of awards, including multiple Emmys, Tony and Grammys (and seven Tony Award nominations), not to mention a very happy marriage, Marc Shaiman should be sitting on top of the world. Sometimes, he is—but that’s not always the case as he explains in his candid new memoir, Never Mind The Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner.

In the book, Shaiman recounts his many professional triumphs, such as the Broadway show Hairspray, as well as his lifelong friendships with Bette Midler, Billy Crystal, and the late Rob Reiner, among other personal topics. It’s a fascinating read! 

Connecticut Voice spoke to Shaiman about writing the memoir, and here are some excerpts from the conversation.

CV: What inspired you to write this book?

MS: After years of posting anecdotes online and telling some of these stories to friends, so many people would say that I should write a book. So, I finally did. Jane Fonda said when she wrote her memoir that she felt it was time for a life review, and that stuck with me.

CV: Tell me a little about working on the book itself? Was it difficult for you?

MS: I did this in half a year. It came right out of me; the hardest part was editing it or figuring out how to fit three stories into one chapter. As I worked on the book, it became apparent a lot of what I did might be forgotten, and I wanted to remind myself—and other people—what I had done. I hope some of these stories inspire people and remind them that you don’t ever take no for answer; you need to be like a dog with bone if there’s something you really want.

CV: The title comes from something your mother once said when you wished her “Happy Birthday.” Do you share her philosophy?

MS: I don’t see the glass as half full or half empty. I don’t like the glass. But I am aware there have been endless situations in which I have been blessed and where I was in the right place at the right time, especially at the very beginning staying at Bette Midler’s house as a teenager. 

CV: Much of the book is devoted to your relationship—both personal and professional—with Bette. Why?

MS: Bette made the biggest difference in my life. I dreamt of us working together when I was 13. We first worked together when I was 17, and I have been part of her career for 50 years now. Personally, we have this brother-sister relationship, right down to the bickering. Professionally, I think there is no greater performer. She can turn on a dime emotionally. Whatever there is in her, I have in me. I am so blessed that our talents matched. 

CV: Did you consider any of your life off-limits?

MS: I did tell some tales out of school, for example, like my use of cocaine in order to get so many jobs done at the same. In fairness, I learned that when I was at Saturday Night Live (where, among other things, he played the Sweeney Sisters’ accompanist, Skip St. Thomas). So. I was taught by experts.

CV: There’s a lovely chapter about your long friendship with Rob Reiner, which was written months before his unfortunate death. Are you glad you put that in the book?

MS: Yes, and I am really happy I ended the chapter on the evening at the Sedona Film Festival when his wife Michele was there. I was watching the movie The American President for first time on screen before I had to speak. And I had all these jokes ready—like all good Jewish guys—but then I started ugly crying all through the movie. Ultimately. I am grateful I was able to express my gratitude for him in this book. But I have yet to fully grieve his death; it’s still unfathomable to me.

CV: I think it’s so lovely that you acknowledge you have two “soulmates” in the world: your romantic partner of 25 years and longtime business collaborator Scott Wittman and your husband Lou Mirabal. Still, do you think some people might feel “two soulmates” is not possible?

MS: Soul and mate are singular words; I don’t know who made up that rule. The fact I have had these two phenomenal love affairs—and that we can all hang out together—seems like a blessing, but not something unnatural. I don’t know how or why I got so lucky

CV: Of course, we have to talk about your work on Broadway. You had a mega-hit with Hairspray, but your last few shows such as Some Like It Hot and Smash didn’t fare as well. Is it true you may never write another Broadway show?

MS: I feel like I have been knocked out enough that I don’t know if I want to get back into the ring. I love show people, but I may have had enough “show business.” And the business is a big part of the problem. I know when I when I decide to go see Broadway shows—admittedly, in my case, usually at the last minute—I see the prices and feel like staying home to watch “Jeopardy,”  because that sounds just as good. I think a lot of people feel the same right now. 

––Brian Scott Lipton