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Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner
From the award-winning composer/co-lyricist behind such iconic projects as Hairspray, Sister Act, Mary Poppins Returns, and Smash comes a wickedly funny, no-holds-barred memoir.
In Never Mind the Happy, musical dynamo Marc Shaiman looks back on five decades of Broadway triumphs, Hollywood hijinks, and unforgettable collaborations. Along the way, he charts the personal highs and heartbreaks that have shaped him—spending his teenage years in community theater, starting a decades-long collaboration with Bette Midler in the ’70s, surviving the AIDS crisis of the ’80s, his award-winning film music career in the Hollywood of the ’90s, right up to the peaks (and valleys) of creating Broadway musicals from 2000 on.
Candid, hilarious, and deeply human, Shaiman’s story is a tribute to the power of music, the pull of the spotlight, and the beat that never stops.
Part showbiz tell-all, part love letter to the melancholy that fuels creativity, told with perfect comic timing—along with a few wrong notes, and plenty of standing ovations.
In Never Mind the Happy, musical dynamo Marc Shaiman looks back on five decades of Broadway triumphs, Hollywood hijinks, and unforgettable collaborations. Along the way, he charts the personal highs and heartbreaks that have shaped him—spending his teenage years in community theater, starting a decades-long collaboration with Bette Midler in the ’70s, surviving the AIDS crisis of the ’80s, his award-winning film music career in the Hollywood of the ’90s, right up to the peaks (and valleys) of creating Broadway musicals from 2000 on.
Candid, hilarious, and deeply human, Shaiman’s story is a tribute to the power of music, the pull of the spotlight, and the beat that never stops.
Part showbiz tell-all, part love letter to the melancholy that fuels creativity, told with perfect comic timing—along with a few wrong notes, and plenty of standing ovations.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published January 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this book, it was such a name droppy gossipy story of someone whose work I've loved since high school (our thespian troupe took a trip to see Hairspray). If youre a fan of any of Marc's work id recommend picking up this book.
Specifically the audiobook, because not only does Marc sing, he has some musical theater legends singing too! I listen at 2.5x speed but I slowed the playback down to listen to the singing but also to the list of names in chapter 8 you can hear the emotion in his voice during that part specifically.
Thank you RBMedia and NetGalley for this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Specifically the audiobook, because not only does Marc sing, he has some musical theater legends singing too! I listen at 2.5x speed but I slowed the playback down to listen to the singing but also to the list of names in chapter 8 you can hear the emotion in his voice during that part specifically.
Thank you RBMedia and NetGalley for this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 28, 2026
The audiobook was just *chefs kiss* - getting to hear Marc’s music woven into his life story was such a smart, immersive touch.
Was it a little name-droppy at times? Sure. Did the first half occasionally feel like a Bette Midler biography? Maybe. And did it get a little irrationally “woe is me”? Yes. But did I enjoy it? You bet!
Was it a little name-droppy at times? Sure. Did the first half occasionally feel like a Bette Midler biography? Maybe. And did it get a little irrationally “woe is me”? Yes. But did I enjoy it? You bet!
February 20, 2026
Highly recommend listening to the audiobook! Marc narrates, sings many of the mentioned songs, and brings in special guests (Martin Short, Matthew Broderick, Jennifer Lewis, Megan Hilty, and many more).
Filled with some wonderful behind the scenes show business stories. Every theater and movie lover should check this out!
Filled with some wonderful behind the scenes show business stories. Every theater and movie lover should check this out!
June 1, 2026
I would gladly listen to an entire audiobook detailing the ins and outs of Marc Shaiman at Marty Short’s Christmas Party -
Shaiman’s coke period was WILD.
Shaiman’s coke period was WILD.
November 6, 2025
I love a good celebrity memoir, so Marc Shaiman's Never Mind the Happy was firmly in my reading wheelhouse. Shaiman is the musical genius responsible for composing award-winning scores and songs for many notable movies and for co-creating successful Broadway shows, a multitalent who has also arranged and orchestrated musical numbers and accompanied a panoply of famous singers on the piano.
From a recent tour of his Some Like It Hot musical to the most touching song in the movie Mary Poppins Returns to the excitement of "Let Me Be Your Star" on the TV show Smash, his music has definitely been part of my life. He has also been a collaborator and friend of many celebrities, with long-term working relationships with Bette Midler, Martin Shore, Billy Crystal, and many more. For his first Broadway show, Hairspray, he takes us through the entire process, step by step, with all of the highs and lows, giving us the behind-the-scenes details we love. And his section on losing many of his friends during the AIDS epidemic is touching and memorable. Sprinkled throughout the book are lyrics that he wrote, co-wrote, or adapted which made him especially proud. It's a very entertaining read for those who enjoy musical theater and films and iwnt to learn more about them from an insider.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
From a recent tour of his Some Like It Hot musical to the most touching song in the movie Mary Poppins Returns to the excitement of "Let Me Be Your Star" on the TV show Smash, his music has definitely been part of my life. He has also been a collaborator and friend of many celebrities, with long-term working relationships with Bette Midler, Martin Shore, Billy Crystal, and many more. For his first Broadway show, Hairspray, he takes us through the entire process, step by step, with all of the highs and lows, giving us the behind-the-scenes details we love. And his section on losing many of his friends during the AIDS epidemic is touching and memorable. Sprinkled throughout the book are lyrics that he wrote, co-wrote, or adapted which made him especially proud. It's a very entertaining read for those who enjoy musical theater and films and iwnt to learn more about them from an insider.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
January 28, 2026
For fans of music, Broadway, and musical scores - especially those of the 80s and 90s, Marc Shaiman brings us behind the scenes of his life in the music business. He wrote the musical score for Mary Poppins Returns, City Slickers, Sleepless In Seattle, Hairspray, The American President, The Addams Family, and Beaches, just to name a few. It was interesting to hear the behind the scenes that went into the writes and re-writes for movies and musical productions. I listened to the memoir, and a bonus was hearing him, alongside some special guests, sing a few of the numbers he wrote over the years. It was a short listen, and it made me want to watch some of these movies all over again, just to pay special attention to the music.
March 9, 2026
If you don’t like musical theater, this may not be for you. But it was very much for me! I would heavily recommend listening to the audiobook so you can hear Marc and several legends sing songs referenced in the book. This was a fun, sassy and nostalgic account of Marc’s life and career
March 11, 2026
Excellent, well-written, and incredibly fun book that is packed full of very short stories and politically incorrect asides. This could have been five stars with a few cuts to his compulsion for wokeism, along with including more details about the many famous people he worked with.
I'll say that in my eyes Shaimon was never a front-burner type of songwriter or performer. He always was seen behind someone else on screen or his musical work was somewhat minor. I don't consider Hairspray something that is in the A-list league of musicals, and that's his biggest claim to fame. Nor do I think Mary Poppins Returns is anything to brag about. Most of his work seems like a high schooler having a great old time parodying old music he loved.
So I was surprised how much enjoyment I got from his humorous writing style and snarky comments. It left me wanting more--much more--because the stories are all way too short and his quick asides about working with more big names than in almost any other memoirist reveal that he's not candid enough in book form. Maybe short and punchy work for a Broadway song, but for readers he needs more details, explanations, and revelations.
What he doesn't need to do is use his autobiography to preach at us, and though he does it humorously the guy who begs for respect and tolerance should apply those standards to people he politically and morally disagrees with. Shaiman treats drugs and same sex marriage as just a given that only archaic dummies would object to, not seeing them as very complex spiritual, societal and health issues. For example, it's disinformation to blame conservatives or Reagan for the AIDS crisis while the gay community openly supports random sexual hookups that really caused most of the original problem.
For Shaiman to have been the one that guided the great music in Sister Act is a bit of a disappointment after reading his lack of respect for those that take religion or spirituality (or history) seriously. He lies, steals ideas, and does way too many drugs. He also makes some errors and tends to overstate the success of his own work.
But there's much here to love--I do like that he finds a way to gently slam all sorts of big names in Hollywood and on Broadway. He is admittedly an Eeyore and manages to tarnish people with compliments while grumbling about results. And he does something no other Academy Award nominee is willing to do--mock the false claims that the Oscars are seen "by a billion people around the world" while settling on a more realistic number of 30 million.
He writes, "I feel if you like Hairspray, you like me." Well, I don't really like Hairspray that much, nor care about some of his other B-grade work, but I do really enjoy this entertaining life story that's upbeat no matter how much he wants to excuse away the happy.
I'll say that in my eyes Shaimon was never a front-burner type of songwriter or performer. He always was seen behind someone else on screen or his musical work was somewhat minor. I don't consider Hairspray something that is in the A-list league of musicals, and that's his biggest claim to fame. Nor do I think Mary Poppins Returns is anything to brag about. Most of his work seems like a high schooler having a great old time parodying old music he loved.
So I was surprised how much enjoyment I got from his humorous writing style and snarky comments. It left me wanting more--much more--because the stories are all way too short and his quick asides about working with more big names than in almost any other memoirist reveal that he's not candid enough in book form. Maybe short and punchy work for a Broadway song, but for readers he needs more details, explanations, and revelations.
What he doesn't need to do is use his autobiography to preach at us, and though he does it humorously the guy who begs for respect and tolerance should apply those standards to people he politically and morally disagrees with. Shaiman treats drugs and same sex marriage as just a given that only archaic dummies would object to, not seeing them as very complex spiritual, societal and health issues. For example, it's disinformation to blame conservatives or Reagan for the AIDS crisis while the gay community openly supports random sexual hookups that really caused most of the original problem.
For Shaiman to have been the one that guided the great music in Sister Act is a bit of a disappointment after reading his lack of respect for those that take religion or spirituality (or history) seriously. He lies, steals ideas, and does way too many drugs. He also makes some errors and tends to overstate the success of his own work.
But there's much here to love--I do like that he finds a way to gently slam all sorts of big names in Hollywood and on Broadway. He is admittedly an Eeyore and manages to tarnish people with compliments while grumbling about results. And he does something no other Academy Award nominee is willing to do--mock the false claims that the Oscars are seen "by a billion people around the world" while settling on a more realistic number of 30 million.
He writes, "I feel if you like Hairspray, you like me." Well, I don't really like Hairspray that much, nor care about some of his other B-grade work, but I do really enjoy this entertaining life story that's upbeat no matter how much he wants to excuse away the happy.
June 1, 2026
This autobiography was lots of fun for me! If you think you don’t know Marc Shaiman, and you’re straight- you may be correct, but if you think you don’t know Marc Shaiman and you’re gay- you’re mistaken. Aside from his mega hit Hairspray (he wrote the Broadway show and helped on Broadway) but he also wrote the Broadway scores for Catch Me if You Can, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Some Like it Hot, and Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me. For TV he wrote music for Smash and created the Sweeney Sister for SNL, and for film he did a ton of scores, and lyrics and music for South Park, Bigger, Longer, and Uncut. (I’m just listing a few of his major accomplishments)
His book is a fun and fast read filled to the brim with name dropping and celebrity dishing (which fans of Arts Journal! know that i live for!!) He’s best friends with Bette Midler (and wrote Otto Titsling and other songs for Beaches!)
Shaiman mainly focuses this book on his career with just brief mentions of his love life and his cocaine addiction, he does go into great detail about the process of scoring some of the films he worked on, which was a little less interesting for me.
I highly recommend this one to fans of Broadway, movies, music, and just gay stuff in general. 4 out of 5 stars.
His book is a fun and fast read filled to the brim with name dropping and celebrity dishing (which fans of Arts Journal! know that i live for!!) He’s best friends with Bette Midler (and wrote Otto Titsling and other songs for Beaches!)
Shaiman mainly focuses this book on his career with just brief mentions of his love life and his cocaine addiction, he does go into great detail about the process of scoring some of the films he worked on, which was a little less interesting for me.
I highly recommend this one to fans of Broadway, movies, music, and just gay stuff in general. 4 out of 5 stars.
June 3, 2026
I’m a big fan of the movie and musical, Hairspray, so when I found out the composer wrote a memoir I was intrigued! If he wrote a whole 300 pages on the making of the Hairspray musical I would eat it up. Those chapters were easily my favorite parts of the book.
It had so much entertaining Broadway gossip through the years. It was interesting learning about both his successful and not so successful theater and movie endeavors.
You definitely need a wide breadth of celebrity and Broadway knowledge to enjoy this book. I’m not as knowledgeable about some of these 80s/90s folks so some of that went over my head. If you’re a similar age to Marc I’m sure it’s a great blast from the past!
It had so much entertaining Broadway gossip through the years. It was interesting learning about both his successful and not so successful theater and movie endeavors.
You definitely need a wide breadth of celebrity and Broadway knowledge to enjoy this book. I’m not as knowledgeable about some of these 80s/90s folks so some of that went over my head. If you’re a similar age to Marc I’m sure it’s a great blast from the past!
February 9, 2026
This book left me deeply disappointed. What could have been a thoughtful or self-aware memoir instead feels stuck in a loop of nostalgia and grievance. Much of the book revolves around Marc Shaiman’s fixation on past glories, particularly his long-running admiration for Bette Midler, which quickly becomes repetitive rather than illuminating.
Instead of offering fresh insight, humor, or growth, the narrative often comes across as self-indulgent and stuck in the past. The tone frequently veers into complaining, with anecdotes that feel more exhausting than entertaining. Attempts at humor rarely land, and the constant revisiting of old stories gives the impression of someone unable or unwilling to move forward.
Ultimately, the book feels less like a celebration of a creative life and more like a prolonged lament. For readers hoping for wit, reflection, or even warmth, Never Mind the Happy may prove to be an irritating and surprisingly joyless read.
Instead of offering fresh insight, humor, or growth, the narrative often comes across as self-indulgent and stuck in the past. The tone frequently veers into complaining, with anecdotes that feel more exhausting than entertaining. Attempts at humor rarely land, and the constant revisiting of old stories gives the impression of someone unable or unwilling to move forward.
Ultimately, the book feels less like a celebration of a creative life and more like a prolonged lament. For readers hoping for wit, reflection, or even warmth, Never Mind the Happy may prove to be an irritating and surprisingly joyless read.
January 28, 2026
This is a delightful, honest, humorous, and heartfelt book about Marc Shaiman's life and accomplishments.
Shaiman is a gay, Jewish, musical prodigy who knew what he wanted to do from an early age. He has been living a phenomenal life, working closely with big-name stars (Bette Midler, Billy Crystal, etc.), earning industry recognition (Grammys, Emmys, Tony, etc.), and having two great loves in his life. Yet, just as it's said one can never be too rich or too thin, Marc still occasionally falls short in his own eyes, missing that star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, that Oscar, that name recognition that others have achieved. For example, he's won many awards for the musical Hairspray: I am familiar with Hairspray, but had not heard of the talented Marc Shaiman before listening to this book.
A couple of times, the author/narrator suggests buying the book to see the included photos. However, the audiobook is full of music and songs performed by Shaiman and many of his friends and colleagues. I highly recommend the audiobook version! This is an excellent book for anyone interested in Broadway, Hollywood, music scoring, or memoir. Fans of Randy Rainbow would also enjoy this.
My thanks to the author @MarcShaiman, @RBMedia, @RecordedBooks, and #NetGalley for early access to the terrific audiobook of #NeverMindtheHappy for review purposes. Publication date: 27 January 2026.
Shaiman is a gay, Jewish, musical prodigy who knew what he wanted to do from an early age. He has been living a phenomenal life, working closely with big-name stars (Bette Midler, Billy Crystal, etc.), earning industry recognition (Grammys, Emmys, Tony, etc.), and having two great loves in his life. Yet, just as it's said one can never be too rich or too thin, Marc still occasionally falls short in his own eyes, missing that star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, that Oscar, that name recognition that others have achieved. For example, he's won many awards for the musical Hairspray: I am familiar with Hairspray, but had not heard of the talented Marc Shaiman before listening to this book.
A couple of times, the author/narrator suggests buying the book to see the included photos. However, the audiobook is full of music and songs performed by Shaiman and many of his friends and colleagues. I highly recommend the audiobook version! This is an excellent book for anyone interested in Broadway, Hollywood, music scoring, or memoir. Fans of Randy Rainbow would also enjoy this.
My thanks to the author @MarcShaiman, @RBMedia, @RecordedBooks, and #NetGalley for early access to the terrific audiobook of #NeverMindtheHappy for review purposes. Publication date: 27 January 2026.
February 3, 2026
Marc's book is wonderful!
What a great collection of his journey in the entertainment industry since the 70's. His music and lyrics have touched so many lives in a profound way. His score for MARY POPPINS RETURNS is whimsical and deeply moving. His work with Bette Midler has so many landmark moments.
Marc's work with Rob Reiner has produced some of the best movie scores ever written. There is no end to the joy you will share as Marc tells of his many encounters with the entertainment industry greats (and near greats)!
I also bought the audio book. It is so wonderful to hear Marc's unique voice as he tells the many exciting moments that have formed one of the great composer/lyracist careers. And he plays and sings while telling his stories - what could be more fun than that?
NEVER MIND THE HAPPY is a great read (or listen). The magic of this book has delighted me. And I think you'll agree.
May 23, 2026
If you have seen an award winning movie or a Broadway show from the 60’s to today, then you have heard Marc Shaiman’s work. A musical savant and high school dropout there is lot’s of name dropping Bette Midler, Billy Crystal, Martin Short, Rob Reiner), gossip, behind the scene stories and dives into musical arranging, scoring, and song writing. What was lacking was a thoughtful reflection of a life of success that far outweighs failures. There are complaints about awards not received, disagreements that lack insight, and a breeziness that only briefly stops when mentioning the long list of friends lost to AIDS.
March 27, 2026
Audiobook 1000/10
May 9, 2026
What a fabulous walk through Broadway history! Thanks for the music, Marc!
March 21, 2026
This book was exactly what I thought it would be. A lifetime working with famous people in the music world.
I love music and was interested in the background of singers like Bette Midler, Streisand etc.
I enjoyed the book and as I said it delivered.
I love music and was interested in the background of singers like Bette Midler, Streisand etc.
I enjoyed the book and as I said it delivered.
February 19, 2026
For full effect, this book really needs to be read in two formats -- the visual book (print or ebook) and as the audiobook because the latter includes performances of lesser known songs, sung by Nathan Lane, Christine Ebersole, etc. and you don't want to miss Jennifer Lewis singing "Black Don't Crack." But the prinit versions include photos.
March 23, 2026
This was such a joy to read for a musical theatre geek like me who grew up idolizing Tracy Turnblad and listening to that cast album on constant repeat. Marc’s music has essentially scored my entire adolescence and hearing him talk about it all was such a joy.
HIGHLY recommend the audiobook so you get to enjoy the bonus performances!!
(But if you speed up the book to 1.3x speed like me…remember to change it back for the songs or you’ll wonder why the hell Norbert Leo Butz is singing Don’t Break the Rules at an insane pace 🤣🤣)
HIGHLY recommend the audiobook so you get to enjoy the bonus performances!!
(But if you speed up the book to 1.3x speed like me…remember to change it back for the songs or you’ll wonder why the hell Norbert Leo Butz is singing Don’t Break the Rules at an insane pace 🤣🤣)
March 14, 2026
Holy moly. For a theater kid-turned-professional, Shaiman has been an icon of the industry for as long as I remember. But his memoir clued me in to exactly how many endearing classics he had a hand in creating across film, music and theater.
Shaiman's balance of personal stories with professional anecdotes was perfect for me. I loved starting with stories of how he fell in love with music (and that for the most part, personal stories tied into the professional). However, the vast majority of this book is musings of key moments from his career.
As someone who first encountered his genius through Hairspray, I was surprised the sheer depth of Shaiman's professional experience. There were previous accolades that I was slightly aware of (his friendship and working relationship with Bette Midler and Jenifer Lewis, most notably).
Therefore, learning about his work on SNL and with most of the movies I fell in love with in my childhood make me admire him even more.
Maybe I'm in the minority, but I wish the book was longer! Hairspray's two chapters take up the longest portion of the book, but I would have loved more about his early brushes with Broadway and his most recent career endeavors.
Shaiman's balance of personal stories with professional anecdotes was perfect for me. I loved starting with stories of how he fell in love with music (and that for the most part, personal stories tied into the professional). However, the vast majority of this book is musings of key moments from his career.
As someone who first encountered his genius through Hairspray, I was surprised the sheer depth of Shaiman's professional experience. There were previous accolades that I was slightly aware of (his friendship and working relationship with Bette Midler and Jenifer Lewis, most notably).
Therefore, learning about his work on SNL and with most of the movies I fell in love with in my childhood make me admire him even more.
Maybe I'm in the minority, but I wish the book was longer! Hairspray's two chapters take up the longest portion of the book, but I would have loved more about his early brushes with Broadway and his most recent career endeavors.
February 18, 2026
Never Mind the Happy by Marc Shaiman is not just an audiobook. It’s a full-blown theatrical event poured straight into your headphones. And I mean this sincerely: this is the best audiobook I have ever listened to.
First, a huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC audio copy. What an absolute gift.
Marc Shaiman’s storytelling is sharp, funny, candid, and wonderfully self-aware. He reflects on his life and career with honesty and that unmistakable wit that anyone familiar with his work will recognise instantly. It feels intimate, like you’re being let in on backstage stories that shaped not only his career but entire eras of musical theatre and film.
But the real magic? The music.
This audiobook doesn’t just talk about songs. It gives you the songs. Featuring performances sung by Marc Shaiman himself, Megan Hilty, Marisha Wallace, and other genuine theatre superstars, it becomes something far bigger than a standard memoir narration. It’s layered, immersive, and bursting with talent. Every musical moment feels intentional and celebratory, like a love letter to theatre lovers everywhere.
It’s rare that an audiobook elevates the written material so completely, but this one does. The performances add emotional weight, humour, nostalgia, and joy in a way that text alone simply couldn’t.
Five stars without hesitation. If you love theatre, storytelling, or simply hearing passionate, creative people reflect on their journey, this is unmissable. An unforgettable listening experience from start to finish.
First, a huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC audio copy. What an absolute gift.
Marc Shaiman’s storytelling is sharp, funny, candid, and wonderfully self-aware. He reflects on his life and career with honesty and that unmistakable wit that anyone familiar with his work will recognise instantly. It feels intimate, like you’re being let in on backstage stories that shaped not only his career but entire eras of musical theatre and film.
But the real magic? The music.
This audiobook doesn’t just talk about songs. It gives you the songs. Featuring performances sung by Marc Shaiman himself, Megan Hilty, Marisha Wallace, and other genuine theatre superstars, it becomes something far bigger than a standard memoir narration. It’s layered, immersive, and bursting with talent. Every musical moment feels intentional and celebratory, like a love letter to theatre lovers everywhere.
It’s rare that an audiobook elevates the written material so completely, but this one does. The performances add emotional weight, humour, nostalgia, and joy in a way that text alone simply couldn’t.
Five stars without hesitation. If you love theatre, storytelling, or simply hearing passionate, creative people reflect on their journey, this is unmissable. An unforgettable listening experience from start to finish.
February 18, 2026
This was absolutely CHARMING! Marc Shaiman is one of my musical heroes and has been all my life! Between “Hairspray”, “The First Wives Club” his work with Bette Midler — he raised me! Then add on his recent work with “Mary Poppins Returns” & “Some Like It Hot” his influence has carried me into adulthood especially as a songwriter. His scoring is instantly recognizable in nearly every rom com we ever watched. And if you remember “Smash” (my much preferred TV show over “Glee”) you know his signature touch!
I of course listened to the audiobook as I read along and it was filled with musical sequences performed by Marc himself in addition to some notable icons: Martin Short, Christine Ebersole, Megan Hilty to name a few!!!
10/10!!!! For a self described “Eyeore” this book is witty, fabulous and filled with joy!!!
I of course listened to the audiobook as I read along and it was filled with musical sequences performed by Marc himself in addition to some notable icons: Martin Short, Christine Ebersole, Megan Hilty to name a few!!!
10/10!!!! For a self described “Eyeore” this book is witty, fabulous and filled with joy!!!
February 17, 2026
What a joy! I loved this book—and with all the bonus audio content, listening to the audiobook was the way to go. I’ve been such a big fan of Marc’s for years. He’s the genius behind so many of my favorite things. I was also hoping to hear a few Bette Midler mentions and boy was I not disappointed. The whole book was dedicated to her! Marc completely adores her…finally someone who gets my obsession! I just love when her talent is appreciated.
But he had so many other good stories too. He knows Billy Crystal, Marty Short, and there was a whole chapter on Rob Reiner which was nice.
What a charmed life he’s lead—and earned! He manifested his success in an amazing way and really made a fabulous career for himself. I hope someday he gets that Oscar cuz he deserves to be an EGOT winner. Maybe he and The Divine Miss M can work on a project together and both win that last award!
But he had so many other good stories too. He knows Billy Crystal, Marty Short, and there was a whole chapter on Rob Reiner which was nice.
What a charmed life he’s lead—and earned! He manifested his success in an amazing way and really made a fabulous career for himself. I hope someday he gets that Oscar cuz he deserves to be an EGOT winner. Maybe he and The Divine Miss M can work on a project together and both win that last award!
February 14, 2026
I loved this book. Truly 10/10 and then some. My only complaint is that it ended. I could listen to Marc Shaiman tell showbiz stories for days and never get tired of it.
I’m so glad I chose the audiobook version because it adds an entirely new layer to the experience. Several chapters include musical performances by Marc’s celebrity friends. Some were songs I already knew from his Broadway and television work, while others were pieces he wrote for loved ones or special events. Hearing them performed as part of the storytelling made the book feel intimate, personal, and completely immersive. The highlight for me was the song he wrote for his father’s funeral, which was incredibly moving and beautifully shared.
As someone who has admired Shaiman’s work for decades, it was a thrill to hear these behind-the-scenes stories and reflections in his own voice. This memoir isn’t just entertaining. It feels like sitting down with a brilliant, funny, generous artist who’s letting you in on the stories behind a lifetime in show business.
I’m so glad I chose the audiobook version because it adds an entirely new layer to the experience. Several chapters include musical performances by Marc’s celebrity friends. Some were songs I already knew from his Broadway and television work, while others were pieces he wrote for loved ones or special events. Hearing them performed as part of the storytelling made the book feel intimate, personal, and completely immersive. The highlight for me was the song he wrote for his father’s funeral, which was incredibly moving and beautifully shared.
As someone who has admired Shaiman’s work for decades, it was a thrill to hear these behind-the-scenes stories and reflections in his own voice. This memoir isn’t just entertaining. It feels like sitting down with a brilliant, funny, generous artist who’s letting you in on the stories behind a lifetime in show business.
June 2, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ GREAT
Hilarious from the very first moments and somehow just keeps getting better. It is sharp and genuinely funny in that effortless way that only comes from someone who has truly lived the stories he is telling. Shaiman has a gift for timing. Every anecdote lands.
What gives the book its real weight is how quickly it can turn tender without ever feeling forced. One of the most moving sections is when Shaiman takes the time to personally name every friend he has lost to HIV. It’s direct and devastating in the best way. The humour never disappears, but it steps aside to make room for grief and that balance feels deeply earned.
I listened to the audiobook, which makes the experience even more special. Hearing Shaiman tell his own stories adds warmth and intimacy, and the fact that he sings many of the musical numbers himself is an absolute joy. On top of that, there are guest stars who also sing, turning the audiobook into something closer to a performance than a standard memoir. It feels alive and celebratory.
By the end, I felt like I really knew him. This memoir is funny, emotional, and full of heart. It is a love letter to music and show business in all its ridiculous glory.
Hilarious from the very first moments and somehow just keeps getting better. It is sharp and genuinely funny in that effortless way that only comes from someone who has truly lived the stories he is telling. Shaiman has a gift for timing. Every anecdote lands.
What gives the book its real weight is how quickly it can turn tender without ever feeling forced. One of the most moving sections is when Shaiman takes the time to personally name every friend he has lost to HIV. It’s direct and devastating in the best way. The humour never disappears, but it steps aside to make room for grief and that balance feels deeply earned.
I listened to the audiobook, which makes the experience even more special. Hearing Shaiman tell his own stories adds warmth and intimacy, and the fact that he sings many of the musical numbers himself is an absolute joy. On top of that, there are guest stars who also sing, turning the audiobook into something closer to a performance than a standard memoir. It feels alive and celebratory.
By the end, I felt like I really knew him. This memoir is funny, emotional, and full of heart. It is a love letter to music and show business in all its ridiculous glory.
February 3, 2026
Last year, I found myself captivated by the memoirs of several people I admire—Edmund White, Lorne Michaels, and Graydon Carter—each at a stage in their careers where they can look back and reflect on their remarkable journeys. To that list, I now add Marc Shaiman’s "Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winne"r. Shaiman’s book is a wickedly funny, deeply personal chronicle of five decades in musical theater and film. As the award-winning composer and lyricist behind Hairspray, Mary Poppins Returns, and Sister Act, Shaiman delivers a candid account of the highs and heartbreaks along his path. Despite his impressive achievements, Shaiman refers to himself as an “Eeyore” and a “card-carrying pessimist,” always expecting the other shoe to drop (...we call that being Jewish). The memoir unfolds through a series of lively “showbiz tell-all” anecdotes, tracing his journey from a teenage musical prodigy (he played at Marie’s Crisis before he graduated high school!) and Bette Midler’s musical director to a Hollywood staple scoring classics like Sleepless in Seattle and The Addams Family. Among the stories: the time he inadvertently got Stephen Sondheim so high at a party that the iconic composer collapsed, his sparring with Nora Ephron (...I didn’t realize she was rude!), and Shaiman’s partnering with the creators of South Park.
Reading Shaiman’s detailed account of the creative process behind Hairspray was particularly interesting to me, as it brought me back to a world I experienced firsthand—I interned on the original Broadway production in the fall of 2002, just after its opening. Shaiman writes honestly about the peaks and valleys of making Broadway musicals, and being present during the Hairspray era felt like witnessing a once-in-a-generation “peak.” I vividly recall the energy at the Neil Simon Theatre, and his inside perspective on those years was a nostalgic homecoming. I sat in on rehearsals and saw them run through the show in street clothes while half-humming the musical numbers, and thought I was witnessing the most inside-theater moment, ever.
Shaiman is refreshingly candid about his fraught encounters with Hollywood royalty and never shies away from recounting his own struggles or setbacks. I especially appreciate his openness about his battles with substance abuse and his willingness to discuss professional failures without sugarcoating (Smash, anyone?) . I once crossed paths with him when I delivered something to his Chelsea apartment, which he shared at the time with his creative and life partner, Scott Whitman. (Shaiman addresses their relationship at length in the memoir—their transition from romantic partners to separately married best friends and collaborators is depicted with affection.) Despite my status as a humble intern, he treated me with exceptional kindness. That same generosity radiates throughout his writing, allowing readers to experience his warmth and big-heartedness firsthand.
Shaiman’s main advice for aspiring artists is to “show up” and say yes to every opportunity. He proves this lesson through his own bold leaps—from flying to L.A. with no money to land a gig with Midler, to his collaborations with Billy Crystal and Martin Short. The book is also a moving “love letter to the melancholy that fuels creativity,” confronting the loss of friends during the AIDS crisis. Whether you’re a fan of his scores or maybe you’re an artist in need of inspiration, Never Mind the Happy is pure showbiz joy. There’s so much to enjoy in these pages, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Reading Shaiman’s detailed account of the creative process behind Hairspray was particularly interesting to me, as it brought me back to a world I experienced firsthand—I interned on the original Broadway production in the fall of 2002, just after its opening. Shaiman writes honestly about the peaks and valleys of making Broadway musicals, and being present during the Hairspray era felt like witnessing a once-in-a-generation “peak.” I vividly recall the energy at the Neil Simon Theatre, and his inside perspective on those years was a nostalgic homecoming. I sat in on rehearsals and saw them run through the show in street clothes while half-humming the musical numbers, and thought I was witnessing the most inside-theater moment, ever.
Shaiman is refreshingly candid about his fraught encounters with Hollywood royalty and never shies away from recounting his own struggles or setbacks. I especially appreciate his openness about his battles with substance abuse and his willingness to discuss professional failures without sugarcoating (Smash, anyone?) . I once crossed paths with him when I delivered something to his Chelsea apartment, which he shared at the time with his creative and life partner, Scott Whitman. (Shaiman addresses their relationship at length in the memoir—their transition from romantic partners to separately married best friends and collaborators is depicted with affection.) Despite my status as a humble intern, he treated me with exceptional kindness. That same generosity radiates throughout his writing, allowing readers to experience his warmth and big-heartedness firsthand.
Shaiman’s main advice for aspiring artists is to “show up” and say yes to every opportunity. He proves this lesson through his own bold leaps—from flying to L.A. with no money to land a gig with Midler, to his collaborations with Billy Crystal and Martin Short. The book is also a moving “love letter to the melancholy that fuels creativity,” confronting the loss of friends during the AIDS crisis. Whether you’re a fan of his scores or maybe you’re an artist in need of inspiration, Never Mind the Happy is pure showbiz joy. There’s so much to enjoy in these pages, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
May 17, 2026
The moment I saw this book in the recent additions to the catalog of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled of the Library of Congress; I knew that I just had to read it. And I must say that I loved every moment!
Here’s the weird part though: I recognized the name Marc Shaiman, and I knew that he was a respected Broadway composer, but I could not for the life of me identify what he wrote! Given the many hours I spend each week listening to and reading about musical theater, this is shocking … and a bit frightening. I was happy to discover that he is responsible for many of my very favorite scores, and that, from what I can tell, he is a sincere human being with a great sense of humor (though I will never understand why he appreciates all things “South Park,” and why he became involved with that movie, 😊
I was happy to discover that even after all his years working with superstars, he’s still capable of being starstruck, and I enjoyed hearing him talk about some people whose work causes me to react in a similar fashion. And yes, for those who are wondering, I loved the Streisand anecdote, though it does show that she lives on a different plane than the rest of us! He discusses his many successes, but he is not at all shy when talking about mistakes he has made, both personally and professionally. I’ve had some experiences lately that have caused me to look back at the choices I’ve made over the years, especially about my work, that I now deeply regret. As strange as it may sound, hearing Chaiman talk so openly about his regrets and vulnerabilities was quite therapeutic. Don’t get me wrong though: this book is at its heart a joyful celebration by a man I’m glad to have met in its pages.
ADDENDUM: Many of you know that I react very badly when an audiobook does not follow the print book word by word. I cringe when an author who is reading their own work changes “readers” to “listeners;” it makes me nuts! As a blind person and a vocational rehabilitation counselor, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to convince people that how we get something done matters much less than if we get it done; you may read a novel with your eyes, I may read it with my fingers or my ears, but we’ve both read the same book! Several years ago, when Michael Feinstein wrote a book about his connection with Ira Gershwin, the audiobook included a song after each chapter. I eventually convinced myself that that was okay since the songs were kind of separate from the book. When my favorite performer, Ms. Streisand, inserted side comments and extra anecdotes into her audiobook, it bothered me, though I admit that I was thrilled to hear them. Well, … this audiobook really threw me for a loop! It is filled with wonderful musical interludes from the author and from performers whom he enlisted to sing some of his terrific songs. I cringed at first, but I must admit that these segments made a great book (if this can be called a book) even better, and they added immeasurably to my enjoyment. At one point, he mentions that listeners might want to take a look at some of the pictures in the print copy, and I’m sure the print copy doesn’t include the comments he makes when he introduces some of the performers. I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m awfully glad the audiobook is what it is, and that it is in fact a very different reading experience from the print book that bears the same title.
Here’s the weird part though: I recognized the name Marc Shaiman, and I knew that he was a respected Broadway composer, but I could not for the life of me identify what he wrote! Given the many hours I spend each week listening to and reading about musical theater, this is shocking … and a bit frightening. I was happy to discover that he is responsible for many of my very favorite scores, and that, from what I can tell, he is a sincere human being with a great sense of humor (though I will never understand why he appreciates all things “South Park,” and why he became involved with that movie, 😊
I was happy to discover that even after all his years working with superstars, he’s still capable of being starstruck, and I enjoyed hearing him talk about some people whose work causes me to react in a similar fashion. And yes, for those who are wondering, I loved the Streisand anecdote, though it does show that she lives on a different plane than the rest of us! He discusses his many successes, but he is not at all shy when talking about mistakes he has made, both personally and professionally. I’ve had some experiences lately that have caused me to look back at the choices I’ve made over the years, especially about my work, that I now deeply regret. As strange as it may sound, hearing Chaiman talk so openly about his regrets and vulnerabilities was quite therapeutic. Don’t get me wrong though: this book is at its heart a joyful celebration by a man I’m glad to have met in its pages.
ADDENDUM: Many of you know that I react very badly when an audiobook does not follow the print book word by word. I cringe when an author who is reading their own work changes “readers” to “listeners;” it makes me nuts! As a blind person and a vocational rehabilitation counselor, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to convince people that how we get something done matters much less than if we get it done; you may read a novel with your eyes, I may read it with my fingers or my ears, but we’ve both read the same book! Several years ago, when Michael Feinstein wrote a book about his connection with Ira Gershwin, the audiobook included a song after each chapter. I eventually convinced myself that that was okay since the songs were kind of separate from the book. When my favorite performer, Ms. Streisand, inserted side comments and extra anecdotes into her audiobook, it bothered me, though I admit that I was thrilled to hear them. Well, … this audiobook really threw me for a loop! It is filled with wonderful musical interludes from the author and from performers whom he enlisted to sing some of his terrific songs. I cringed at first, but I must admit that these segments made a great book (if this can be called a book) even better, and they added immeasurably to my enjoyment. At one point, he mentions that listeners might want to take a look at some of the pictures in the print copy, and I’m sure the print copy doesn’t include the comments he makes when he introduces some of the performers. I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m awfully glad the audiobook is what it is, and that it is in fact a very different reading experience from the print book that bears the same title.
March 31, 2026
I have been overdue for a book that seduces me and results in a marathon reading session. Marc Shaiman's showbiz memoir accomplished this. I spend most of my half-day off yesterday reading about half of it. It felt great to do so, to read for the joy of it.
So any nitpicking I can do about the book is secondary. This was a fun, lively read. I enjoyed watching Marc Shaiman make it in showbiz in the 1970s and 1980s, which coincided with my childhood and cultural formation. Marc's prose style reads snappy, with well-landed one liners and poignant realizations alternating like a well-constructed Broadway revue. No coincidence there.
I recommend having your preferred music streaming service at the ready. Every chapter or two, I would put the book down and go listen to a specific Bette Midler tune or a song Shaiman wrote for Harry Connick Jr. If I did this with every song he spotlights, I'd still be plodding through the early chapters. So many songs cited! So many names dropped. Mostly I just skipped along and enjoyed the book like I was sitting on Marc's couch and listening to him rattle on. To Marc's credit, he recognizes what a charmed life it has all added up to.
I bought Never Mind the Happy on impulse after catching Marc's interview with one of the morning news show clips YouTube smartly dropped into my feed. As a lifelong lover of film music, I knew this would be a fun read for me. It ends up leaning deeper into his return to Broadway composing. So I felt a detachment from some of the later chapters, but that is not a criticism. It all seems to come together in his work on Mary Poppins Returns a film I've never seen. But I watched a clip of the Oscar-nominated song. Beautiful and heartfelt. As expected, my favorite reminiscence was going back and watching his delightful cameo in the movie Broadcast News.
This book is a fun, funny, and personable read. It did, no direct fault to Marc, activate my own bittersweet memories of attempting a career in showbiz, and feeling the world passing me by. Worth it though, for a chance to go back and reexperience the full emotion of Bette Midler singing to Johnny Carson on his next-to-last Tonight Show broadcast, and seeing it through Marc's eyes as he accompanies her. Thanks, Marc. So glad you made it.
So any nitpicking I can do about the book is secondary. This was a fun, lively read. I enjoyed watching Marc Shaiman make it in showbiz in the 1970s and 1980s, which coincided with my childhood and cultural formation. Marc's prose style reads snappy, with well-landed one liners and poignant realizations alternating like a well-constructed Broadway revue. No coincidence there.
I recommend having your preferred music streaming service at the ready. Every chapter or two, I would put the book down and go listen to a specific Bette Midler tune or a song Shaiman wrote for Harry Connick Jr. If I did this with every song he spotlights, I'd still be plodding through the early chapters. So many songs cited! So many names dropped. Mostly I just skipped along and enjoyed the book like I was sitting on Marc's couch and listening to him rattle on. To Marc's credit, he recognizes what a charmed life it has all added up to.
I bought Never Mind the Happy on impulse after catching Marc's interview with one of the morning news show clips YouTube smartly dropped into my feed. As a lifelong lover of film music, I knew this would be a fun read for me. It ends up leaning deeper into his return to Broadway composing. So I felt a detachment from some of the later chapters, but that is not a criticism. It all seems to come together in his work on Mary Poppins Returns a film I've never seen. But I watched a clip of the Oscar-nominated song. Beautiful and heartfelt. As expected, my favorite reminiscence was going back and watching his delightful cameo in the movie Broadcast News.
This book is a fun, funny, and personable read. It did, no direct fault to Marc, activate my own bittersweet memories of attempting a career in showbiz, and feeling the world passing me by. Worth it though, for a chance to go back and reexperience the full emotion of Bette Midler singing to Johnny Carson on his next-to-last Tonight Show broadcast, and seeing it through Marc's eyes as he accompanies her. Thanks, Marc. So glad you made it.
February 5, 2026
Hairspray is one of my all-time favorite musicals and one of my favorite comedies of all time is Down With Love, plus as a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I was tickled by the send-up of cheesy Broadway revues with “Rogers: The Musical” in the TV series Hawkeye, so of course I was chomping at the bit to read this book by the composer of those. Aside from those things I wasn’t aware that Shaiman had worked on other projects I’d enjoyed over the years, as well as things I’d never heard of, so this memoir was a real education.
I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, as Shaiman includes lots of songs, many performed by luminaries of stage and screen. He reads the book, too, and it’s like having a conversation with your charming gay friend.
I would have blasted through this audiobook except for the fact I kept stopping to listen to various scores and musicals Shaiman has created over the years. For instance, like almost everyone my age I watched the final episodes when Johnny Carson retired from The Tonight Show in 1992, but I had no idea that Shaiman wrote the song Bette Midler sang to Johnny on that final appearance. And was her accompanist. So I had to watch that. Or that he adapted the movie Catch Me If You Can into a stage musical, so I found various versions of that to watch.
The people Shaiman’s worked with is a Who’s Who of Broadway and Hollywood, and the movies, TV series and theatre productions are a What’s What. Saturday Night Live, South Park, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, Sister Act, City Slickers, Addams Family, A Few Good Men, Mary Poppins Returns the Oscars, the Tonys… crazy. There’s enough material left out here that he could write another three books.
So yeah, I highly recommend this one.
“Here’s To Love” from Down With Love, Shaiman is also the pianist in this bit: https://youtu.be/izt6sT9aJUU
“They Keep Moving the Line” from Smash: https://youtu.be/zXqfTCXQZ1o
“A Conversation” from Mary Poppins Returns: https://youtu.be/-nYFtcwgchc
“The Mamushka” from The Addams Family: https://youtu.be/EldT0FJUE3I
I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, as Shaiman includes lots of songs, many performed by luminaries of stage and screen. He reads the book, too, and it’s like having a conversation with your charming gay friend.
I would have blasted through this audiobook except for the fact I kept stopping to listen to various scores and musicals Shaiman has created over the years. For instance, like almost everyone my age I watched the final episodes when Johnny Carson retired from The Tonight Show in 1992, but I had no idea that Shaiman wrote the song Bette Midler sang to Johnny on that final appearance. And was her accompanist. So I had to watch that. Or that he adapted the movie Catch Me If You Can into a stage musical, so I found various versions of that to watch.
The people Shaiman’s worked with is a Who’s Who of Broadway and Hollywood, and the movies, TV series and theatre productions are a What’s What. Saturday Night Live, South Park, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, Sister Act, City Slickers, Addams Family, A Few Good Men, Mary Poppins Returns the Oscars, the Tonys… crazy. There’s enough material left out here that he could write another three books.
So yeah, I highly recommend this one.
“Here’s To Love” from Down With Love, Shaiman is also the pianist in this bit: https://youtu.be/izt6sT9aJUU
“They Keep Moving the Line” from Smash: https://youtu.be/zXqfTCXQZ1o
“A Conversation” from Mary Poppins Returns: https://youtu.be/-nYFtcwgchc
“The Mamushka” from The Addams Family: https://youtu.be/EldT0FJUE3I
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April 3, 2026Marc Shaiman's memoir Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner is a wonderfully light and breezy autobiography. How so? I inhaled this book in an afternoon.
If you have consumed any Broadway musicals in recent decades, you have probably experienced some of Shaiman's work, like "Hairspray." If you've enjoyed any classic movies from those same decades, you've definitely heard this musical direction in films like "When Harry Met Sally" and "Beaches."
Beginning with his piano savant childhood in Newark, New Jersey, Never Mind the Happy takes its title from something his often quirky mother said to him when he was a bit too melancholic. Starting in local community theater, Shaiman leaves school at 16 to work professionally in New York. His work as a musical director for theater and cabarets soon led to work on Saturday Night Live. He even appeared as The Sweeney Sisters' accompanist, Skip St. Thomas.
Being in New York during this time gave him access to great performers who were well known then and now. At times, his writing can seem a bit "name-droppy" with narratives based on how many celebrities can be mentioned. Just go with it. The stories are always good. Though I really wonder why he doesn't discuss Barry Manilow more, given that their times working with Bette Midler overlapped.
In fact, if you are a Sondheim fan, you definitely need to read this book for the hysterical anecdote Shaiman shares (one that Sondheim made him promise not to share until after his death). It's delightful.
Shaiman only gets serious during two sections. The first time is talking about his cocaine addiction, and the second is about the AIDS crisis. To be honest, this was some of his best writing as he let his mask slip a bit and we saw deeper inside his soul.
If you are a Broadway fan and/or a movie music lover, this is a no-brainer for you. Who doesn't love a bit of fluff once in a while?
3 lattes out of 5
Disclaimer: This eARC was provided by Post Hill Press | Regalo Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you have consumed any Broadway musicals in recent decades, you have probably experienced some of Shaiman's work, like "Hairspray." If you've enjoyed any classic movies from those same decades, you've definitely heard this musical direction in films like "When Harry Met Sally" and "Beaches."
Beginning with his piano savant childhood in Newark, New Jersey, Never Mind the Happy takes its title from something his often quirky mother said to him when he was a bit too melancholic. Starting in local community theater, Shaiman leaves school at 16 to work professionally in New York. His work as a musical director for theater and cabarets soon led to work on Saturday Night Live. He even appeared as The Sweeney Sisters' accompanist, Skip St. Thomas.
Being in New York during this time gave him access to great performers who were well known then and now. At times, his writing can seem a bit "name-droppy" with narratives based on how many celebrities can be mentioned. Just go with it. The stories are always good. Though I really wonder why he doesn't discuss Barry Manilow more, given that their times working with Bette Midler overlapped.
In fact, if you are a Sondheim fan, you definitely need to read this book for the hysterical anecdote Shaiman shares (one that Sondheim made him promise not to share until after his death). It's delightful.
Shaiman only gets serious during two sections. The first time is talking about his cocaine addiction, and the second is about the AIDS crisis. To be honest, this was some of his best writing as he let his mask slip a bit and we saw deeper inside his soul.
If you are a Broadway fan and/or a movie music lover, this is a no-brainer for you. Who doesn't love a bit of fluff once in a while?
3 lattes out of 5
Disclaimer: This eARC was provided by Post Hill Press | Regalo Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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