In the world of entertainment, where optimism often fuels success, Marc Shaiman stands out as a refreshingly candid voice. The acclaimed Hollywood and Broadway composer and lyricist, known for his work on films like "Sleepless in Seattle" and musicals such as "Hairspray," cheerfully describes himself as "a card-carrying pessimist" and an "Eeyore." Despite achieving many of his biggest dreams, Shaiman maintains a wry outlook on life, famously quipping, "I'm not even happy with the glass."
From New Jersey Prodigy to Showbiz Legend
Shaiman's journey from a musical prodigy in New Jersey to a celebrated figure in entertainment is chronicled in his newly published memoir, "Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner." The book, released this winter, is filled with humorous and revealing anecdotes from a career spanning decades. Shaiman reflects on his longevity in the industry, stating, "I've been lucky enough to do a lot and I've been lucky enough to have an outrageous longevity. I thought, 'Let me write it down, finally.'"
A Career of Collaborations and Conflicts
The memoir details Shaiman's rise from serving as Bette Midler's musical director in his teens to scoring major films and Broadway shows. He has collaborated with icons like Billy Crystal, Martin Short, and Rob Reiner, while also navigating conflicts with figures such as producer Scott Rudin and writer Nora Ephron. Shaiman humorously notes about Ephron, "I'm certain she's in heaven, telling all the angels she doesn't like harps."
One of the more memorable stories involves legendary composer Stephen Sondheim. In 1999, Shaiman hosted a party at his apartment where Sondheim consumed marijuana and collapsed three times, leading Shaiman to fear, "I've killed Stephen Sondheim." Sondheim later requested that the story only be shared after his death.
Humanizing Hollywood's Bold-Faced Names
Shaiman aims to demystify the glamour of showbiz by highlighting the humanity of its stars. He recounts an incident with Meryl Streep during the production of "Mary Poppins Returns," where she repeatedly rehearsed a song out of fear. When Shaiman and his writing partner praised her dedication, Streep responded, "Well, guys, fear can be a powerful motivator." Shaiman emphasizes, "I'm mostly just trying to show how human everyone is — even these bold-faced names."
Personal Struggles and Self-Mockery
Not one to shy away from his flaws, Shaiman openly discusses his past struggles with substance abuse, including becoming an inveterate pothead and cocaine user. He self-deprecatingly writes, "I should go into the Guinness Book of World Records for being the only person who put on weight while being a cocaine addict."
The memoir also touches on misunderstandings with celebrities like Barbra Streisand over an unpaid bill and an insult directed at Harry Connick Jr., though both situations were later reconciled.
Unforgettable Moments and Red Carpet Antics
Shaiman shares quirky tales from his career, such as the time he attended a red carpet event for "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut" dressed in a powder-blue suit and feather boa, alongside Matt Stone and Trey Parker, who were dressed as Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez.
Lessons for Aspiring Artists
Through his experiences, Shaiman offers advice to budding artists: "What you can do is show up. Show up to everything. Say yes to everything because I'm a good example of that." He illustrates this with a story about Bette Midler's world tour, where he was told only local Los Angeles hires were needed. Undeterred, Shaiman withdrew his savings, flew from New York to Los Angeles, and called Midler from a phone booth, declaring, "I'm in L.A. Where's rehearsal?"
He adds, "Even if you don't get the job, keep your spirit up because someone in that room is going to remember you for another thing. That's the thing I think to really learn from the book."
A Star-Studded Audiobook
Reflecting Shaiman's influence on Broadway, the audiobook version of his memoir features performances by notable friends and collaborators, including Billy Crystal, Martin Short, Matthew Broderick, and Nathan Lane. Shaiman explains, "I had included a lot of lyrics in the book and then I suddenly realized, 'What, am I going to sing them all or speak them all?' So I started calling friends, some who had sung those songs and some who had sung the demos."
Broadway's Challenges and Personal Reflections
Despite winning a Tony Award for "Hairspray" in 2003 and earning nominations for other shows, Shaiman expresses frustration with Broadway's unpredictability. His recent productions, "Smash" and "Some Like It Hot," received critical acclaim but closed early due to high costs and shifting audience tastes. He laments, "I wish the shows kind of stunk and I could go, 'Oh, man, that really stunk. People are really not liking this.' But when they're enjoying it?"
As he contemplates retirement, Shaiman admits his skin has grown thinner over the years, not thicker. He jokes, "I don't know how well I'll actually do with retirement, but I'd like to give it a try." Yet, true to his Eeyore persona, he remains skeptical about taking it easy, proving that even in success, a pessimist's perspective endures.
