Marc Shaiman: From Midler to Broadway and the Magic of Hairspray

Legendary composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman joins Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott to discuss his highly anticipated new book, Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner, and share intimate stories from his storied career in Hollywood and on Broadway. Marc dives into his deep bond with the late, great Rob Reiner, reflecting on their friendship and the creative synergy that defined so much of their work together. He also pulls back the curtain on his legendary collaborations with icons Bette Midler and Billy Crystal, offering a firsthand look at the chemistry behind some of entertainment's most memorable moments. Plus, Marc revisits the vibrant world of Hairspray, detailing the journey of bringing that modern classic to life. It is a heartfelt and hilarious conversation with a true titan of the industry about the art of collaboration and the stories behind the songs we love. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweek See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.