Never Mind the Happy

Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner

By: Marc Shaiman

Narrated by: Marc Shaiman

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.

This audiobook includes music performed by Marc Shaiman, with special guest appearances from Norbert Leo Butz, Martin Short, Christine Ebersole, Ben Whishaw, and more!

©2026 Marc Shaiman (P)2026 Recorded Books

Loved the musical numbers.

What a great story teller. Great behind the scenes look at making it in Hollywood and broadway.

A Joy to Listen To — Funny, Moving, and Completely Captivatingq

A Joy to Listen To — Funny, Moving, and Completely Captivating

The audiobook of Never Mind the Happy by Marc Shaiman is an absolute delight. Hearing these stories unfold feels like being seated next to a brilliant, hilarious, deeply honest friend who just happens to be one of the great musical storytellers of our time.

The narrative is packed with unforgettable moments from a remarkable career, but what makes it truly special is the emotional depth—Shaiman’s reflections on ambition, insecurity, friendship, and creative survival are touching, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny. The pacing is wonderful, the stories are vivid, and the emotional beats really land in audio.

This isn’t just a celebrity memoir—it’s a warm, inspiring, and surprisingly intimate portrait of a creative life, with all its highs, lows, and hard-won joys. If you love theater, music, or great storytelling, this is a must-listen. I didn’t want it to end.

Absolutely Loved Every Minute

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.

Heaven for a Broadway and Movie fan

This book is heaven for any Broadway fan. I had no idea Marc was behind so many shows I’ve loved as well as movies. He deserves to be a ham!!

CHARMING!!!

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!!!