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Marc Shaiman's Memoir Explores Jewish Identity and Showbiz

2/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Marc Shaiman, an American composer and lyricist, releases the memoir Never Mind the Happy to reflect on his Jewish identity and showbiz career.
It covers his work on Broadway's Hairspray and South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, with Bette Midler and Rob Reiner.
Shaiman explains how his Jewish upbringing and humor shaped him.
The book notes successes and losses, including friends lost to AIDS and the recent death of Reiner.

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Story summary

Marc Shaiman, an American composer and lyricist, releases the memoir Never Mind the Happy to reflect on his Jewish identity and showbiz career.
It covers his work on Broadway's Hairspray and South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, with Bette Midler and Rob Reiner.
Shaiman explains how his Jewish upbringing and humor shaped him.
The book notes successes and losses, including friends lost to AIDS and the recent death of Reiner.