A ‘Hairspray’ Composer on Flops and Feats in the Musical Trenches

“If showbiz puts you on a pedestal on Tuesday, it’s only to have a better shot at your anatomy on Thursday." - #MarkShaiman
#NeverMindTheHappy #memoir #Broadway
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/25/t...

Marc Shaiman American composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman was BOTD in 1959. Born in Newark, New Jersey, he left school at 16 to pursue a career in theatre. He became a writer for Saturday Night Live and worked w…

American composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman, best known as the composer of the #JohnWaters musical “Hairspray” was BOTD in 1959, turning 66 today. #markshaiman #supergays #hairspray #bornonthisday

Marc Shaiman American composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman was BOTD in 1959. Born in Newark, New Jersey, he left school at 16 to pursue a career in theatre. He became a writer for Saturday Night Live and worked w…

American composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman, best known as the composer of the #JohnWaters musical “Hairspray” was BOTD in 1959, turning 66 today. #markshaiman #supergays #hairspray #bornonthisday