Literary event series brings Tony Award-winner Marc Shaiman to Engeman Theater

A partnership between Long Island LitFest and the Engeman Theater will soon bring a mix of Broadway craftsmanship and Hollywood storytelling to the Northport Village stage when Marc Shaiman – celebrated American composer, lyricist, arranger and music producer – talks about his new memoir, Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner, on Monday, February 9 at 7pm. 

Known for blending classic musical theater with sharp humor and emotional honesty, Shaiman’s career bridges Broadway, Hollywood and television. Audiences can expect humor, vulnerability and vivid stories from his decades in theater and film during an evening sure to be as funny as it is heartfelt.

Next month’s talk with Shaiman – the first LitFest at Engeman – will be moderated by Broadway actress, recording artist, writer and one of New York City’s most celebrated concert and cabaret artists, Melissa Errico.

Shaiman began his career as a musical director and arranger for Bette Midler before expanding into film scoring. He gained prominence with his work on films such as When Harry Met Sally, The Addams Family, Sister Act, City Slickers, A Few Good Men, Sleepless in Seattle, The American President, and South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut. He is a longtime music director and composer for Saturday Night Live, and worked on recordings with Harry Connick Jr. and Mariah Carey. Shaiman earned widespread acclaim for co-writing the Broadway musical Hairspray alongside his longtime co-lyricist Scott Wittman. The duo has also co-created the musicals Catch Me If You Can, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Some Like It Hot and Smash. Shaiman has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards and has won a Tony, two Emmys and two Grammys. 

Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner offers a look into Shaiman’s personal temperament and complex relationship with success, from his early days to his Broadway triumphs, unique struggles and collaborations with stars like Midler, Nathan Lane and Barbra Streisand. The self-proclaimed “sore winner” label captures his tendency to focus on professional “bellyflops” and personal heartbreaks even amidst his greatest accolades… a complicated emotional pool Shaiman says has fueled his creativity.

Founded in 2015 by award-winning journalist and author Claudia Gryvatz Copquin, Long Island LitFest connects readers and writers in a forum that celebrates the work of best-selling authors and their poignant personal stories. To date, LitFest has featured special appearances by authors including Jodi Picoult, Anna Quindlen, Nelson DeMille, Alan Zweibel, Lidia Bastianich, Wally Lamb, Alice Hoffman, Andre Aciman and Katy Tur. 

Ticket holders to the Engeman event will receive a signed copy of the book and will enjoy a moderated conversation, audience Q&A and some songs, with a special meet-and-greet afterwards for VIP ticket-holders. 

Doors open at the Engeman Theater at 6pm. Tickets are on sale through January 16 at www.engemantheater.com/nevermindthehappy and www.longislandlitfest.com.