Jesse Green on Marc Shaiman's memoir

[MezzA101]

Posted: 1/25/26 at 6:53am

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/25/theater/marc-shaiman-hairspray-memoir.html?unlocked_article_code=1.HFA.bLOc.zIend-TNr1-N&smid=nytcore-android-share

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 1/25/26 at 7:03am

I ordered the memoir and am looking forward to it. Quite a life!

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 1/25/26 at 7:32am

Stoked to spend 9 1/2 hours listening to him on the audiobook version. Truly the ONLY way to “read” a memoir is by listening to the person themselves tell/read it to you. 

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 1/25/26 at 7:44am

BrodyFosse123 said: "Stoked to spend 9 1/2 hours listening to him on the audiobook version. Truly the ONLY way to “read” a memoir is by listening to the person themselves tell/read it to you.

"

I have read many wonderful memoirs with nye eyes. Sadly, I don't have the attention span for audio books. Mind wanders and I have to rewind!

Updated On: 1/25/26 at 07:44 AM

[quizking101]

Posted: 1/25/26 at 8:21am

iluvtheatertrash said: "BrodyFosse123 said: "Stoked to spend 9 1/2 hours listening to him on the audiobook version. Truly the ONLY way to “read” a memoir is by listening to the person themselves tell/read it to you.

"

Especially when the person themselves has a truly distinct voice and point of view, especially those know for comedy. My personal favorite is Harvey Fierstein’s, though Bruce Vilanch, Whoopi Goldberg, Miriam Margoyles, and John Waters are also high in my list.

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 1/25/26 at 1:01pm

Listening to Barbra's book while reading along (she goes off script quite a bit) was an absolutely amazing 48 hours of pleasure.

[Melissa25]

Posted: 1/25/26 at 4:17pm

My road-trips to theater were greatly enhanced by Barbra's book. I think it lasted 4-5 separate road trips.  I could not imagine trying to read all the specific details related to food or The Way We Were. But listening to Barbra share those exact details was a very different matter. I found her and her memoir quite entertaining.

I also loved Cher's memoir as well and hopefully she ponies up part two soon.  Stephanie J. Block did a great job.  I am looking forward to Marc Shaiman's memoir.

 

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 1/25/26 at 4:46pm

There’s a signing at the Academy Museum in LA next Friday, with special guest/host Bette Midler (followed by a screening of The First Wives Club). Can’t wait!