a very long post on my favorite subject...ME!!!

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 10:37pm

Having seen a few postings that imply that all responses to my being on the board are ass-kissing (which in Eddie Varley’s case is completely true), I would like to write down how and why I decided to post on the message boards as “myself”

*note: to gather my thoughts, I re-read some old postings and copy and pasted a few sentences, so there, I give my critic’s something to make fun of right away! *

I lurked the boards for a few years (movies score ones before HAIRSPRAY brought me back to theatre). I enjoyed some people’s perspective and abhorred others, especially those that ripped shows apart from first previews. A show used to be able to mature away from the spotlight, before the ability to post international messages became part of our modern world. How ironic I still find it that folks who claim to be theatre lovers contribute to the struggling of shows. Which, in fact, is giving them more credit than they ‘deserve’, but still, it hurts the process, no doubt about it.

Rumors and gossip can plant a seed in someone's (an employer's) head about people they may be working with...and the anonymity of the Internet allows anyone to say ANYTHING about someone...it's quite unfair and that's why I decided to post here under my own name...put my name where my mouth is, so to speak.

So, I started with an ‘essay’ about what it’s like to realize people might misinterpret my quotes in an article in The New York Times. I embraced BWW as a place that could help me to stop kvetching to everyone I met and just do it once by writing it down and hitting send!

That first time, I ended my piece by speaking about a legendary figure in theatre who had been bad-mouthing Scott & I for both our Tony ‘moment' and our work. I later deleted that section as the realization that what one posts on the Internet stays around forever, a constant speed bump to forgiveness and the healing that time can bring.

The Internet is like one huge game of "Telephone", and as I read misinformation, I saw myself as the BWW Sprint Guy, clearing up the connection! I started to respond to posts by people "in-the-know" when it came to HAIRSPRAY, to combat rumor spreading. I suggested if someone was gonna post all this info, they oughta not be afraid to use their real name in the post. This brought out this lovely PM from Jose’ (ooh, printing from a PM, am I gonna go to jail?)

Here’s what he had to say about my stance…

I wouldn't post this publicly but I have to say... Shaiman, you're an interesting study in human behavior. Someone who has been blessed with much good fortune, whether deserved or undeserved (depending on who's assessing), has the time and the inclination to pick on other people who have not had the same level of blessings as you but who wish to post anonymously. I'm referring to your "Hello, I'm Marc" thread. Does it really matter to you who LocalOneCrew might be? Is he/she a threat to your position or security? You may have a valid point but to publicly call attention to the individual is bad form coming from someone at your pinnacle in the theatre community. Your behavior reminds me of Leona Helmsley screaming at the housekeeping staff. Using one's position to intimidate. It makes you look silly (too much time on your hands) and sad (a huge need for attention). You're one of the privileged few and others would love to have the good fortune that has fallen to you. Some of them may even deserve it more. But, hey, life's not fair. In the meantime be kind today to those who are less fortunate. There but for the grace of God. I'm sure you know that there was a 20 year period when even Oscar Hammerstein couldn't get himself arrested in the musical theatre world. Just a private personal opinion but one that perhaps might be of value to you. Jose'

Well!!! First of all, calling a person by their last name is so high school! And yes, I was using my position to intimidate. To intimidate someone who was using their 'closeness to the action' to print half-truths or out and out false rumors. Because I cared about the people he was writing about! And doncha love how people who have the time to write long diatribes online invariably ALWAYS tell others “someone has too much time on their hands”. (Obviously from this endless post, I do NOT say that to others!) As far as my ego is concerned, HE'S 100% RIGHT! I just don’t think it’s sad, as a matter of fact, if we eliminate everyone who has a huge need for attention, then show business will consist of just my accountant and one usher at a community theatre in Tulsa!

Of course I am totally aware that by posting in here I might be stroked now and then (Phantom2, insert joke here), and it’s lovely!! I’m human! You can know your work is appreciated by being part of a big hit (movie or theatre) but hearing a personal experience from a stranger can be much more fulfilling than a box office report. Can anyone really blame me for that fringe benefit of being a presence here?

And despite certain people’s claims or assumptions, I have NEVER been obnoxiously hit on by anyone trying to use this sudden “connection” to further their career. Not one! And kiddos, I ain’t naïve. I heard from a lot of the younger posters with sweet PM’s that reminded me of myself when I first fell in love with Musical Theatre. I also got quite a few PM’s from folks more in my (suddenly seemingly ancient) age range, with whom I could relate from our shared cultural signposts.

Once I started posting my ‘stories’, I realized how sad it was that I stopped myself from posting on Broadway.Com and All That Chat when HAIRSPRAY was out-of-town in Seattle, to share how glorious it was to see it blossoming, to share what it felt like to be a lover of musical comedy getting to see his most fantastic dreams come true...but I knew it would just be a chance for some to find something negative about my posting at all, i.e. "He’s just trying to grease the pan for it's opening". Also a shame, cause by posting, I would have had a record of moments I hope to remember always.

Luckily, I started to realize that as long as did my best to keep to HAIRSPRAY related things I knew as fact or relate stories from my own career that could help steer others in some way (or simply entertain and get me ready to write a book!), it was silly to let the “Letters To The Editors” types, who will ALWAYS gripe about something, to stop me from enjoying this new forum.

(And I simply cannot help the fact that my stories feature name-dropping of the highest order. Should I edit myself because I've been in show-biz for almost 30 years!? Uh, if you're doing the math, I started in NYC at age 16)

Mostly I wanted to let the young ‘uns know they were allowed to ENJOY theatre!! I was reminded here (at times) of what it was like to be a teenager (cue the corny music), doing shows in community theatre and discovering a new Broadway Cast Album every week. Thirty years later, I still get chills when the house lights go down and, I swear, I cry at every curtain call. I only hope that everyone here revels in that joy, and doesn't get mired in the mud. Real life offers us enough reason to bicker, why use theatre to yell at each other?

That being said, I did enjoy the healthier debates with some, trying to convince them that in theatre, entertaining and challenging are not mutually exclusive!

Ah, and then I discovered THE OFF-TOPIC BOARD! Glory Be! This was a chance to really piss off the bulldogs, a chance to relax now and then and share in the goofier aspects of life, like my insane obsession with my pets. Oh, Woo!!

This has REALLY gotten the goat of some very serious people! Dudes, look away! Unless I invoke your names (as mine has been recently, hence this response) just don't enter those threads! Lord knows I skip the "is such and such hot?" threads and the "does so and so sign on Saturdays?" threads. If the glory that is Woo offends, move on! Yes, I also roll my eyes at LOTS of what is posted on the boards. Things I poked fun of in my FABULOUS video, or the immature bathroom jokes or the ENDLESS lame sexual double entendre, but ya know what? I can click right past them! It takes a village!

Now, many friends and my own better half wonder why I started and continue to post. First of all, IT’S AN ADDICTION! And a far better one than I could be practicing! But mostly, I tell them, I have fallen into a community, full of ridiculous julky lingo, actual funny folk like Eddie Varley (I CAN'T post THOSE PM's!) and fabulous smart allecks like NAMO!! There is room for all!

ok, my hand hurts, but I reserve the right to add to and/or edit this tome at all times!
Updated On: 7/8/04 at 10:37 PM

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 10:43pm

*strokes Marc Shaiman vigorously*

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 10:46pm

Wow, Marc. A lot of things you said really surprised me - I thought I was the most jaded person there could be - I worked in the Broadway theater (producers' offices and such) for years, and I'm sure other posters here will tell you that I'm no naive, trusting Pollyanna. But when I saw that you posted on this board all I thought was -how cool!!! Marc is down with the board! How awesome that you are interested and want to participate in these discussions and consider yourself "one" of us (not meaning to quote from a show, but it was appropriate). It was jarring to read that people thought you had some sort of ulterior motive.

Thank you for that post. You're obviously a great guy who hasn't let all your success go to your head, and that is to be applauded.

Updated On: 7/7/04 at 10:46 PM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 10:54pm

Marc--I agree with your points 100% (in fact, if jrb_actor is too vague, I'd be willing to start posting as John Raymond Barker, although everyone pretty much knows who I am (headshot, who's who and all)--and jrb_actor is my email on my resume).

You are most welcome here, and %^&* anyone (PLM) who has a problem with it! You've never done anything but be kind and brilliant with your posts--which is more than most people (incl myself) can say.

Right on, brother!

[POLisPOL]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:01pm

To me, it was a surprise discover that Marc Shaiman was in this board. But since I work on film industry, I'm in touch with many famous people (some of them hollywood stars), and I know that they are simply... humans. I found Shaiman a funny person and with a huge sense of humor (I'm not kissing your a**!). Curiously I had some PM's accusing me of trying to get something from Mr. Shaiman. It doesn't bothers me, but It's a shame that I cannot say something because the reciever of my message is someone "important".

In other hand I recieved some PM asking me to learn english before post again here... and as you've notice... I'm still here!

------

btw. Sorry for my bad english!

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:02pm

I'm with you on that, jrb.

Hell, I'd disclose my name, but it's already up on every major bathroom wall in the tri-state.

[mominator]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:06pm

Marc, hon you keep right on posting. You are a joy to read!

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:10pm

Marc, I sincerly hope you keep posting here about hairspray topics and much more. It's a joy to know that someone so high in the broadway community writes on these boards and is only a click away...hmm *not being stalkerish =D* Interesting post btw.

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:11pm

for the record POL, as much as it will disappoint our detractors, I NEVER EVER thought of your insane Woo posts as anything but a sign that we share a sense of humor...and to make this apparent, I will NEVER EVER suggest your name for any type of work, EVER! That'll show 'em!!

[POLisPOL]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:13pm

That's good!.
last night I suggested a director to pick Hans Zimmer instead of you for a movie.

Updated On: 7/7/04 at 11:13 PM

[beacon1]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:14pm

Gosh, Marc...I sure hope you don't get tired of us. I hope others don't get tired of being here, too.

For the record, I have loved hearing your stories. They're great and I've learned about things that aren't part of my day-to-day.
Plus, I never thought of things as "name dropping"...those are just the folks you work with/know.

Plus, I'd miss Woo and Ree if you weren't here.

And, I second your statement: No one is forcing anyone to read any of the threads...just scroll on by. I do.

[jo]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:32pm

Thank you for sharing some of your moments - funny, thoughtful, or incisive.

I guess I was too wimpy to reply to your previous posts - but it doesn't mean that I did not enjoy reading them, as they added the right touch of humour and reality check to the assorted opinions on this board

More power to you!

Jo
A Broadway lover from the Philippines

[marincrazy11]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:34pm

Marc-Thank you so much for putting your insight on here. I hope you know how much I (as well as many others here, i'm sure) enjoy your posts and appreciate that someone who is well recognized still cares to know what we theatre lovers think and takes to the times to interact with us.

[junglered]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:36pm

Thanks for your post, Marc. I do admire your talent.

Personally, I find the BWW community fascinating. I'm glad that Rob and Craig have provided this forum for the BWW family. BWW.com and the message board helps keep me connected to what's currently happening in the world of Broadway theatre. I have learned much from the BWW team and have tried to reciprocate by contributing my thoughts, ideas, and reviews regularly. Yes, the boards can get a little crazy at times, but we have a vibrant microcosm of society sharing thoughts and opinions every day. We must remember that 'Life is a Cabaret' and try to have fun! How would you say it, Marc? Oh, yeah..."You Can't Stop the Beat"!

[~FloweryFriend~]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:37pm

Mr. Shaiman,

Thank you for using your own name.
I love being able to converse with you in this casual forum.
Seeing you as a person who's just as proud of his pets as his Tony winning resume is unexpected and refreshing.

I think it takes a lot of guts to post as yourself.
You're held accountable for your opinions as a man, not just as a screen name.
And, thankfully, you're a kind enough individual that I've never seen you speak ill of a production that didn't have your name on it.
I would rather hear about yout pets, anyhow.

Besides, do you know how COOL it is to tell people that I've been in a chat room with Marc Shaiman?!?!?!
I pointed you out to my mom on Bette Midler's A&E Biography, and she about died right there.
It was great.
(Of course, my tech-savvy brother isn't convinced that it's really you. The internet is full of lies, you know. Dangerous place. He made me promise to never agree to meet you in a smoky bar.)

I've heard rumor that another composer posts here under an alias, and I don't understand the need to hide.
(I wonder if it's one of the posters that just sits around bashing Wicked... Hmmm...)

I mean, granted, I post under an alias, but that has more to do with me being a young girl not wanting internet stalkers :)

Sincerely yours,
~ff~

[Dawg]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:38pm

Dawg appreciates Shaiman for his candor and his wit...but most of all for his sense of humor. People take all of this far too seriously. It's a message board. Get over it.

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:42pm

~FF~,

I am sure many "pros" post on here, they certainly lurk

and your posts (not the ass-kissy parts) make me think we woulda been friends if we grew up together...

but we didn't, so STOP STALKING ME!!

[shesings]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:43pm

Well I think it is fascinating to hear accurate stories from someone who knows what they're talking about, instead of mindless rumors. And quite frankly if people are all bent out of shape about supposed "a** kissing" well get over it! Welcome to the real world kids. It's a freakin message board. I really doubt if I got into an audition and Marc was there and I said "but hey wait - I'm shesings - from the board you know?" that he'd jump to give me the job. It's a little bit pathetic you know? I'd much rather get a job with Marc or anyone else for that matter based on my own merit and talent - b/c that kids is when it really counts!

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:48pm

***broadwaystar2b virtually gives Mr Shaiman a huge hug***

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:55pm

Marc, I give you so much respect because you post under your very own name. There are so many board lurkers, or even posters, that go under an alias. We all love theatre and to know that there is a place where we can go to interact and talk with these people who might be better known than some of us. No matter how high in the food chain you are, we all still share the same major interest: theatre.

It makes me smile whenever you say "I was reminded here (at times) of what it was like to be a teenager (cue the corny music), doing shows in community theatre and discovering a new Broadway Cast Album every week." I am preparing to go into my community theatre and design the lighting for their summer musical, "Annie Get Your Gun," and I just bought Caroline, or Change to add to my stacks and stacks of cast recordings. The reason this makes me smile is because someone so high in the Broadway community felt the same way I do now when they were young. It gives me so much inspiration and extra motivation to accomplish what I want and am meant to do.

Marc, never did I think I would be chatting with the composer of a Tony-award winning musical. You always put a smile on my face and I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for that. Who knows? Maybe someday I can post with my full name and people will know who I am.

Updated On: 7/7/04 at 11:55 PM

[~FloweryFriend~]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:56pm

Marc,

If I were stalking you, you wouldn't know it.
I like to think of it as "flattering pursuit".
And hey, you said yourself that there was friend potential.
I'm just saying...
You give me a call when you change your mind.

~ff~

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/7/04 at 11:59pm

BT11,

I hope your use of the term "food chain" TWICE in your post is not a jab at my ever increasing waistline!

Posted: 7/8/04 at 12:01am

So, wait, if I say Marc Shaiman has a nice ass (sorry Craig, I tried), is that ass-kissing? Or stalking? Or is there a grey area?

If so, is that called ass-stalking?

[DivaMommy]

Posted: 7/8/04 at 12:03am

Thanks, BroadwayTheatre11 for putting into words so many of my own sentiments.

Thanks Marc, you rock!

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/8/04 at 12:04am

Vish, don't worry, 'cause it's a moot point...my ass looks like a topographical map of the Middle East