ArtSmart Lunch & Learn Series Concludes

Diane Quinn, Marc Shaiman (Capehart)

(Press Release) ​(WEST PALM BEACH.) — The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts concluded its 2026 ArtSmart Lunch & Learn Series on April 20 with a program featuring composer, lyricist and author Marc Shaiman in conversation with renowned theatre educator Beverly Blanchette in the Gimelstob Ballroom.
 
The luncheon brought together supporters for an engaging afternoon of storytelling, music and reflection centered around Shaiman’s new memoir, “Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner.”
 
Shaiman shared candid insights from his five-decade career, from his early days in community theater, to his longtime collaboration with Bette Midler, his success in Hollywood film scoring which included working closely with Harry Connick, Jr. on “When Harry Met Sally” and his Tony Award-winning work on “Hairspray.” Moving between conversation and performance, he captivated the audience with humor, honesty and live musical moments at the piano.

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“My real teacher was the soundtrack to Mary Poppins,” said Shaiman. “I was four years old when the movie came out and all I listened to for years was that soundtrack, those brilliant songs by the Sherman Brothers. I learned everything from those songs, and I remember wondering why the orchestra made me feel a certain way — like something wonderful was about to happen.”
 
The program also featured special performances by Gail Bennett, Jamie Mattoks, Fednike Nozistene and Gaby Tortoledo of Slow Burn Theatre’s “Hairspray.” Students from the Dreyfoos School of the Arts musical theater program closed the event with a lively performance of “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” under the direction of Dreyfoos School of the Arts Advisors Stephanie Nixdorf, Director of Musical Theater and Sandra Christie, Musical Theater Dance Instructor/Choreographer.
 
The afternoon concluded with a book signing, where guests had the opportunity to meet Shaiman.
 
The ArtSmart Lunch & Learn Series is a longstanding Kravis Center tradition, combining engaging conversations with a refined midday dining experience while offering unique access to acclaimed voices across the arts.
 
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is one of South Florida’s premier performing arts centers located in Downtown West Palm Beach. Since 1992 the Kravis Center has hosted the very best in live entertainment featuring internationally acclaimed artists in music, comedy, dance, Broadway and more. Since opening its doors, the Kravis Center has welcomed millions of students to its comprehensive arts education programs. Students of all ages can participate in a variety of workshops, classes and special events, as well as free and reduced-price tickets to those who might not otherwise have the chance to experience live performances.  For information, please visit kravis.org.
 
For information, visit kravis.org or call the Box Office at 561-832-7469 (561-832-SHOW).