Bio

I have been a pianist and musical director in the Boston community for more than 30 years, serving as MD/piano/conductor for a large variety of shows, including Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, Les Miserables, Hairspray, Seussical the Musical, The Secret Garden, Children of Eden, Side Show, Mame, Grease (four times!), Godspell, Carousel and many more. I’ve directed numerous cabarets and revues, served as audition accompanist for a wide range of theatres and have provided audition coaching on an informal basis for years.

I’m also an actress, and I believe my stage sense uniquely informs my approach when working with individuals and show casts. I know what it’s like to face an audition, to be on a stage, learn a part and collaborate with others.

I have classical piano training, begun at a very young age. While at Emerson College, in addition to being swept into the world of theatrical musical directing due to a shortage of student pianists, I was fortunate to study with Anthony Tommasini, currently the chief music critic at the New York Times and a brilliant pianist and teacher.

Feel free to take a look at some testimonials from artists I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with, and download my CV here: Marilyn Whipple Collaborative Pianist