Critical Reviews

Act Two @ Levine presents “Jekyll & Hyde”:

"The entire score is well sung, thanks to Vocal Coach Cate Frazier-Neely and Pianist/Music Coach Billie Whittaker, who keep the tempos moving during Wildhorn’s more somnolent recitatives." - Andrew L. Baughman, DC Metro Theatre Arts, June 2, 2012

Act Two @ Levine presents “Legally Blonde”:

"Act Two Director Kevin Kuchar and his team of directors and designers (kudos to vocal coach Jennifer Suess, Music Director/ Conductor/Keyboardist Billie Whittaker and her full pit orchestra) have positioned Act Two as a premiere hub for training young actors in the art of Musical Theatre. His students consistently demonstrate Broadway-bound skill, and Act Two makes them look incredible with production values on par with many professional theatres.” – Andrew L. Baughman, DC Metro Theatre Arts,  March 14, 2012

The In Series presents “Barber & Barberillo”:

"Accompanied only by pianist Billie Whittaker, this spare, highly evocative production entered on little cat feet, cast a cold chill of past encounters over the audience, and then disappeared in a whisper and a puff of darkness." - Terry Ponick, The Washington Times,  January 12, 2012

“José Sacin as Music-Director/Conductor and Billie Whittaker on piano keep the music rolling for a very satisfying evening of music-theatre. Hats off to them, director Rick Davis, and ensemble.” – Susan Galbraith, DC Theatre Scene,  January 9, 2012

“Musical Director Billie Whittaker (who is making her In Series debut tickling the ivories) and zarzuela specialist and Conductor José Sacín do a fine job backing up the singers, and never drown them out.” – Joel Markowitz, MD Theatre Guide,  January 7, 2012

Act Two @ Levine presents “Spring Awakening”:

“Kudos to the seven wonderful musicians of the orchestra, including Musical Director and keyboardist Billie Whittaker, who perform  Duncan Shiek and Steven Sater’s Tony Award-winning score so beautifully.” – Jessica Dall, MD Theatre Guide,  November 6, 2011

1st Stage Theatre presents “By Jeeves”:

“Billie Whittaker at the piano and a bassist (Eric Seay on opening night) are seated just offstage, helping transition from script to song. Their upbeat music mirrors the jazzy onstage antics of Jeeves, Bertie and their extraordinary friends.” – Barbara Mackay, Washington Examiner,  June 1, 2011

"The lively music is cued up well and played admirably by pianist Billie Whittaker and Bassist Jon Steele" - David Siegel, Great Falls ConnectionJune 1, 2011


“Providing the music are pianist Billie Whittaker, and bassist Jon Steele; and together, they compliment the quaint English setting – because they are not an overpowering orchestra but two musicians reenacting the story with their instruments.” - Mariya Danilenko, MD Theatre Guide,  June 21, 2011


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