Marvin Laird

Marvin Laird is an American composer, arranger, conductor, and musical director best known for his long-time collaboration with entertainer Bernadette Peters and for composing the score to the cult musical Ruthless! With a career spanning Broadway, television, and cabaret, Laird has established himself as a respected figure in the world of musical theatre and performance.

Born in the United States, Laird began his professional career as a rehearsal pianist and quickly rose to prominence as a music director and arranger on Broadway. He has worked on numerous major productions, serving as conductor or musical director for shows such as Annie Get Your Gun, Gypsy, Sunday in the Park with George, and Into the Woods, frequently working alongside Bernadette Peters as her personal music director and collaborator for over four decades.

Laird’s most notable work as a composer is the Off-Broadway musical Ruthless! (1992), with book and lyrics by Joel Paley. A satirical, over-the-top spoof of show business ambition and child stardom, Ruthless! earned a devoted following and has been revived multiple times. The show introduced audiences to the comedic talents of young performers like Britney Spears and Natalie Portman, who appeared in early productions.

In addition to his work in theatre, Laird has contributed to television and film projects, written cabaret material, and composed concert works. He is known for his sharp musical instincts, versatility across styles, and ability to enhance a performer’s strengths with tailored arrangements and direction.

Marvin Laird’s legacy is marked by his deep commitment to theatrical storytelling through music, his enduring partnerships with iconic performers, and his contributions to both traditional and satirical forms of musical theatre.