For Variety, Mr. Taylor reviewed shows for every important theatre in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including such nationally prominent outfits as the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Huntington Theatre Company, American Repertory Theatre, Trinity Rep, Westport Country Playhouse and the Long Wharf Theatre. His reviews were typically biting and pulled no punches, and it was a rare Northeast effort that met with his approval. Of Donald Margulies' The Model Apartment at Long Wharf, he said the play has "absolutely no cumulative impact." He called the Broadway-bound Faith Prince revival of Bells Are Ringing a "coarse, comic-strip revival." However, when he liked something, his notices read like ringing endorsements. He called the pre-New York, Long Wharf production of Margaret Edson's Wit "a rare, rewarding experience virtually guaranteed to restore anyone's waning belief in the legitimate theater." In addition to his reviews, he wrote news stories about the theatres he covered.

Mr. Taylor continued to review up until his death, writing up recent shows in Williamstown, Westport and at the Berkshire Theatre Festival.

According to Mr. Pheneger, Markland Taylor wrote for the New Haven Register before being hired by Variety. He was born in Australia.