In a typical April, Sheridan Miller and Michael Jones would be involved with a spring production for The Dover Foundation, a philanthropic organization that has provided scholarships to graduating Dover students for the past 70 years. This year, however, their usual performance space at the high school was unavailable, due to it being used for the state’s annual drama festival.
In the meantime, Temple Beth Shalom of Needham was on the lookout for someone to direct their upcoming performance of "Damn Yankees," a musical comedy based on Douglass Wallop’s novel “The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant.” Luckily for the show’s producers, Associate Producer Jacob Grebber had worked with Sheridan and Mike in a previous production and recommended them to work on "Damn Yankees."
The producers, Barbara Pack, Janet Zaval and Rich Atkind, were thrilled to meet Sheridan and Mike, who they quickly engaged as director and musical director, respectively, for "Damn Yankees." They are now months into rehearsals, and finalizing preparations for three performances on Thursday, April 26, at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 28 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 29, at 3 p.m. All performances will be held at the Newman Elementary School, 1155 Central Avenue, Needham.
Sheridan is known for her love of costumes, and especially her love of hats. She values the importance of great and accurate costumes to help tell the story of "Damn Yankees," set in the 1950s. “Costumes not only help the audience feel as if they are being transported back in time but also are essential tools in helping the actors connect with their characters,” shares Sheridan. Several years ago, Sheridan started a costume vault with The Dover Foundation that today supports many local middle school and high school theatrical projects. Her love of hats is well know and hats are on full display throughout this production of "Damn Yankees."
Michael earned his M.M. in Music Education from the Boston Conservatory in 2010, and his B.M. in Music Education from the University of North Texas in 2001. “I am proud and excited to make my debut with Temple Beth Shalom under the leadership of my longtime collaborator,” says Michael. He and Sheridan have worked together on many shows including "Guys and Dolls," "Pirates of Penzance," "Oliver!," "The Music Man," "Anything Goes," "Damn Yankees," "Carousel," "Mame," "My Fair Lady" and "South Pacific."
Sheridan and Michael also brought along actress Jen Paxton, who will perform the role of Meg (Joe Boyd’s wife) in "Damn Yankees." Jen completed her Masters in Vocal Performance at Boston Conservatory of Music in 2008. She is familiar to Dover/Sherborn audiences, as some of Jen’s previous roles include Mabel in The Dover Foundation’s "Pirates of Penzance," and Allison, one of the Hot Box Girls, in the foundation’s 2017 performance of
"Guys & Dolls." Jen always appreciates her husband Mike and their daughter Emma for their love and support.
Tickets are on sale now by visiting www.TBSDamnYankees.com. Seating is reserved; order tickets early for best seats. Tickets will be sold at the door, if available. For those who prefer a ticket order form or have questions, contact Richard Atkind at richatkind@verizon.net or (617-462-4352).
