ISU Theatre suggested “Sweet Charity” to the Veishea Committee after extensive discussions about our 97-98 season and our collaboration with Veishea. The other musical under discussion, all along, was “The Music Man.” In fact, we’ve been talking about doing “The Music Man” for quite a few years.

With the “culture shift” that has become very much a part of this year’s Veishea planning, I thought it best that we bring “The Music Man” forward this year. I discussed it with the director/choreographer Marge Bennett Folger, and we then proposed it to Amy Robertson of the Veishea Executive Committee. No pressure from above, no strong-arming, no “underestimating” our audience — nothing but an effort to help shift the focus of the overall event by doing our part.

Is the choice principally cosmetic? Yes, probably. But it will also probably go a long way, even on a pure and simple P.R. level, towards making Veishea feel like a celebration of this institution’s achievements rather than an impending disaster.

From my perspective, I think the performing arts majors will gain just as valuable performance and design experience with “The Music Man” as with a production of “Sweet Charity.” Surely Mr. Windsor wouldn’t suggest that accompanying or choreographing dancers to a Philip Glass composition is more valuable than a piece by Libby Larson? But for the record, the performance, design and technical experience provided by the Stars Over Veishea event isn’t simply for Performing Arts majors — it’s for the entire student body. Of the cast of 36, just five are performing arts majors.

Regarding “underestimating” the audience: next week’s production of “Pentecost” concerns art history, fresco restoration, the Balkan crisis, religion, skinheads, nationalism, ethnic discrimination and good old-fashioned bigotry. It has quite a few good jokes, about 12 different languages, plenty of four letter words and a naked priest. I hardly think there’s any underestimation going on.

“The Music Man” is a good show — go see it, you’ll have a great time. Maybe next year we’ll get back to “Sweet Charity” (though I’d actually prefer “Rent”).

Gregg Henry

Associate professor

Theater