Reed Clarke was not pleased when he attended Plum High School's spring musical.

"The overall content included theft, lying, deceit, profanity, sex and drugs," Clarke, 72, of Millers Lane told the Plum School Board last week. "And the theme was based on prostitution."

In "Sweet Charity," the main character, Charity Valentine, is the eternal optimist. While working at the seedy Fan-Dango ballroom, she often is taken advantage of and continually experiences bad relationships. Finally, she seems to have met a decent fellow in Oscar.

Trying to hide her true profession, she lies to him and tells him that she works in a bank. Soon, Oscar asks Charity to marry him. Unfortunately, Oscar discovers Charity's real profession and backs out of the marriage.

Nevertheless, Charity continues to remain hopeful that good things will happen in her life.

John DeLuce, director of the musical, said the production was rated 'G' for a general audience. The musical ran from March 22 to 24.

"Something like this doesn't need to be presented at a high-school level," Clarke said. "It is inappropriate for high-school students."

Clarke wants school board members to review the selection process for future musical productions.

Board member Richard Zucco agreed with a review of the process.

"We will see if we can review the musical situation before it happens again," Zucco said.

Superintendent Timothy Glasspool said Monday he briefed board members on the selection process, and no changes are planned for next year's musical.

Glasspool said the musical's director and staff select the musical in the fall. High school principal Ryan Kociela discusses the selection with the director and the staff, and they notify Glasspool.

Glasspool said he responded to an email expressing concern about the musical.

"There was nothing unusual from the public," Glasspool said.

The superintendent said he does not expect input from board members in the process going forward.

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