Good programming
When Bob Saget canceled his visit to Central Michigan University, it was uncertain whether Program Board would find a replacement for spring.
Yet Program Board managed not only to find a replacement quickly, but found one who is popular among college students: Demetri Martin.
We applaud both Program Board's efforts and selection. Martin is a rising star. He gained a strong following through his stand-up performances during the past few years; his Comedy Central TV show likely will increase his popularity.
Program Board has booked Martin at a pivotal time in his career. It is unlikely that, in two years, CMU could schedule his performance for a similar cost.
And his act appeals to college students, many of whom, like Martin, also find "coolness" and "chairs" to be important things.
Martin comes with a slightly higher price tag, but the additional cost, $3,000, is no serious deterrent.
Given his popularity and his willingness to so quickly schedule a performance, his act is worth the marginal price hike.
Program Board also deserves credit for taking the time, after Saget canceled, to see whom students would most like to see.
Martin was toward the top of the list, according to the group's comedy chair.
Again, the speed of the process is commendable: Program Board managed both to poll students and to schedule Martin before the end of the semester.
The organization's success also should serve as a model for other university and student groups' efforts to replace canceled performances.
Program Board very easily could have decided simply to postpone its major performance until fall.
This would have left an unfortunate gap in the university's performance schedule, and it would have been a disservice to those who graduate in May or August.
Obviously it is not possible in every case to replace a performer this quickly.
However, the organization's success should inspire other groups to put forward a similar effort.
And its polling efforts show that, with coordination, the replacement need not be a knee-jerk, desperate effort to find anyone who is available. It's possible to get a good replacement.
Program Board's primary aim is to book top-notch performers for CMU students' enjoyment.
With Martin, the group has done so - even after having been left high and dry by Saget.
