Something Wicked This Way Comes by Eddie Applefeld

One good thing in my opinion about the end of summer is the beginning of the new season at the Hippodrome. The 2012-13 season kicked off in early October with a return engagement of Wicked.

It was at the Hippodrome in 2007. It doesn't seem like five years.

The show tells the story of two girls who meet in Oz before Dorothy arrives.  One is beautiful, the other has emerald skin. In time they turn into Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West respectively. They form a friendship but eventually go their separate ways. 

The music and lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote Godspell and Pippin. The book is by Winnie Holzman, who I didn't know, but one credit includes the TV show thirtysomething, which I watched faithfully. 

The play is based on the 1995 novel and has won 35 major awards including a Grammy and three Tonys. It is now in its ninth year in New York. If you're worried if the original investors have made back their money, be advised the show has grossed about 2.5 billion dollars. So I would say yes.

This is definitely a show for the family. But parents might want to know an evening weekday performance does not end until about 10:45. So be sure all homework is completed before heading downtown. Also, I don't think you'll have to worry about the kids not paying attention. With the witches and special effects, all eyes will be on the stage.

Ticket prices begin at $37.50. Go to broadwayacrossamerica or call 410-547-7328 for show times. And here's something you should know, two and a half hours prior to each performance, people who show up at the box office will have their names placed in a lottery drum. Thirty minutes before curtain, names will be drawn for a limited number of orchestra seats at $25, cash only. Limit two per person and you must have a valid ID.

Wicked remains at the Hippodrome through November 4.