If you think The Wizard of Oz is a little kid’s story, think again. Sure, there’s the pastel countryside and a sweet little girl who just wants to go home. But there’s also a killer tornado, a really mean witch and some sharp-toothed flying monkeys. Things get pretty scary for Dorothy and company on the Yellow Brick Road. Thankfully, the live musical version of The Wizard of Oz opening at the Hobby Center today has lots of bright, happy singing and dancing to keep our minds off that (“Follow the Yellow Brick Road” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”). 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays. Through April 19. 800 Bagby. For information, call 713-315-2525 or visit www.thehobbycenter.org. $18 to $50.

Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: April 7. Continues through April 19, 2009

This article appears in Apr 2-8, 2009.

D.L. Groover has contributed to countless reputable publications including the Houston Press since 2003. His theater criticism has earned him a national award from the Association of Alternative Newsmedia...