The musical "Wicked" has returned to The Opera House in Boston bringing a burst of color to the city's autumn arts scene. It's interesting, though, that a show that features a lead character with bright green skin is really all about the grey. Nothing is black and white - or in this case - green and white in "Wicked."

This alternate take on "The Wizard of Oz" gives us a very different view of Elphaba - the Wicked Witch of the West - and Glinda - the Good Witch of the North. A story that resonates with the complexities of life on our side of the rainbow. Is the difference between good and evil always so clear? Can differences that seem insurmountable actually bring us closer together?

Wow. That seems pretty heavy - and it is - but when it's all put together in a sparkling piece of musical theatre, everyone gets to take away whatever story thread they like best. Based on the far darker - but equally brilliant - novel "Wicked" by Concord-based author Gregory Maguire, the musical "Wicked" is a marvel of great songs, great characters - and in the right hands - great performances. The Boston production gets all three.

Victoria Matlock is just about everything you could wish for in the green tornado that is Elphaba. Her voice has the power to carry showstopping numbers like "Defying Gravity" and "As Long As You're Mine," but she also has the subtlety for the gentle and heartbreaking "I'm Not That Girl." Warm, confident, and heroic she's an Elphaba every outcast or underdog can rally around.

As good as Matlock is, Christina DeCicco comes very close to sweeping this show away from her. DeCicco's Glinda is an acting and singing dynamo. She doesn't rely on the songs or her costumes to get her by, she's got enough character bits in her floating bubble to keep you riveted on her every move. I felt like if I took my eyes off of her I'd miss something! DeCicco does wonders with the song "Popular" which can be mean spirited in the wrong hands, and she brings a wonderful "Evita"-vibe to the Act II opener "Thank Goodness." In not shying away from Glinda's shallowness, DeCicco also gives her character more depth and complexity.

If we're going to talk shallow, we need to talk about Fiyero. Cliffton Hall does nice work with "Wicked's" Mr. Smooth. You've got to believe this guy can make the ladies swoon - and you do.

P.J. Benjamin adds a much needed dash of seasoned cynicism as The Wizard. He's got just the right touch of snake oil salesman melded to song and dance man.

Other cast standouts include Tom Flynn as Dr. Dillamond. His heavy makeup as a goat who teaches at Shiz University does not hide his character's touching humility and humanity. Same goes for Philip Dean Lightstone, who in the show I saw, played the winged-monkey Chistery.

A big question that always comes up when a Broadway show plays Boston is, "is it worth it? The logic being you're paying New York prices for a touring production. In this case the answer is a resounding "Yes." The talent on stage is every bit as compelling as what you'll see on Broadway - though the company may have fewer members. Some of that has to do with the size of The Opera House's stage - it's a mid-sized venue for a very big show. The costumes and set design are absolutely top notch - ditto the special effects. I wish, however, the orchestra made a louder statement - too often they were too muted.

"Wicked" is a force of nature for a reason. Stephen Schwartz has written timeless music for a show that writer Winnie Holzman cleverly adapted. There are twists that don't appear in the novel that have a profound effect on the musical. I don't love them all, but Holzman found a way to give the show an ending that would send everyone home on a high note. No grey area there!

There's so much to love and admire in "Wicked." The moments when Elphaba and Glinda bond and true friendship begins to form are powerful and poignant. Elphaba's green hand gently clasping the porcelain white arm of Glinda speaks on so many different levels. So does the embrace between Victoria Matlock and Christina DeCicco during the curtain call. The magic of "Wicked" spreads well beyond The Opera House.

So, did you catch NBC's "Journeyman" on Monday night? Boy, where do I start? I kind of like it ... I kind of hate it. I'll be back for episode 2, but fever dreams of "The Nine" and "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" have already begun.

Let me say right out front that I'm a big fan of the whole time travel concept. Going back in time to right a wrong ... see a loved one long past ... or solve a mystery is a very powerful story idea. How often do you find yourself saying, "if I could only go back" or "if I only had a second chance?" I do it a lot. But to make this idea profound and not cheesy, certain rules need to be set. I'm not going to get all D & D on you, but this can't be a random event ... and that's why I have some early issues with "Journeyman."

Kevin McKidd is an inspired choice to play the lead character, Dan Vasser. He was awesome in HBO's "Rome" and he's clearly gone to the Hugh Laurie School of Convincing American Accents. He's a newspaper reporter in San Francisco who's suddenly thrown back in time ... same city, different year ... sometimes 10 years back, sometimes 20. I'll spare you the plot summary, but here's my gist ... there's no rhyme or reason to the way Dan goes back in time. One time it's a cab, another time it's walking through a door, another time he crashes his car only he's not IN the car, he's gone back in time. How about establishing a portal so we don't have to play guess that time period all the time?

Also, when Dan goes back in time, there's no explanation for the fact that he looks EXACTLY the same in past or present. He even fits in his clothes from 20 years back ... talk about science fiction! Anyway, you could at least come up with an explainer for that ... I don't know, how about "he appears the same to US .. the viewer .. but in the story the characters see him as they would in whatever time frame's being explored." Okay, a little lame, but at least it sets some rules for the world. There's this terrific scene in the first episode where future-Dan is able to slip into a dinner conversation when past-Dan gets up an leaves for awhile. Loved it, but I couldn't help yelling at the set, "can't anyone tell he looks a little older?!"

There was also some god awful dialog. Reed Diamond (is that his real name?!) plays the role of Jack Vasser, Dan's brother ... he's a cop. So, at one point in the show he actually says, "Hey, I'm a cop, and I'm Dan's brother." Thanks for the help dude!

There's also this creepy relationship thing with Dan being married to his brother's old girlfriend. Oh yeah, the women ... well there's Gretchen Egolf (that must be her real name) as Katie Vasser (remember that creepy relationship thing I just spoke of) ... then there's Moon Bloodgood (is there some kind of name game going on here?) who plays Livia Beale, Dan's mysterious ex-lover. Whatever. Both ladies look fabulous in lingerie and I'm sure Victoria's Secret is somewhere in the credit roll. Who says fan service is just for anime?!

Oops, off the track again ... right, rules for time travel. All I'm saying is a more well thought out script could have gotten this series off to a much more compelling start. Will this show make it? Not sure. There's lots to like ... I just wish the writers could go back in time and fix a few things.

Some quick observations on the first episode of "The War" on PBS. There were several moments of brilliance ... but an equal number of dull lapses. The opening hour was a big let down. SO much time devoted to establishing the four communities central to the story ... a cliche riddled bore-fest.

The stories from the men sent to battle as teenagers were poignant and honest. The harrowing tales from Bataan and Guadalcanal an eyeopener for me ... especially since the truth of what happened there was hidden for so long. Curiously, Pearl Harbor was dealt with almost as an afterthought.

Ken Burns is a wonderful storyteller, but the skills that made just about every frame of "The Civil War" unmissable, seem to have failed him here. Is it the overabundance of material? Too much film? Too many still photos? Too much of the story already documented? Hard to say. In "The Civil War" actors brought the words of those long dead back to life. In "The War" we have the actual testimony from the people who lived it. These are regular folks for the most part, not performers, and though their words carry a true power, they are often delivered in a matter-of-fact manner ... almost like they've told the story too many times. The exception for me was the Japanese-American woman telling the painful story of her families sudden internment. The hurt, confusion, and betrayal flooding back.

I wouldn't miss this series for the world, but I'm hoping it gets better as we go along. Burns deserves our time as he pulls his epic together.

Some great rock music choices out there tonight ... but some flexibility is required.

Rilo Kiley is at Avalon. Jenny Lewis and company recently released their major label debut, "Under The Backlight" and it brazenly breaks the rules of most major label debuts. It's got horns, it's got disco, it's got songs about underage sex ... and for the most part it's pretty darn terrific. Now for all intents and purposes this show is sold out ... does that mean you can't get a ticket? Not necessarily. If you show up on Lansdowne Street well before the 7:30 show time you should be able to score a ticket. It's a brief window of opportunity, but well worth the effort to see this band.

Live and Collective Soul team up for one of the final summer shows at the Bank of America Pavilion. Live sold 12-Million copies of it's alt-rock masterpiece "Throwing Copper" back in the 90's. It's a CD that still stands the test of time ... unfortunately everything that's followed has ranged from borderline to god awful. We're getting much more of the former rather than latter these days. That said, these guys are rock solid musicians ... heck, they've been playing together since they were 13 years old back in York, PA. Ed Kowalczyk is the band's principal writer, singer and driving force. He's all about the mystic charisma ... but his lyrics can be howlingly bad at times, and his earnestness can become more irritating than endearing. Still ... given all that ... I saw Live in concert back in 1994 (it was at Brandeis University the week "Throwing Copper" hit number 1 on the charts), that show was nothing short of thrilling. So, I still think they're worth seeing, and tickets for tonight's show still can be had.

As for Collective Soul ... they have "Shine" an absolutely killer rock track. Unfortunately that's about it.

Finally, Mission of Burma is playing at Pearl Street in Northampton. Small room ... BIG sound, and totally worth the trip. Call ahead to make sure you can still score a ticket ... if you can, go man go! http://www.iheg.com/pearl_street_main.asp

Have a great weekend.

Is Dane Cook the luckiest guy on the planet right now? As a comic he's got some interesting observations to make ... but filling arenas to hear them? As an actor he's all right, pretty likable ... but co-starring with Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson? I mean, I like the guy and all, but does he have pictures of the entertainment gods on a bender in Vegas or something?

Emmy Awards. I think the television world should send a thank you note to the New England Patriots and the San Diego Chargers ... think of how many more people would have been watching that self-important, industry stroke fest if that game hadn't been on! I'm psyched for America Ferrera ... and Jon Stewart, Steven Colbert and Steve Carell saved what they could of the night ... everyone else, just go to your rooms. Sally Field? For god sake woman, learn to say "thank you" and walk off with a shred of dignity. James Spader? See above comments about Dane Cook.

Ken Burns. His mega-documentary on World War II begins on Sunday on PBS. If there is a must see television event in 2007, this is it. Let's all watch, learn and discuss.

I've got a message for all you New Yorkers who've been border hopping into Western Massachusetts -- we're taking back the Berkshires. I don't mean a hostile takeover -- we residents of the Commonwealth appreciate the currency infusion you bring us on a regular basis -- it's just that it's ours, and you guys are hogging all the fun.

The glories of the Boston area are many, unfortunately they wind up tipping the state like a teeter-totter, with the Berkshires stuck up in the air, feet dangling. Convincing folks in Eastern Mass. to make the two hour run westbound on the Pike is inexplicably difficult. A congested drive to the Cape? No problem. A three hour demolition run to the Big Apple? Anytime. A straight-shot to the most magnificent landscapes the state has to offer? Oh, man are you kidding -- isn't that like in Canada or something!

Massachusetts, learn from our wise neighbors in New York State -- this is a region that should be savored and celebrated. Having just spent a long weekend out there, let me share some quick highlights and observations.

The view driving North along Route 7 in Williamstown as you look East toward Mount Greylock is nothing short of jaw dropping. Pasture leads to mountains accented by the sky and clouds -- it's almost like the views of New Zealand you see in "The Lord of the Rings" movies. It can't be duplicated, it has to be experienced.

The Clark Museum in Williamstown. Boston's MFA can take your breath away, but I have to tell you, if you love art, you'll have a similar experience at "The Clark." The collection is exquisite. The painting that struck me the most was an oil on canvas called "Miss Linley and Her Brother" by Thomas Gainsborough. The beauty in the soft features of the faces is hypnotic -- and for a work that dates to 1768, the clarity and quality is a wonder to behold. Walking the galleries of "The Clark" is an experience that brings both bliss and sparks the imagination.

Food? There's a terrific Mexican restaurant called Xicohtencatl (it's pronounced Shi-Ko-Ten-Cat) in Great Barrington. They use locally grown produce to keep it fresh -- make a mole that's to die for -- and if you like Margaritas, the selection of top quality Tequila is awesome. There's also a charming elder gentleman with a guitar who speaks the most delightful combination of Spanish-Italian-Creole you've ever heard. You won't understand a word he says, but when he sings and plays --you won't care.

More? Pittsfield is coming back in a big way. I think there's one State Trooper to patrol the entire length of Route 7 so everyone drives like complete lunatics, but that's nothing new for us 128 veterans. The whole 24/7 thing doesn't really hold sway, people seem to appreciate a good night's sleep, and you'll be amazed how quickly your Eastern Mass. edge will soften.

Massachusetts, it's time to open up, lighten up, and wise up -- it's time to take back The Berkshires.

In the entertainment world being smart won't necessarily make you successful -- but having a little grey matter to fall back on has to be a comfort. In recent days there's been quite a bit of good news for folks who can put two sentences together without a publicist. Let's take a look.

Jon Stewart. The host of "The Daily Show" has been given the nod to host the Oscars early next year. It's his second shot at the big gig after getting lukewarm reviews in 2006. Actually, I think the major mistake he made last time out was trying to be too accessible -- he wanted everyone in on the jokes. He happens to be a celebrity who doesn't hang out with celebrities and I think he was a little intimidated by the room. Let all that go Jon, use that "Daily Show" Ouija board to point you in the right direction. Keep it topical, don't suffer fools quietly, and be gracious to those who deserve it. You belong on that stage as much as the stars do, and if some of them don't get your jokes -- you're probably right on target.

Steve Martin. Steve's in pretty cool company as an upcoming recipient of a Kennedy Center lifetime achievement honor -- Leon Fleisher, Diana Ross, Martin Scorsese and Brian Wilson are the others. Martin's in Boston right now shooting a sequel to "The Pink Panther." I'd rather feed my eyeballs to the cat than see that film, but Martin has proved to be a remarkable performer over the years. I think he's at his best when he tones down the silly and ratchets up the smart. He delivered a stunning performance in the movie musical "Pennies From Heaven" -- brought grace and pathos to his Cyrano update "Roxanne" -- and proved himself a solid playwright with "Picasso at the Lapin Agile." I know Martin gained famed with a fake arrow through is head, but anyone who can play the banjo and quote from the works of the ancient Greek philosophers has to have plenty going on upstairs.

Al Franken. I don't know if anyone else watched the SNL special that ran over the Labor Day weekend, but every time Al popped up for a quote -- or a clip -- it was golden. He's so quick and dry you could patch your sidewalk with him. Right now he's running for U.S. Senate in Minnesota and man I hope he wins. Sure, he'll have to tone it down to pull it off, but can you imagine how much fun it would be to have someone with wit -- instead of inflexible ideology on Capitol Hill? Yes, I'm aware that Al leans a tiny bit to the left, but it's common sense that seems to be his true political guide. Wait a minute, maybe he doesn't stand a chance after all!

There's a line in the George S. Kaufman/Moss Hart play "You Can't Take It With You" in which the character Grandpa says to a Wall Street big wig, "A cat can look at a king, can't he?" To me that was the essence of Paul Sullivan. The WBZ radio talk show host, and Lowell Sun columnist didn't care if you were the President of Harvard, or the President of your kid's pee wee soccer league -- he treated you with the same respect and candor. Paul's passing from cancer is a major loss for people who appreciate a healthy dose of common sense in their media coverage.

Paul is often compared to the man he followed on WBZ Radio, David Brudnoy, but the two talk hosts really couldn't have been more different. Brudnoy was the intellect, the academic, the well meaning know-it-all. Paul was the heart-on-his-sleeve gabber. He probed and poked to keep the conversation going, and to set up his next rim-shot. He wasn't going to bowl you over with his deep understanding of a subject, but he'd cut to the chase and give you his point of view -- like it or not.

Paul also never forgot where he came from. He was a big cheese at WBZ, but he always had a shout out for his peeps in his beloved Lowell. Lowell and Sully were synonymous ... a tough mill town that had seen better days, but never gave in to despair or frustration. The same way that Paul fought his deadly form of cancer.

Boston radio is in a tough spot right now. It's mean that seems to sell. You have the frat boys on sports radio who loath and mock their own audience. You have Howie Carr being offered incredible money to spread his particular brand of small-minded venom. You've got Tom Finneran trying desperately to be relevant in a market that considers him more a curiosity than a taste maker. Paul Sullivan cut through all that by being true to his audience and himself. He liked being a media star, but it didn't change him into an entitled celebrity.

Sully, we will not see your like again soon. Godspeed.

When the lyrics include words like petticoats, catacombs, parapets, balustrade, wastrel, fontanel and waylaid it's a good bet you're not listening to the latest gem from the mouth breathers in Hinder. No, it could only be The Decemberists, and their sound is as unique and haunting as their words. Boston is fortunate to get a weekend's worth of these indie-troubadours in early November -- tickets for the 11/3 and 11/4 shows at the Orpheum go on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM. Do not miss this opportunity to see a genuinely inspired band.

It's perfect that the shows are at the Orpheum since The Decemberists often sing songs steeped in the Civil War era -- you'd swear the seat covers in the theatre also were made in 1862. Colin Meloy, the voice and pen behind The Decemberists brings such rare wit and intelligence to his songs. It's like he's been magically transported from a century ago and instead of freaking out he picked up a guitar and formed a band. His other-worldliness reminds me a lot of Sufjan Stevens, but Meloy puts more of a rock back beat into his tunes. Where Sufjan keeps it pretty acoustic, Colin will plug in when necessary.

So, is it all to quirky for its own good? I don't think so. Listen to tunes like "Leslie Anne Levine" .. "Grace Cathedral Hill" .. "16 Military Wives" .. and "The Crane Wife 3" -- these songs just plain work. They don't fit into corporate radio's narrow minded playlists, but listen to college radio or an independent station and the songs will jump out at you. Play just about any track for someone with a decent musical palette and they'll be intrigued.

Meloy's songs can be melancholy at one point, pogo inducing the next. It's music to be enjoyed with another person and talked about afterwards. Hey, who else do you know who can make a rhyming couplet out of aluminum and cinnamon? The Decemberists may have a frosty name, but they always leave me feeling cozy and glad.

Yeah, I know I'm late, but The Mike Stand has to fight off those post-Labor Day blues too!

Anyway ...

Haverhill's Rob Zombie is the king of the movie box office right now -- his re-imagining of the horror classic "Halloween" took in an astounding $31 Million over the Labor Day weekend. That's a new record, and once again sets the record straight on America's taste in film -- we have none!

Okay, that's a little harsh (it's that post-Labor Day thing again), but you have to admit the horror-sleaze market is a pretty lucrative one. Zombie knows it, and don't underestimate that guy's business chops. He makes movies the same way he makes music -- fast, dark and bankable. He leaves the highbrow stuff to the college chumps. Zombie doesn't care about art or creative integrity, that's far too risky. Instead, he picks lowball schlock, fancies it up a bit so he can call himself an auteur, and serves it up with faux state of the art efficiency. He even got the Weinstein brothers to pick up the distribution tab (maybe they thought of "Halloween" as a cross between "Shakespeare in Love" and "Pulp Fiction") -- one thing's for sure they know a meal ticket when they see one.

So, now Rob's talking about two more installments of his "Halloween" brainstorm. Hey, it's steady work for his wife Sheri and his horror-stock regulars. Nice that Malcolm McDowell's been added to the mix. How many actors can claim Stanley Kubrick, Bob Guccione, and Rob Zombie as directors? Maybe that will be a daily double question on "Jeopardy" one day. Zombie meanwhile will have to spend countless minutes regurgitating old scripts, how tiresome. He's just the chef though, we're the zombies lined up for the buffet.

As my friend Sufjan would say -- "Ahhhh!"