How do you follow up a live television production of The Sound of Music? With a live television production of Peter Pan. NBC says they’re ready to tackle another live musical production with The Sound of Music Live! executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron attached to the project. The network’s set a December 4, 2014 telecast date.
“We’re very pleased to be underway on Peter Pan as our next live holiday musical for the whole family,” said NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt. “We were all delighted to see how The Sound of Music Live! struck such a chord in December and brought nearly 19 million people to the live telecast plus another several million viewers over the weekend. In the hopes that lightning strikes twice, we think we’ve landed on another great Broadway musical — which ironically also starred Mary Martin — that is a timeless classic for all audiences, young and old, who just never want to grow up.”
According to the network, casting is on a fast track.
“We’re thrilled to be reteaming with NBC and Bob Greenblatt in bringing Peter Pan back to its roots as a live television event,” said Zadan and Meron. “We hope to create the joy that has made this musical so beloved. We would like a whole new generation to experience Peter Pan and for families across the country to share the magic.”
Peter Pan opened on Broadway in 1954 with Mary Martin in the lead role as Peter and Cyril Richard playing Captain Hook. Jerome Robbins directed and choreographed the show which earned both Richard and Martin Tony Awards. However, because of a live broadcast planned on NBC, the show closed in 1955. NBC’s broadcast was the first musical in color and drew in 65 million viewers.
Details on Peter Pan [for those who need a refresher]:
The story of Peter Pan is one of eternal youth, companionship and enduring loyalty. A mischievous boy who can fly and doesn’t age, Peter grew up without parents and spends his never-ending childhood on the enchanted island of Never Land where he is the leader of the Lost Boys. With the fairy Tinker Bell always at his side, he brings Wendy Darling and her brothers to Never Land on the biggest adventure of their lives and they encounter mermaids, fairies, pirates, and a dastardly villain named Captain Hook.
