Allison Williams
Christopher Walken
Christian Borle
Kelli O’Hara
Minnie Driver

Irene Mecchi (teleplay)

2014
Adventure, Family, Fantasy
NBC
TV-G

“Peter Pan Live!” thankfully, is much better than its predecessor, “The Sound of Music Live!” The producers must have learned a thing or two after that first attempt. (They certainly didn’t learn anything about titles!!!) The presentation is more assured, and they assembled a cast that’s much more balanced; Stephen Moyer, I’m talking to you. Still, you can tell the stage veterans from the others, but the differences are less glaring. It’s vital that the cast matches the material, people.

Once again, this is a televised stage musical. They make no attempt to hide that, instead they embrace it. And Allison Williams (HBO’s “Girls”) manages to acquit herself rather well. Largely because of her acting experience, she does a better job than Carrie Underwood did in “The Sound of Music Live!” Surprisingly, Williams’ singing voice works. It’s not perfect, but it fits. And she handles the songs with more ease than I expected. She does a bit of singing on “Girls,” but that isn’t live.

However, Williams seems too rehearsed, and she seems to be holding back. She’s a bit wooden, and she’s not thinking as Peter would. She’s thinking about her blocking, cue lines, and the like, instead. She needs to plunge into this role, especially since she’s a woman playing a boy. She needs to project lots of confidence to make the audience suspend disbelief. She doesn’t quite get there. She also needs to listen and respond, deliver her lines with greater dynamics, and be more specific. For instance, when she points out Neverland in the stars, she does so in an offhand manner instead of really finding it for us. Overall, though, she’s to be commended for not embarrassing herself and for not being a distraction from the story.

Broadway musical veteran Kelli O’Hara is lovely as the mother. She has the ease of a singer-actress who knows just what to do, and her voice is gorgeous. Christian Borle, who also starred in this TV musical’s predecessor (I can’t do the “Live!” thing anymore, sorry), does double-duty as the father and as Smee, Captain Hook’s second in command. He’s reliably professional.

And, now, for the actor we’ve all been waiting for: CHRISTOPHER WALKEN. As Captain Hook, he does what he does. He knows that that’s enough, and anything else would get in the way. He’s completely at ease as he lets the lines roll off of his tongue. He doesn’t sing, per se. Instead, he talks the songs, at times on pitch and at other times completely ignoring the pitch altogether. He looks like he’s slightly tipsy, and it actually works. He’s underplaying everything, including his dancing, which is hilarious. Smart choice. But that’s what he always does, isn’t it?

While certainly not perfect (there are more than a few dead spots and it’s an hour too long … snore), this is the kind of holiday special that works for families at this time of year. It’s a mess, but, unlike its predecessor, a forgivable one. I hope that these specials continue to get better in the years to come … or that they go away.

Verdict: OK

About: (Source: peterlive)

Preparing to sprinkle fairy dust across America, NBC presents a bold new LIVE television production of the classic Broadway musical that will gather friends, families and anyone who refuses to ever grow up.

Following in the footsteps of the phenomenally successful The Sound of Music LIVE! – which drew over 18 million viewers – comes this musical masterpiece that tells the beloved story of Peter Pan, the mischievous little boy who ran away to Neverland. Get ready for show-stopping stars, stunning costumes, extravagant sets and delightful music that will have everyone in your home singing along.

From Executive Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron comes a soaring LIVE three-hour holiday event guaranteed to take viewers on a magical and musical journey to the second star to the right.