THEATER TALK: Dream Casting NBC's 'Peter Pan'
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NBC will air a live telecast of the Broadway musical based on J.M. Barrie's play, "Peter Pan" (Lorraine Marples/ Flickr Creative Commons).
“We’re very pleased to be underway on Peter Pan as our next live holiday musical for the whole family,” NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt said in a statement. “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.”
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"Peter Pan" is based on J.M. Barrie's 1904 play "Peter Pan" and the author's own novelization of the play, "Peter and Wendy." The musical features music by Mark Charlap and Jule Styne with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green. NBC aired telecasts of "Peter Pan" in 1955, 1956, and 1960 with its original Broadway cast; Mary Martin played Peter Pan and Cyril Ritchard played Captain Hook. Casting for NBC's “Peter Pan” is currently underway, but in the mean time, here is my dream cast:
Jean Baptiste Maunier as Peter Pan:
He’s probably too old for this role now, but this is a dream cast so I’m going for it anyway: Jean Baptiste Maunier as Peter Pan. He’s a cutie and has the voice of an angel. Maunier is best known for starring in the movie I watched every year in my high school french classes, “Les Choristes,” the story of a delinquent who finds himself through his school choir. He is 24 now so it might be harder for him to hit his signature high notes, but Maunier still has a fantastic voice. Listen to him sing "Caresse sur l'océan" from "Les Choiristes":
Of course, my favorite person Bill Murray would be perfect if Maunier isn't avaiable:
Cristin Milioti as Wendy Darling:
Cristin Milioti would make a perfect Wendy Darling. Most people probably know her as the Mother on “How I Met Your Mother” and as Leonardo DiCaprio’s first wife in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” but Milioti is a veteran Broadway performer, garnering a Tony award nomination for her performance in "Once." Her doe eyes and gentle voice lend themselves well to Wendy’s songs. Check out the video of her singing “Leave” from “Once” below:
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Hugh Laurie as Captain Hook/Mr. Darling:
Traditionally the one actor plays both Captain Hook, Peter Pan's arch-nemesis, and Mr. Darling, the childrens’ father. Casting a big name like Hugh Laurie would draw an audience, which NBC will obviously appreciate. Laurie is immensly talented and has the unique ability to be both menacing and hilarious, sometimes in the same breath. Laurie's slightly disheveled swagger, strong singing voice, and stage experience make him a good choice for both roles. Listen to him sing “Unchain My Heart”:
The Boy Sopranos as The Lost Boys of Neverland
Peter Pan's merry men are usually played by a mix of child performers with high vocal registers. The Boy Sopranos, an Indonesian classical-crossover trio, would be great in these roles. Look at their adorable faces! Listen to them sing “Damai Bersamamu” below:
Who would you include in your dream "Peter Pan" cast? Tell us in the comments.
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Reach contributing writer Helen Carefoot here.
