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New Canaan's Allison Williams Cast As 'Peter Pan'

NEW CANAAN, Conn. -- Allison Williams, who grew up in New Canaan and is the daughter of NBC News anchor Brian Williams, is cast in the title role in NBC's musical version of "Peter Pan Live."

Allison Williams of New Canaan will play the title role in NBC's 'Peter Pan Live.'

Allison Williams of New Canaan will play the title role in NBC's 'Peter Pan Live.'

Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Christopher Walken of Wilton will star at Captain Hook in NBC's 'Peter Pan Live.'

Christopher Walken of Wilton will star at Captain Hook in NBC's 'Peter Pan Live.'

Photo Credit: IMDB.com

Williams, who stars in "Girls" on HBO, is a classically trained singer, according to a statement from NBC Universal.

She joins another Nutmegger in the cast: Academy Award winner Christopher Walken, who is cast in the role of Captain Hook. 

“I have wanted to play Peter Pan since I was about 3 years old, so this is a dream come true,” said Williams. "It’s such an honor to be a part of this adventure, and I’m very excited to get to work with this extraordinarily talented team. And besides, what could go wrong in a live televised production with simultaneous flying, sword fighting and singing?"

The live musical is scheduled to be broadcast on Dec. 4. The network enjoyed success with a live version of "The Sound of Music" starring Carrie Underwood that was broadcast last Dec 5. 

“We couldn’t be happier that Allison Williams is our Peter Pan,” said Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment. “She’s a lovely rising star on the award-winning show ‘Girls’ -- where she occasionally shows off her incredible vocal talent -- and we think she will bring the perfect blend of ‘boyish’ vulnerability and bravado to save the day against Christopher Walken’s powerful Captain Hook.”

Executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron also praised the star.

"Allison Williams is a major find," they said. "She will reinvent the iconic role of Peter Pan with her wit, her warmth, her dynamic flying and her wonderful musical abilities. The score will be sung beautifully and introduced to a whole new generation of families."

Williams has sung on HBO’s “Girls” and in various other projects. Since graduating from Yale University in 2010, she has starred as Marnie Michaels on the twice Emmy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning “Girls.”

She recorded several songs (as Marnie) for the “Girls” soundtrack. Williams also has appeared on “The Mindy Project” and “The League."

The play "Peter Pan" was written by J.M. Barrie. The original Broadway production opened in 1954. Directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, it featured the iconic songs “I’m Flying,” “I’ve Gotta Crow,” “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Never Never Land.” It starred Mary Martin as Peter and Cyril Ritchard as Captain Hook, both of whom won Tony Awards for their performances.

Sandy Duncan and Cathy Rigby also have gained fame for their portrayals of Peter Pan.

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