TV tonight: 'Peter Pan Live!' finally arrives
Peter Pan Live!
NBC, 8 ET/PT
Powerhouse producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Chicago, Hairspray, and the TV-movie versions of Gypsy and Cinderella) follow last year's ratings smash The Sound of Music with their second live TV musical: A remake of Peter Pan starring Allison Williams as Peter and Christopher Walken as Captain Hook — with Broadway veterans Christian Borle and Kelli O'Hara in support. No Broadway hit has a longer or more glorious TV history than Peter, which was once a holiday staple, thanks to three versions (two of them live) starring Mary Martin. Let's hope that some of the production and casting wrinkles that marred Music have been corrected, and that this revised version — and its new, slightly altered score — becomes as beloved by a new generation as Martin's is by boomers.
The Taste
ABC, 8 ET/PT
Granted, it's far less ambitious than Peter Pan, and less original than most anything. But if you love cooking competitions, this ABC concoction may be for you. It may at least help tide you over during rerun season.
Renee Fleming: Christmas in New York
PBS, 9 ET/PT (times may vary)
The renowned opera star tackles holiday hits for this musical special, which features songs and guests from her new album. Among those guests is Kelli O'Hara, who can be seen live in Peter Pan as Mrs. Darling. Small holiday world.