‘Girls’ actress Allison Williams will star in NBC’s live ‘Peter Pan’

NBC has found its Peter Pan, and true to the many stage productions of the musical, he’s going to be played by a woman. Allison Williams, better known as one of the stars of HBO’s comedy-drama “Girls,” will take on the title role in the live production set to air Dec. 4.

While Williams may have a strong family connection to NBC -- her dad is “NBC Nightly News” anchor Brian Williams -- the actress is, in fact, a classically trained singer.

Williams has previously displayed her musical talent in various YouTube videos, including this one of her covering Kesha’s “Tik Tok.” She’s also recorded songs for the “Girls” soundtrack.

“Peter Pan” is NBC’s follow-up to its successful live production of “The Sound of Music” that aired last December. Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, who also oversaw “Sound of Music,” seem to have a pattern of picking over HBO’s casts for their stars. Stephen Moyer of “True Blood” appeared in “Sound of Music” as Captain Von Trapp. And now Williams takes time from “Girls” to fly as Pan.

She will join Christopher Walken, who has been cast as Captain Hook.

In a statement, Williams seemed quite aware of the challenge ahead of her: “What could go wrong in a live televised production with simultaneous flying, sword fighting and singing?”

The Broadway version of “Peter Pan,” which opened in 1954, starred Mary Martin, who won a Tony in the role. Sandy Duncan and Cathy Rigby have also played the famous boy who wouldn’t grow up.

Twitter: @patrickkevinday