‘Music Tells a Tale’ a Genial Family Treat

Peter caught his wolf, “Beauty” was the belle of the evening, Peter Pan flew and it was “A Small World” after all, in what looks to be a new tradition at the Hollywood Bowl, as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra’s genial “Music Tells a Tale” family night returned Friday for its second annual outing.

While not the most original of programs, with repeats from last year and once again a heavy reliance on music from Disney films--including “Pocahontas” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”--the orchestra, under John Mauceri’s witty and enthusiastic direction, was a treat.

The evening’s highest high point--literally--was Paige O’Hara’s applause-earning flight as Peter Pan. Paige (the voice of Belle in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”) earned “oohs” and “ahs” as she sang “I’m Flying” while swinging suspended in the air, courtesy of Flying by Foy.

Earlier in the evening, O’Harawas joined by operatic star baritone Timothy Noble and the Mitch Hanlon Singers in selections from “The Sound of Music.” Noble’s caressing, velvety solo in “Edelweiss” was an unexpectedly tender moment, contrasting with his all-too-brief later solo as wacky Capt. Hook.

David Hyde Pierce’s narrative of Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” was another pleasure. The “Frasier” star threw his whole body into words and music, starting with the misinformation that the piece “begins with the theme of the giant squid,” prompting the orchestra to break into a “Jaws” intro.

The program ended with the entire company, including the colorful Children of the World Choir, singing familiar Disney songs. Fittingly, the orchestra’s last encore was “Brahms’ Lullaby.”