Greenblatt discusses 'Sound of Music,' 'Revolution' in journo-chat

While most consumers are busily prepping for the onslaught of this year's holiday season, NBC is prepping one of its Christmas speshes -- for next year.

In a conference call with journos this ayem, NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt teased the net's live broadcast of "Sound of Music," which is targeted to air around Christmastime in 2013.

"We are close to finding our Maria," Greenblatt said. "As soon as we have that in place, we will announce her with great fanfare." Extensive casting and development time for the live show plays to Peacock's favor, since, according to Greenblatt, "we don't want to do this without the right person...It's going to be live, we have to make sure we've got the right star. If it all falls into place, we will be on track for this time next year."

"Smash" producing team of Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are already locked down to bring "Sound of Music" to life on the small screen. Net is optimistic that the live musical will draw auds in for real-time viewing as seen with skeins like "The Voice" and alternative programming like football that tend to discourage DVR use.

Greenblatt also discused plans for "Revolution," which sees its frosh season finale this coming Monday, and said Peacock is looking for a way to showcase the first 13 episodes during the quiet period between seasons. ("Revolution" is set to return to NBC on March 25.)

"We're in the process of coming up with a whole plan to keep that show alive [during the breakl]," Greenblatt explained. "There's some original content that may find its way on to digital platforms. It's in the early stages, but I think it's important not to let it completely go [off fan's radar] and then start from scratch again in March."