Julie Andrews gives Carrie Underwood's "The Sound of Music" her blessing

More than a few "The Sound of Music" fans raised their eyebrows when it was announced that Carrie Underwood would be taking on the role of Maria in a live performance of the classic musical. But Julie Andrews isn't one of them.

The actress, undoubtedly the woman most associated with the role after playing Maria in the 1965 film version, has given the country star her blessing to climb every mountain and share a few of her favorite things.

"Fifty years later, it's time somebody had another crack at it," Andrews told Zap2It. "I had the best time of my life doing it, and it did wonderful things for me. I think it's great that it's being done again, but doing it live must be so daunting for Carrie."

But Underwood won't be following in Andrews' exact footsteps.

"I know they're not doing the movie, though. They're doing the Broadway show -- that's what they have the rights to -- and I don't know whether it will resonate similarly. In the movie, we cut some things from the stage version and added some songs," the 78-year-old star noted.

Andrews added, "It's a lovely piece, and I do hope it works for Carrie, because she's lovely and I'm a fan. I wish her well."

Underwood will be joined for the live special by Stephen Moyer ("True Blood"), who will play Captain Von Trapp, as well as Tony Award winners Audra McDonald (as Mother Abbess), Christian Borle (of "Smash" fame, playing Max Detweiler) and Laura Benanti (as Elsa Shrader).

"The Sound of Music Live!" will air Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Watch a sneak peek of the event below: