Matthew Morrison is set to star as the Grinch in a two-hour production of Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Musical on NBC this December.
The theatrical event, set to air on Dec. 9 at 8 p.m., will be taped at London's Troubadour Theatre.
In addition to Morrison, who will play the curmudgeonly lead character, cast members include Denis O’Hare as old Max, Booboo Stewart as young Max and newcomer Amelia Minto as Cindy-Lou Who.
The cast will be rounded out by musical theater actors from London's West End.
"In what has been an extremely challenging year for us all, it is an honor to bring some holiday cheer into viewers’ homes this December,” Morrison said. “My wish is to bring some Who-ville magic to this holiday season and, while the pandemic presents some challenges in bringing a stage production to life, we are excited to present a unique version of this seasonal favorite in a new creative and imaginative way.”
Doug Vaughan, NBC Entertainment's executive vice president of special programs, added: “Dr. Seuss is an indelible part of all of our lives and we’re thrilled to bring a stage production of The Grinch Musical! to our audience. This is a perfect addition to our annual holiday program traditions and a telecast the entire family will enjoy.”
The musical, with book and lyrics by Tim Mason and music by Mel Marvin, will be staged by award-wining director Max Webster and directed for TV by BAFTA winner Julia Knowles, with additional script material by BAFTA-winning writer Simon Nye and featuring sets by designer Peter Bingemann.
I just received the Broadway World article in my inbox and forwarded it to mom asking that she record it for me (if we ever watch TV together again...). Like you, I'm not familiar with the material, but I like the Grinch as well, and I like Matthew Morrison too!
I watched this on Hulu this afternoon. Tbh, it’s not really my taste. The music is strangely Sondheim-esque— but not as good as real Sondheim and not as memorable. I liked the costume and set design. Matthew Morrison’s Grinch costume and makeup was controversial on social media but I think it served its purpose. I was glad they included both “You’re a Mean One, Mr Grinch” and “Where Are You Christmas?” The performers gave their all, but I think it’s hard to supplant the performances people grew up with— for some, that’s Boris Karloff, for me, it’s Jim Carrey.
Anyway, it was an admirable effort that employed stage actors during the middle of this terrible pandemic. I’m not going to knock it, but if you didn’t catch it, you’re not necessarily missing out either.
My mom had emailed me saying that it got bad reviews, wondering if I still want her to keep it on her DVR; I said that makes me want to check it out even more. I love WAYC? (we just watched the Jim Carrey film yesterday so it was already stuck in my head before you mentioned it ) so I'm happy that they incorporated it into this show.
I love WAYC? (we just watched the Jim Carrey film yesterday so it was already stuck in my head before you mentioned it