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UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – November 10– NBC is bringing Dr. Seuss to life this holiday season with a fun-filled two-hour production of “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical!” set to air Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT from the Troubadour Theatre in London.
Dr. Seuss’ beloved classic children’s book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” has become a Christmas staple for generations. This musical version, with book and lyrics by Tim Mason and music by Mel Marvin and featuring the hit songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas (by Albert Hague & Dr. Seuss), breathes new life into this timely story.
Matthew Morrison (“Glee”) will star as the curmudgeonly Grinch.
“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,” said Doug Vaughan, Executive Vice President, Special Programs, NBC Entertainment. “This is a perfect addition to our annual holiday program traditions and a telecast the entire family will enjoy.”
"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."
Dr. Seuss’ famous book tells the story of a reclusive Grinch who plotted from his cave atop snowy Mt. Crumpit to steal Christmas from the Whos in Who-ville. Then on Christmas Eve, disguised as Santa Claus and enlisting his loyal dog Max as a reindeer, the Grinch traveled to Who-ville to scoop up the Whos’ gifts and decorations. Much to his surprise on Christmas morning, the Whos were unfazed and celebrated the holiday with a heartwarming display of joy and love.
Additional cast will include Denis O’Hare (“Big Little Lies”) as old Max, Booboo Stewart (“Descendants 3”) as young Max and talented, young newcomer Amelia Minto (“The Lost Girls”) as Cindy-Lou Who. Producers have also assembled an ensemble of top musical theater actors from London’s West End to complete the cast.
The lush and whimsical staging by award-winning director Max Webster, directed for television by BAFTA winner Julia Knowles, with additional script material by BAFTA-winning writer Simon Nye and featuring sets by acclaimed designer Peter Bingemann, will set the mood for a beautiful holiday celebration.
Emmy, Tony and two-time Golden Globe Award-nominated actor Matthew Morrison became a household name when he was cast as a series regular in the poplar musical comedy series “Glee.” After making his Broadway debut in “Footloose,” his big break came when he was cast as heartthrob Link Larkin in the hit “Hairspray.” He was later nominated for a Tony Award for his role in “The Light in the Piazza” and received a Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for “10 Million Miles.” More recently, Morrison starred as J.M. Barrie in the Broadway musical “Finding Neverland” and performed as a recurring guest star on “The Good Wife” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Last year, he co-starred in “American Horror Story: 1984.”
“Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical” is presented in association with Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Running Subway, produced by Penny Lane Entertainment Television and Simon Friend Entertainment. Lee Connolly, Simon Friend, Joshua Rosenblum and James Sanna serve as executive producers. Morrison also serves as a producer on the telecast.
Dr. Seuss Enterprises is a leading global children's entertainment company focused on preserving and enhancing the quality and dignity of Dr. Seuss’s body of work thereby ensuring that each generation will experience the stories, characters, life lessons, and genius of Dr. Seuss. The company was established in 1993 and is based in San Diego, CA. Dr. Seuss Enterprises' global endeavors complement Dr. Seuss's iconic books and include films, TV shows, stage productions, exhibitions, digital media, licensed merchandise, and other strategic partnerships. Ted Geisel once said he never wanted to license his characters to anyone who would "round out the edges" – a guiding principle at Dr. Seuss Enterprises. For more information about Dr. Seuss and his works, visit Seussville.com, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest.
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