Get ready for your heart to grow three sizes. The epic two-hour production of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical! will air Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. on NBC from the Troubadour Theatre in London. HollywoodLife has an EXCLUSIVE preview of the musical featuring Matthew Morrison’s deliciously wicked turn as the Grinch. Matthew has made an incredible transformation into the iconic holiday character for the musical.
In this sneak peek, the Grinch stares down at Who-ville in disgust. “I hate every Who down in Who-ville,” the Glee alum sings as the Grinch. He knows the Whos are decorating and hanging their stockings in anticipation of Christmas. And he doesn’t like it. Not one bit.
“Tomorrow is Christmas, it’s practically here,” Matthew effortlessly sings, taking a notable line from Dr. Seuss’ best-selling children’s book and turning it into a song. When he’s done singing, the Grinch falls down in his bed. He laments about the arrival of Christmas because he hates it so much. Actually, he loathes it. Booboo Stewart’s Young Max adorably hides under the bed as the Grinch goes on and on and on about Christmas.
In addition to Matthew and Booboo, Denis O’Hare will play Old Max and newcomer Amelia Minto will play Cindy-Lou Who. Producers have also assembled an ensemble of top musical theater actors from London’s West End to complete the cast.
Dr. Seuss’ beloved children’s book has become a Christmas staple every single year, along with the TV special and film adaptations. This musical version, with book and lyrics by Tim Mason and music by Mel Marvin, will feature the hit songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” (by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss) but will also breathe new life into this timeless story. The first look at the musical was shown during the 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.