‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas’ Stage Musical With ‘Glee’ Star Matthew Morrison Is Coming To NBC
Following in the footsteps ofPeter Pan,Grease,A Christmas Story,Hairspray, andThe Sound of Music, another stage musical is coming to network television this holiday season. This time, it’s an adaptation ofDr. Seuss' The Grinch Musical!, inspired by the classic storyHow the Grinch Stole Christmas, starringGleestarMatthew Morrisonin the title role.
TV Linehas news on theGrinchmusical TV production, which will air on NBC on Wednesday,December 9at 8:00 P.M. ET. Unlike the previous musicals that have come to network TV,The Grinchwill not be a live show, so that will reduce the chances of this becoming a total trainwreck. For reference, here’s a taste of the stage production when the cast performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade back in 2006:
In addition to being theGleechoir teacher and coach, Morrison has performed on stage in the Broadway productions ofHairspray, The Light in the PiazzaandFinding Neverland. I’m not sure I like casting him as such an iconic character, but these NBC musical have been notorious for making the weirdest casting decisions, prompting audiences to watch just to see how bizarre the execution is. Much like the Grinch’s plan to steal Christmas, this sounds like a wonderful, awful idea. Morrison is more hopeful though, as he said in a statement:
“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. 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.”
Here’s a peek behind the scenes at the upcoming television production of the musical:
This winter, “Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Musical!” is bringing Whoville to the stage.🎄 See@Matt_Morrisonin the holiday classic December 9 on NBC.pic.twitter.com/TQvYHpo1fK
— NBC Entertainment (@nbc)June 02, 2025
Morrison will be joined byDenis O’Hare(American Horror Story) as the old version of the Grinch’s dog pal Max, who narrates and reflects on the terrible plan he was part of so many years ago.Booboo Stewart(Descendants) plays the young version of Max, and newcomerAmelia Mintoplays Cindy-Lou Who, who was originally no more than two, but has been aged up like she was in the film adaptations to make more sense in the story. The rest of the ensemble will be filled out by actors from London’s West End, the UK equivalent of Broadway.
This is is something that will undoubtedly be worth watching under the influence of some kind of substance. As for what substance that is will be up to you. It might be time to dig into your supply of Who-Hash, if you catch my drift.
