NBC will present THE GRINCH musical this December starring Morrison

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NBC is bringing the magic of Dr. Seuss' world to life in a new musical production airing next month! Matthew Morrison will star as the title role in "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 timeless story.

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 musical's staging is 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.

Video teaser

Updated On: 11/10/20 at 09:51 AM

ACL2006 said: "How exactly is this happening? Scaled down cast?"

I updated the post with a link from NBC's Instagram which has rehearsal footage.

ACL2006 said: "How exactly is this happening? Scaled down cast?"

You'd be surprised with what some production companies are "getting away with" in terms of filming right now. Sure there is money behind them (for regular testing, protocols and PPE) but there is also a huge gamble they are taking.

Jordan Catalano said: "Theater Fans: We’re desperate for new things to watch!
NBC: Here’s “The Grinch” with Broadway people! Merry Christmas!
Theater Fans: Ugh he’s miscast, the show is awful, how are they getting away with this?!?!"



Thank You.

Jordan Catalano said: "Theater Fans: We’re desperate for new things to watch!
NBC: Here’s “The Grinch” with Broadway people! Merry Christmas!
Theater Fans: Ugh he’s miscast, the show is awful, how are they getting away with this?!?!"

Jordan, did you think we would react any differently? Ahahaha.

Anyway, I am excited to get some new programming on, and will be tuning in. "So what? Who cares?!"

BwayLB said: "^ I’m on the same page as you. I’m surprised he and Dennis are working together again after doing Once Upon A Mattress in 2005."

Why? Did they have a bad experience together?

Confirmed as also appearing in the piece are Ako Mitchell, Amy Ellen Richardson, Claire Machin, Gary Wilmot, Joseph Prouse, Lisa Mathieson, Billy Nevers, Gevenieve Nicole, Bobbie Little, Callum Train, Kirsty Ingram, Idriss Kargbo, Rebecca Louis, Joe Allen, Francesca Mills, Kanon Narumi, Chantelle Tonoleti, Tafari Edwards, Alfie Murray, Erin Rushidi, Bebe Massey, Kayleen Nguema, Lyla Toplass and Louie Gray.

Link

Jordan Catalano said: "Theater Fans: We’re desperate for new things to watch!
NBC: Here’s “The Grinch” with Broadway people! Merry Christmas!
Theater Fans: Ugh he’s miscast, the show is awful, how are they getting away with this?!?!"



Is it possible that it's different theatre fans saying these different things? Not everyone has been so desperate for new things to watch - after all, we've had an ongoing avalanche of Zoom plays, and other forms of digital theatre for 8 months now.

If you're referring to any individuals on this board who have made both of those complaints, then sure it feels a bit contradictory. But "theatre fans" as a broad group are certainly allowed to have different stances from each other.

I, for one, am not desperate for new theatre broadcasts like this, so I don't feel hypocritical saying that this does seem like atrocious miscasting.

Updated On: 11/11/20 at 10:37 AM

BJR said: "Wait, why are they using British performers?

British director, as well as director for TV, and writer. But the ensemble is from the West End? Don't we have plenty of American actors out of work? Is this filming in the UK, or where is the union?"

Why are out of work American actors more important, or more in need of British actors to you?