NBC will present THE GRINCH musical this December starring Morrison

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 11/10/20 at 9:51am

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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]

Posted: 11/10/20 at 10:03am

How exactly is this happening? Scaled down cast?

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 11/10/20 at 10:08am

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.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 11/10/20 at 10:09am

The three words that best describe this casting are as follows, and I quote: "Stink. Stank. Stunk."

Morrison was almost lifeless the last time he was on B'way in Finding Neverland and he doesn't seem like a good fit for the Grinch at first glance. Makes me miss/want Patrick Page even more.

The musical version is fun for the most part and has that Seussian spirit, but most of the new songs are mediocre at best, except for maybe "Who Likes Christmas?" and "Santa for a Day." I hope this mounting surpasses my expectations. 

 

[BwayLB]

Posted: 11/10/20 at 10:17am

I’m watching but hoping Morrison is not a miscast.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 11/10/20 at 10:18am

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

Sweets, TV and film productions have resumed successfully.  Actors are tested every 3 days, self-quarantining on off-days.  Temperatures are checked every time anyone enters a building and a certified medical staff is on site supervising at every moment.  Actors only walk onto set once everything is ready and crews are only personnel needed.  Everyone is masked at all times and actors are only mask-less when filming.  Film productions on location are renting out hotels so entire cast and production is quarantined together.  This has been going on since June/July successfully which is why numerous TV sitcoms have already aired a handful of episodes filmed during the pandemic.  

[Tag]

Posted: 11/10/20 at 10:21am

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.

[Gorlois]

Posted: 11/10/20 at 10:25am

Wow, what a wonderful surprise! Looking forward to it.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/10/20 at 10:46am

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?!?!

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 11/10/20 at 11:39am

How great, looking forward!

[uncageg]

Posted: 11/10/20 at 12:44pm

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.

 

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 11/10/20 at 12:51pm

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?!?! "

It's pretty much the reaction I expected to find here. Broadway World at its finest.

[fashionguru_23]

Posted: 11/10/20 at 1:22pm

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?!"

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 11/10/20 at 3:23pm

Perhaps most of us are complaining about either Morrison's casting or the show itself because right now, our hearts are two sizes too small...?

 

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 11/10/20 at 3:44pm

I can understand why some may think Morrison is miscast. It's certainly not as inspired as Patrick Page or Gavin Lee. Denis O'Hare might have even been a better choice for the Grinch. They're obviously banking on Morrison brining in more viewers. I can't think of a time we got to see him play a role like this, maybe he will surprise us. I'll tune in no matter who is playing the Grinch. I'm sure it will be a lot of fun.

[BwayLB]

Posted: 11/10/20 at 4:01pm

^ 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.

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 11/11/20 at 8:28am

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? 

[BwayLB]

Posted: 11/11/20 at 10:15am

No I meant surprised in a good way. Nothing wrong

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 11/11/20 at 10:20am

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

[BJR]

Posted: 11/11/20 at 10:33am

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?

[JBroadway]

Posted: 11/11/20 at 10:37am

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

[bjh2114]

Posted: 11/11/20 at 12:44pm

BJR said: "Wait, why are they using British performers? ... Don't we have plenty of American actors out of work? Is this filming in the UK?"

The second sentence literally says "from the Troubadour Theatre in London"...

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 11/11/20 at 6:55pm

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?

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 11/11/20 at 7:04pm

Constantly impressed with the support they have shown their theater arts workers over there. Disgusted with the Broadway Theater League. 

[Sunny11]

Posted: 11/26/20 at 4:14pm

Matthew Morrison trended worldwide on Twitter today. NBC must be trilled!