'Glee' Star Matthew Morrison Playing Grinch in NBC Musical

"Glee" star Matthew Morrison will star as the title character in the upcoming TV presentation of a stage musical based on the beloved Dr. Seuss children's book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," reports the Daily News.

Morrison played Will Schuester on the popular Fox series, which was created by Ryan Murphy. Joining Morrison in the musical are Dennis O'Hare and Booboo Stewart, each playing the Grinch's canine companion Max at different ages. Also starring is Amelia Minto as Cindy-Lou Who, Amelia Minto. He is also a Broadway veteran, having starred in "The Light in the Piazza," "Hairspray," and "Finding Neverland," TVLine recalled.

In a statement, Morrison noted that it "has been an extremely challenging year for us all," and said, "it is an honor to bring some holiday cheer into viewers' homes this December."

Morrison added that "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."

NBC will air the show, titled "Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Musical," the Daily News said. The show will be a filmed staging of "The Grinch Musical!," which originally ran on Broadway in 2006 and 2007.

The Dr. Seuss book, first published in 1957, has been adapted for television and film several times already, most famously in the 1966 animated holiday special "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," which was narrated by Boris Karloff.

That version features songs like "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas," iconic tunes that were co-written by Dr. Seuss, and Albert Hague, Dealine noted. Those classic chestnuts will be among the musical numbers.

Otherwise, the stage adaptation features a book and lyrics by Tim Mason, with composer Mel Marvin providing the music, Deadline reported.

The musical will be performed on stage at London's Troubadour Theatre and filmed. The network television broadcast is slated for Dec. 9 at 8:00 pm.

NBC executive Doug Vaughan promised, "This is a perfect addition to our annual holiday program traditions and a telecast the entire family will enjoy," TVLine reports.