Photos by David Cotter/NBC

If “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is part of your annual Christmas traditions, then you’ll be thrilled to know that NBC has announced that the network will be bringing the classic Dr. Seuss story to life this holiday season with a two-hour production of “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical!“

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 & Dr. Seuss).

Broadway and television veteran Matthew Morrison, famously known for his role on “Glee”, will take on the lead role as the curmudgeonly Grinch. “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,” Morrison said in a press statement. “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.”

Additional cast includes Denis O’Hare (“Big Little Lies”) as old Max, Booboo Stewart (“Descendants 3”) as young Max and 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.

“Dr. Seuss is an indelible part of all of our lives and we’re thrilled to bring a stage production of ‘The Grinch Musical!’ to our audience,” said Doug Vaughan, Executive Vice President, Special Programs, NBC Entertainment. “This is a perfect addition to our annual holiday program traditions and a telecast the entire family will enjoy.”

Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” tells the story of a reclusive Grinch who plotted from his cave atop snowy Mt. Crumpit to steal Christmas from the Whos in Who-ville. Then on Christmas Eve, disguised as Santa Claus and enlisting his loyal dog Max as a reindeer, the Grinch traveled to Who-ville to scoop up the Whos’ gifts and decorations. Much to his surprise on Christmas morning, the Whos were unfazed and celebrated the holiday with a heartwarming display of joy and love.

“Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical” is set to air on December 9th at 8 p.m. ET/PT from the Troubadour Theatre in London, and is directed for television by BAFTA winner Julia Knowles, with additional script material by BAFTA-winning writer Simon Nye.

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

Booboo Stewart as Young Max, Matthew Morrison as The Grinch and Denis O’Hare as Old Max
Photos by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

Matthew Morrison as The Grinch
Photo by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

Booboo Stewart as Young Max and Matthew Morrison as The Grinch
Photos by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

Booboo Stewart as Young Max and Matthew Morrison as The Grinch
Photo by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

The Cast
Photo by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

Pictured: (l-r) Ingram as Phyllis, Billy Nevers as Palm Springs, Genevieve Nicole as Auntie, Amelia Minto as Cindy Lou, Amy Ellen Richardson as Mama Who, Callum Train as Timey
Photo by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

Matthew Morrison as The Grinch, Booboo Stewart as Young Max and Denis O’Hare as Old Max
Photos by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

Amelia Minto as Cindy Lou, Booboo Stewart as Young Max and Matthew Morrison as The Grinch
Photo: NBCUniversal

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

Amelia Minto as Cindy Lou and Matthew Morrison as The Grinch
Photo: NBCUniversal

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

Matthew Morrison as The Grinch
Photo by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

The Cast
Photo by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

Booboo Stewart as Young Max and Matthew Morrison as The Grinch
Photo by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

The Cast
Photo by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

Booboo Stewart as Young Max and Denis O’Hare as Old Max
Photo by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

The Cast
Photo by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

The Cast
Photo by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

The Cast
Photo by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

Booboo Stewart as Young Max, Matthew Morrison as The Grinch and Denis O’Hare as Old Max
Photo by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

The Cast
Photo by: David Cotter/NBC

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: The Musical

The Cast
Photo by: David Cotter/NBC

Stay merry!