Jeff McCarthy Headlines ‘Grinch’ Cast at Madison Square Garden

Jeff McCarthy will star as the Grinch in this holiday season’s performance of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” at Madison Square Garden. The musical will play at the venue December 13-30.

Casting for the production was announced recently, and young actress Tori Feinstein will play Cindy-Lou Who in the production. Feinstein is best known for her appearances on “30 Rock” and “Sesame Street.” Other players include Ken Land (Old Max), Gilbert L. Bailey II (Young Max), Philip Hoffman (Grandpa Who), Rosemary Loar (Grandma Who) and Paul Aguirre (Papa Who).

The production will be directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard. The musical version of “The Grinch” first appeared on Broadway in 2006, and the Madison Square Garden appearance is part of a holiday tour. The tour also will visit Hartford, Connecticut (November 20-25), Richmond, Virginia (November 27-December 2) and Chicago (December 5-16). The musical features a book and lyrics by Timothy Mason, and music by Mel Marvin.

The ensemble cast includes William Bailey, Jamie Beth Barton, Alex Chester, Matt Densky, Antoinette DiPietropolo, Amy Griffen, Jamey Hood, Liesl Jaye, Dennis Kenney, Ivory McKay, Candice Nicole, Shane Rhoads, Anette Michele Sanders, Jamison Stern, Heather Tepe and Lilly Tobin, according to Playbill.com.

McCarthy previously has appeared on Broadway in productions including “Chicago,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Urinetown,” “Side Show,” “The Pirate Queen,” “Zorba” and “Smile.”

The musical is, of course, based on Dr. Seuss’ book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and includes classic songs from the original animated television special, including “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.”

The musical tells the well-known story of the green Grinch that lives in the mountains around Whoville that has a heart that is two sizes too small. He then plans to prevent Christmas from happening in Whoville.