Tonight, we're all heading to Whoville.
That's right, holiday fanatics: NBC's production of Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Musical premieres tonight, Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m., and thanks to the two-hour rendition of the classic children's book How the Grinch Stole Christmas, you can get into the festive spirit without even leaving the comfort of your couch!
Matthew Morrison leads the way, playing the titular role of the, the, the...THE GRINCH, as Cindy Lou Who once put it. This, of course, requires the Glee actor to undergo an intense transformation process—one that's aided by makeup, prosthetics and lots of green paint—but once the nearly four-hour makeover is done, there's no denying that he truly embodies the mean one, Mr. Grinch.
In fact, you don't have to take our word for it. E! is bringing you a close-up look at what goes into Matthew's head-to-toe transformation in the above time-lapsed clip.
In the video, the 42-year-old star leans back and relaxes for much of the initial makeup application—though he does take the occasional ukulele break—and slowly but surely, he becomes the green creature we know and love.
Then comes two very important Grinch features: his furry eyebrows and fluffy wig!
Add in some hairspray, shading, a pronounced nose and bam—goodbye Matthew Morrison and hello, the Grinch.
Tonight, the actor will be joined on stage at the Troubadour Theatre in London by Amelia Minto as Cindy Lou Who, Denis O'Hare as the older version of the Grinch's beloved dog Max, Booboo Stewart as the young version and plenty of Whoville Whos!
Don't miss the special holiday production! The Grinch Musical airs at 8 p.m. on NBC.
Scroll down for more images from tonight's show.
(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
The, the, the...The Grinch! Matthew Morrison is seen in full costume as the titular character for The Grinch Musical.
Welcome to Whoville
In this pic, Old Max (portrayed by Denis O'Hare) performs alongside Who 1 (Joe Allen) and Who 2 (Francesca Mills).
The Grinch's Lair
Take a closer look at The Grinch's lair from NBC's The Grinch Musical.
Young Max
Descendants star Booboo Stewart is ready to break hearts as Young Max.
Max and Max
Young Max (portrayed by Booboo Stewart) and Old Max (portrayed by Denis O'Hare) perform a number together.
Welcome, Christmas
The Whos of Whoville take in the Christmas tree in The Grinch Musical.
Happy Grinchmas
What a trio! The Grinch (Morrison), Young Max (Stewart) and Old Max (O'Hare) take center stage.
So Sweet
Young Max (Stewart) looks up sweetly in this photo from The Grinch Musical.
Watch Out, Whoville
The Grinch (Morrison) appears to be mid-scheme as Young Max (Stewart) and Old Max (O'Hare) look on.
Who Likes Christmas?
The Whos, that's who! They look ready to celebrate in this colorful shot from the musical.
Caught in the Act
The Grinch (Morrison) is spotted stealing a Christmas tree.
The Christmas Spirit
The Grinch (Morrison), Old Max (O'Hare) and Young Max (Stewart) get into the Christmas spirit.
A Loaded Sleigh
Young Max (Stewart) and The Grinch (Morrison) take off with a loaded sleigh.
Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
Who 2 makes an announcement in front of the other Whos of Whoville.
Is That You, Santa?
The Grinch (Morrison) channels Santa Claus in order to steal Christmas.