<P> Thomas Fensch notes that the Grinch is the first adult and the first villain to be a main character in a Dr. Seuss book . </P> <P> The book has been adapted into a variety of media, including stage and film . Chuck Jones and Ben Washam (Co-Director) adapted the story as an animated special in 1966, featuring narration by Boris Karloff, who also provided the Grinch's voice . Thurl Ravenscroft sang "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch" with lyrics written by Dr. Seuss himself . A musical stage version was produced by the Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, in 1998 . It also was produced on Broadway and a limited - engagement US tour in 2008 . The North American Tour began in the fall of 2010 and has subsequently toured every fall since . It will begin its 6th tour in October 2015 . In 2000, the book was adapted into a live - action film, directed by Ron Howard and starring Jim Carrey as the Grinch . Illumination Entertainment is also developing a 3D animated feature film, titled The Grinch with Peter Candeland and Yarrow Cheney set to direct it and Benedict Cumberbatch voicing the Grinch . It was originally scheduled to be released on November 10, 2017, but in June 2016, it was pushed back to November 9, 2018 . </P> <P> Several audio recordings and audio - visual adaptations of the book have also been published . In 1975, Zero Mostel narrated an LP record of the story . In 1992, Random House Home Video released an updated animated version of the book narrated by Walter Matthau . In 2009, an interactive e-book version was released for the iPhone . The book was adapted into a 13 - minute song, performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra, arranged by Danny Troob, and featuring bassist Reid Burton and actor Will LeBow narrating it on the Boston Pops's 2013 CD, "A Boston Pops Christmas--Live from Symphony Hall with Keith Lockhart". </P> <P> As of 2005, the book had been translated into nine languages, including Latin as Quomodo Invidiosulus Nomine Grinchus Christi Natalem Abrogaverit: How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Latin by Jennifer Morrish Tunberg with the assistance of Terence O. Tunberg . The translation was published in October 1998 by Bolchazy - Carducci Publishers Inc . </P>

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