May 4, 2008–The Rialto reality show, “Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods,” with host Haylie Duff, will premiere June 2 on MTV. The 8-episode series follows 10 actresses trying to replace Laura Bell Bundy as the star of “Legally Blonde,” the 2007 muiscal based on the 2001 MGM picture.
The show will be presided over by a team of judges, including helmer Jerry Mitchell and casting agent Bernard Telsey, whose decisions will not be based on viewers votes. The legit vocal coach Seth Rudetsky and the show's cast members will be present during the proceedings.
“Search for Elle Woods” is the second Broadway reality-casting skein to air after NBC's “Grease: You're the One That I Want” last spring. The profile boost from that series may be a factor in the current revival of “Grease,” which has held well despite middling reviews.
Reveille (“Ugly Betty”) exec produces “The Search for Elle Woods” with Duff. MTV aired the musical “Legally Blonde” last fall.