MTV to Air Legally Blonde in its Entirety Along with Backstage Special

In an historic move, MTV has announced plans to film the Broadway musical Legally Blonde and air it in its entirety multiple times on the popular cable network. The first broadcast of the MTV special Legally Blonde - The Musical, which includes a backstage look at the hit show, is scheduled for Saturday, September 29 at 1PM.

MTV will film Legally Blonde onstage at the Palace Theatre, where it opened on April 29, for two special performances in mid-September. In order to bring the TV audience closer to the action of the musical, cameras will be placed onstage in addition to shooting from various locations in the theater. The first filming will take place without an audience and the second in front of an invited audience of VIPs.

"Legally Blonde has captivated and entertained fans worldwide, both on the big screen and on the Broadway stage," said Tony DiSanto, EVP of Series Development & Programming for MTV. "In an MTV first, we are giving those same fans, and new ones, a unique opportunity to experience this hit Broadway musical in its entirety like never before. We are creating a one of kind special weekend event—done in a way only MTV can." Added Legally Blonde producer Hal Luftig: "MTV's endorsement of a show on this level is unprecedented and will benefit the industry as a whole as Broadway continues to expand its audience. This is a great match and we could not be happier."

Over the past 30 years, many shows have been videotaped for TV many for PBS, but no show has ever been broadcast in its entirety while still running on Broadway. Tony DiBari, Tim Healy, David George, George McTeague and Frank Garritano serve as executive producers of the MTV special.

Legally Blonde stars Laura Bell Bundy as Elle Woods, Christian Borle as Emmett, Orfeh as Paulette, Michael Rupert as Professor Callahan, Richard H. Blake as Warner, Nikki Snelson as Brooke and Kate Shindle as Vivienne. Directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, the show features a score by Nell Benjamin and Laurence O'Keefe and book by Heather Hach.