MTV to find new 'Blonde' star

New reality show will cast next Elle Woods

By SAM THIELMAN

Call it the Grecian formula: Like "You're the One that I Want," the reality show that cast the recent Rialto revival of "Grease," Broadway tuner "Legally Blonde" is going to MTV to find its next Elle Woods.

The current and original Elle, Laura Bell Bundy, recently extended her contract through the spring. The TV show is casting contestants in L.A., New York, and Orlando, Fla., in late January and early February to vie for Bundy's lead role. The bubblegum-flavored movie adaptation opened in April and has grossed a little over $30.8 million to date.

The new show (not yet officially announced) isn't the first collaboration between the musical and the net; MTV broadcast the show in its entirety on Oct. 13.