The ink may not be dry on the contract, preventing any official announcement from the production, but Rupert admitted the casting plan in his blog at http://www.myspace.com/michaelrupert.

Rupert won the Best Featured Actor (Musical) Tony Award in 1986 for Sweet Charity. His Broadway credits include The Happy Time (Theatre World Award, Tony nomination), Pippin, Mail (which he wrote and starred in), City of Angels, Falsettos (Tony nomination) and Ragtime.

Legally Blonde, directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, will have its world premiere engagement Jan. 23-Feb. 24, 2007, at the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco prior to its April 3, 2007, launch at the Palace Theatre on Broadway.

Laura Bell Bundy (Ruthless, the Musical!, Wicked, Hairspray) stars as Elle Woods, who evolves from sorority sister to law school whiz in the musical comedy based on the Amanda Brown novel and film of the same name.

This marks the directorial debut of the Tony-winning choreographer Mitchell. The Broadway opening is April 29, following previews.

"Sorority star Elle Woods doesn't take 'no' for an answer," according to the producers. "So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone more 'serious,' Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style."

Music and lyrics are by both Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and the book is by Heather Hach. James Sampliner serves as music director.

The production features scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner, sound design by ACME Sound Partners.

Legally Blonde's Broadway producers are Hal Luftig, Fox Theatricals and Dori Berinstein, in association with MGM Onstage, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber.