Laura Bell 'Blonde' notebook

Getting the word out that Laura Bell Bundy will be playing Elle Woods in the Broadway musical Legally Blonde was a huge relief to the Lexington actress, who had to keep mum about what she was working on the past few months.
“People would ask, ‘What are you doing, and I’d have to say, ‘Well, I’ve got some projects in the works.’”
And she did, including two forthcoming movies, the comedy Surf School and the big-screen version of Dreamgirls, plus guest shots on Cold Case and Veronica Mars.
But Legally Blonde will occupy her life for the near future. While we ran the big story in today's paper, here are some items from our LBB notebook:
~ Granted, if you live in Central Kentucky and rarely go to New York or Broadway shows, the big deal of this may be hard to grasp.
When we talked to Laura about that, she pointed out that beyond it being a dream come true for her, originating the lead in a Broadway show can open up a lot of doors for an actor in terms of stage, film and recording work.
Many talents we now see regularly on the big screen such as Taye Diggs, Laura Linney, Hugh Jackman and Nathan Lane started on Broadway. And many established movie stars such as Julia Roberts and our own Ashley Judd make a point of doing Broadway. Just being the lead on a Broadway show raises your international profile tremendously. News that Laura will be Elle Woods made news all around the world, as far away as Auckland,  New Zealand.

And if you do get to The City and see lines at ticket windows and crowds at stage doors, that’ll answer the question as to whether Broadway is a big deal.
~ Laura concedes she desperately wants one of the hottest starlet accessories: a dog. Well, she has one now, at least in a professional relationship. When we talked to her a few months ago, Laura said she was getting to know the Chihuahua who will play Chico.
~ Laura has also bonded with Heather Hach, who wrote the book for the musical. If you type Hach’s name into Google Images, you’ll know why the two are mistaken for sisters.
~ Laura has an old friend on Broadway with her. Lyndy Franklin, who is the daughter of Luanne Franklin (both shown left in a photo by David Perry), owner of the Town & Village School of Dance where Laura trained, just made her Broadway debut in the revival of A Chorus Line as a swing, understudying the roles of Bebe, Maggie, Connie and Kristine.
n So, you’re ready to run out and buy tickets to Legally Blonde. Well, you’ll need to wait. The first chance to buy tickets will be groups of 10 or more Jan. 6. Visa Card holders will be able to buy Feb. 11, and then tickets will go on sale to the general public Feb. 25. We'll keep you posted on websites and phone numbers as those days get closer.
n A few months ago, we wrote about Laura recording a new Christmas CD with her grandfather, former WLEX sportscaster Wayne Bell. That CD just got a wider market as it will be on sale at performances of Legally Blonde. Laura is also planning to record another CD with a country and bluegrass flavor.

Comments

[Louise Bieschke]

Hi Laura from Southern California. Patrick and I wish you well as you journey into this new part. Come see us when you are in Los Angeles. Christina is happy in Virginia and Damien is doing well in law school Christina is teaching at LCH(Louisa County High).
Email when you get a chance.
Go girl!
Louise and Patrick

[Dr. Arun Gupta, India]

U are superb. May God bless with u more success