A live-read of Legally Blonde? What, like it’s hard?
To celebrate Pride in June, NewFest pride has set a virtual live-read of the Reese Witherspoon cinematic classic Legally Blonde with an all trans and queer cast that includes MacGyver actress Alexandra Grey in the role of the iconic Elle Woods as well as Emmy nominated Rain Valdez as Vivian Kensington; Mrs. Fletcher’s Jen Richards as Warner Hutington III, Signature Move‘s Fawzia Mirza as Emmett, and Lingua Franca‘s Ivory Aquino as Paulette, Entertainment Weekly reports.
NewFest kicks off June 4 and the Legally Blonde live-read will be narrated and directed by Autostraddle writer Drew Gregory. NewFest previously did an all-trans live-read of Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain in October. The live-read will be produced by #MakeItGay live reads, which was founded during by Gaby Dunn.
The cast also includes Kiwi Smith (writer of Legally Blonde, 10 Things I Hate About You and The House Bunny) who takes on the role of Chutney as well as Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire icon Mara Wilson who will play Enid and Professor Callahan. Rounding out the cast is actor/podcaster Symphony Sanders who will step into the role of Brooke Taylor Windham.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Legally Blonde which is currently coming back with a third installment that will be co-written by Mindy Kaling.
The Legally Blonde live-read will be free to the public, but there is a suggested donation which will go to the NewFest Future Fund to support NewFest and its LGBTQ programs.