Fans of Bailey Hanks and “Legally Blonde The Musical” have been saying for a month now that they need to or want to get to New York City to see the Anderson native perform as the lead in a Broadway production.

For those who haven’t, there’s good news.

Hanks will make a long-awaited, though short-lived, return to Anderson tonight to greet fans, get a key to the city and enjoy an evening with friends, family and admirers.

Bailey signed a six-month contract with “Legally Blonde” in July as the lead role of Elle Woods on Broadway. She won the role in MTV TV special, “Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods.”

Her visit starts at 5 p.m. with an invitation-only reception at the Alverson Center Theatre and moves to Anderson City Hall for a special Key to the City presentation at 6 p.m. Her return will culminate in a 7 p.m. performance, meet-and-greet and autograph session at the Civic Center of Anderson.

“She has wanted to come back and thank all her fans and see all her friends,” said Brad Hanks, Bailey’s father. “Bailey just hasn’t had the chance until now.”

Brad Hanks said his daughter will be flying in early Monday and leaving early Tuesday. After all, she must perform eight shows a week from Wednesday through Sunday in the Broadway production of “Legally Blonde The Musical,” a role she won on an MTV reality program in late July.

Robb Alverson, one of Bailey Hanks’ early directors — who has been with her along her quest for Broadway — is hosting the ACT event at 5 p.m. and has invited more than 400 people to attend and simply congratulate her on her success.

“What she has done is amazing,” Alverson said in an earlier interview after Bailey won the role. “We are all just so proud of her.”

The key presentation at City Hall will take place at the start of the City Council meeting at 6 p.m. From there, Bailey will zip to the Civic Center for a free, open to the public, event for Bailey’s fans.

The events at the Civic Center are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.