Country Music Star Joe Nichols Wins Lead Role in Pure Country on Broadway

Country music star Joe Nichols is set to lead the upcoming Broadway production of Pure Country. Based on the 1992 film that starred George Strait, Pure Country features music by Steve Dorff, lyrics by John Bettis and a book co-written by Peter Masterson The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Rex McGeem, who wrote the original screenplay. Masterson will direct and Sean Curran will choreograph.

With three number one singles and 10 top 10 hits, Nichols is a CMA winner, an ACM winner and a four -time Grammy nominee. His last CD, Real Things, was one of the best reviewed releases of 2007, and landed on numerous “Best Of” lists, including The New York Times, whose critic named it one of the top 10 of the year in all musical genres. Nichols and his label, Universal Records South, just released “Believers,” the lead single from his new CD, which will be in stores later this year.

 “Pure Country is thrilled to welcome Joe Nichols to the family,” Pure Country producer Randall L. Wreghitt said in a statement. “Not only does Joe bring his incredible talents to the project, but an understanding and authenticity to the [lead role] that his fans and fans of the movie are going to love.”

 Pure Country tells the story of Rusty, a country music superstar at the height of his career with all the high stakes pressures that come with it. When they start to take their toll and he walks out of an overblown concert tour, his begins to find himself, and the love he left behind.

 The musical is based on the 1992 Warner Brothers’ film of the same name, written by Rex McGee and directed by Christopher Cain. It starred Strait in his film debut, Lesley Ann Warren, Kyle Chandler and Rory Calhoun in his final film appearance. The soundtrack went to number one on the U.S. Country Album Chart and spawned two number one country singles, “Heartland” and “I Cross My Heart.” Both songs were written and co-produced by Dorff, and have been added to Dorff’s otherwise new and original score for Pure Country.

Details on further casting, dates and a theater have yet to be announced.