Pure Country: Joe Nichols has been cast to star in Broadway bound musical

Country music star, CMA Winner, ACM Winner and four-time Grammy Nominee Joe Nichols has been cast in the role made famous by George Strait in the Broadway production of the hit movie, Pure Country. According to producer Randall L. Wreghitt, the musical is in the process of securing the remainder of its financing and casting, and plans to open in early 2010.

�Pure Country is thrilled to welcome Joe Nichols to the family,� Wreghitt said. �Not only does Joe bring his incredible talents to the project, but an understanding and authenticity to the role of �Rusty� [originally �Dusty� in the movie] that his fans and fans of the movie are going to love. We are very excited and proud to bring Pure Country and Joe Nichols to Broadway.�

Nichols is equally enthused to test his skills in live theater. "The opportunity to perform on Broadway is very exciting, and at the same time a little bit scary," Nicols said. "I saw Reba on the red carpet at the ACM's this past weekend, and she gave me a few tips. She also told me it will be one of the best experiences of my life. I can't wait to be a part of that wonderful theater community. And I hope to bring a little country to the big city!"

Additional casting and dates for Pure Country will be announced in the coming months.

As previously announced, Pure Country is a book musical based on the 1992 film of the same name. It features an eclectic, original score drawing on the sounds of New and Classic Country, as well as Broadway and Adult Contemporary. It will be directed by Peter Masterson and choreographed by Se�n Curran.

The musical boasts a creative team from the worlds of theater, film and country and pop Music.

3-time Grammy nominee and 6-time Emmy nominee Steve Dorff, who has written nine #1 songs and 15 Top Ten hits (including such classics as Kenny Rogers� 'Through the Years,' Celine Dion�s 'Miracle' and the 'Country staple' and hit movie theme 'Every Which Way But Loose' by Eddie Rabbit) will compose the Music.

2-time Emmy nominee, 3-time Grammy nominee and Golden Globe and Oscar nominee John Bettis, whose songs have sold over 250 million records worldwide (writing everything from George Strait�s 'Heartland' to Madonna�s 'Crazy for You') is writing the Lyrics.

Rex McGee, a prot�g� of the legendary filmmaker Billy Wilder, wrote the original Warner Brothers film Pure Country, on which the new musical is based, and co-wrote the musical�s Book with Masterson.

Sometimes fame and fortune aren�t enough. In the new Broadway musical Pure Country, Rusty is 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 search begins to find himself � and the love he left behind. Pure Country is about the price of fame and one man�s journey home.

The show's creative team includes Derek McLane (sets), Ann Roth (costumes), Kevin Adams (lighting) and Acme Sound Partners (Sound).

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