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Arts & Entertainment | April 12, 2009

Country star Joe Nichols taking his talent to Broadway's production of 'Pure Country'

Lisa L. Rollins' photo
Country Music Examiner

Country singer Joe Nichols is heading to Broadway.

Country music’s Joe Nichols is about to add Broadway to his professional resume. Yep, the four-time Grammy nominee is heading to the big stage come next year.

Now promoting his latest country single, “Believers,” which was recently released to country radio by the singer’s Universal South label, Nichols was offered, and accepted, the lead role in the Broadway production of Pure Country.
 
Texan George Strait made the role famous in the Pure Country movie, and according to the stage production’s producer, the Tony Award-winning Randall L. Wreghitt, the musical is in the process of securing the remainder of its financing and casting, with 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." 

 As for Nichols, who’s already got Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association trophies among his credits, he’s excited to try his hand at acting on the live stage.


Strait starred in 1992's film version of Pure Country.

"The opportunity to perform on Broadway is very exciting, and at the same time a little bit scary," said Nichols, a native of Rogers, Ark. "I saw Reba on the red carpet at the ACMs ... 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," he added. "And I hope to bring a little country to the big city!" 

In the meantime, Nichols’ "Believers," the lead single from his new CD, which will be in stores later this year, premiered the single in Las Vegas last week during a brunch for radio and media. The performance of "Believers," as well as the rest of Nichols' impressive hit list, resulted in a standing ovation during the Vegas visit. 

 
To date, Nichols has amassed three No. 1 singles, including "Brokenheartsville" and "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off,"  and 10 top-10 singles. And his last CD, 2007’s Real Things, was one of the best reviewed releases of its release year, landing on numerous "best of" lists, including the prestigious New York Times, whose critic named it one of the top 10 for that year in all musical genres. 

   

Joe Nichols went to No. 3 with "The Impossible" in 2002, a song penned by Kelley Lovelace and Lee Thomas Miller.


 

 

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Country Music Examiner

Lisa L. Rollins is a freelance writer who's worked as a full-time journalist, editor and columnist for several publications. Her articles have...

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