George Strait's "Pure Country" Starring Joe Nichols

Joe Nichols on the Grand Ole Opry stage in April 2008. 2008 Copyright Grand Ole Opry® Photo by Chris Hollo, Hollo Photographics.

April 10, 2009 — Pure Country, the movie that took George Strait from country charmer to matinee idol, is being adapted for Broadway, and Joe Nichols is on tap to take over the role George made famous.

There will certainly be changes — George’s character, Dusty Chandler, is being renamed Rusty, according to Country Aircheck — but some parts of the original remain intact. In particular, the two biggest songs from the movie, "Heartland" and "I Cross My Heart," will still be featured in the play, the Associated Press reported.

Current plans have Pure Country opening next spring, and while it’s unusual to present country music in Manhattan’s theater district, it’s definitely not unprecedented. Dolly Parton’s 9 To 5: The Musical began previews this week, and Reba McEntire starred in Annie Get Your Gun in 2001. Roy Acuff and Kitty Wells headlined a one-week concert run on Broadway in the mid-‘50s, and Roger Miller supplied the music for the 1985 production of Big River. Pam Tillis, Larry Gatlin, Mac Davis and Kris Kristofferson have also had roles along the Great White Way.

"The opportunity to perform on Broadway is very exciting and at the same time a little bit scary," Joe says. "I saw Reba on the red carpet at the ACMs 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!"

In the meantime, Joe’s getting his next CD ready for the market. The first single, "Believers," was released last week.