Joe Nichols has been tapped to play the lead role in the Broadway version of the 1992 George Strait film, Pure Country. There will be some changes from the original film, including George's character, Dusty Chandler, being renamed Rusty. The two biggest songs from the movie, "Heartland" and "I Cross My Heart," will still be featured in the play. 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. Nichols is expected to head to New York at the end of October to begin preparations for the show.