Morgan joins the previously announced country music star Joe Nichols, who will play the role of Rusty. Morgan will play Lula, Rusty's ruthless manager.
"The Pure Country family is absolutely overjoyed to welcome Lorrie Morgan," producer Wreghitt said in a statement. "To have a country music star of her caliber sets the artistic bar high and brings additional authenticity to the show. The combination of Joe Nichols and Lorrie Morgan promises to be a dream collaboration for country music fans and for everyone who sees the show. We couldn't be more excited and proud to bring Pure Country and Lorrie Morgan to Broadway."
Singer Morgan added, "I never thought my life's path would take me to Broadway, but when I heard they were creating a musical based on one of country music's best-loved films, I knew I had to be part of it. I'm very excited about making my Broadway debut and becoming part of the theater community. I'm also looking forward to working with Joe Nichols. He's an amazing talent and I hope country fans come on up to the big city to see us!"
Peter Masterson will direct the new musical, which will feature music by Steve Dorff, lyrics by John Bettis and a book by Masterson and Rex McGee.
In Pure Country, press notes state, "Rusty (Joe Nichols) is a country music superstar at the height of his career with all the high-stakes pressures that come with it. When the pressure takes its toll, he abandons his overblown concert tour, and his search to find himself – and the love he left behind – begins. Pure Country is about the price of fame and one man’s journey home." The creative team also includes scenic designer Derek McLane, three-time Tony-nominated costume designer Ann Roth, Tony-winning lighting designer Kevin Adams and the Tony Award-nominated sound designers Acme Sound Partners. Music director is Eugene Gwozdz. (Choreographer Sean Curran is no longer associated with the musical.)
The daughter of the late country legend George Morgan, Lorrie Morgan's career took off in 1989 with the hit single "Trainwreck of Emotion." She followed with a chain of Billboard chart-topping singles, including "Five Minutes," "What Part of No" and "I Didn't Know My Own Strength." Morgan was the first female country star to have three consecutive albums certified platinum. She was named Female Artist of the Year four times by the TNN Music City News Country Awards. Her newest release, "A Moment in Time," is expected to hit stores in October.
Additional casting and dates for Pure Country will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information visit www.PureCountryOnBroadway.com.
