A collection of musical theatre favorites, an exclusive edition of the album, featuring two extra tracks, will be available at Target.
"Nothing has inspired me more in my life than the energy that is shared in a theater when great songs and great art are on the stage," Groban said. "I wanted this album to pay tribute to those inspirations and memories."
"Stages" was recorded with producers Humberto Gatica and Bernie Herms in both Los Angeles and London's Abbey Road (with a 75-piece orchestra).
"'Stages' is an album I've wanted to make since I signed to Reprise/Warner Bros. Records during my freshman year as a Musical Theater student at Carnegie Mellon," Groban added. "I knew in my heart that, at some point, I would visit the songs I love from that world as an album. Having lived in New York City the last few years, seeing as much theater as I could see, and having so many great friends in the theater community, it became really inspiring to take this on. It was time."
"Stages" features three duets: Kelly Clarkson is featured on "All I Ask of You" ("she can, quite simply, do anything"); Audra McDonald sings on "If I Loved You" ("in my head I heard her on this and to sing it in the room with her was a dream come true"); and trumpeter Chris Botti plays on "Old Devil Moon" ("he plays with such control and expressiveness"). The track listing follows:
"Pure Imagination" (from Charlie and The Chocolate Factory)
"What I Did For Love" (from A Chorus Line)
"Bring Him Home" (from Les Misérables)
"Le Temps Des Cathédrales" (from Notre Dame de Paris)
"All I Ask Of You" (from The Phantom of the Opera) (feat. Kelly Clarkson)
"Try To Remember" (from The Fantasticks)
"Over the Rainbow" (from The Wizard of Oz)
"Children Will Listen"/"Not While I'm Around" (from Sweeney Todd/Into the Woods)
"You'll Never Walk Alone" (from Carousel)
"Old Devil Moon" (from Finian's Rainbow) (feat. Chris Botti)
"Finishing the Hat" (from Sunday in the Park with George)
"If I Loved You" (from Carousel) (feat. Audra McDonald)
"Anthem" (from Chess)
