Ok - I'm a bit late posting this because I wasn't sure if I wanted to get into reviewing CDs of Theatre Music, or just cast recordings. Then I thought of all those solo albums by great performers (Chita Rivera, Joel Grey, Alan Cumming, etc) that I would like to review and bring attention to and thought...well, why not. Of course, some may state that all the performers I listed have stage experience in the context of a show, opposed to Josh Groban who may not. Well, I can state that while he may never have done a 8-show-a-week schedule on stage, he has performed in a concert recording of Chess, as well as being a guest artist for Barbara Cook at Carnegie Hall. I think that gives him some theatre credits. "Stages" is the name of Josh Groban's most recent album. It is a collection of songs from the stage, even though a few may not be known by all. For example the opening number is "Pure Imagination" from the stage production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that played the West End. There is also a selection from Kristina and Notre-Dame de Paris. The selection is a solid selection though not as adventurous as I would have hoped. Two selections from Les Mis? Two selections from Carousel? (Note, this review is specific to the Target Exclusive version which has four additional tracks.) And do we really need another version of "All I Ask of You", or anything from Phantom? I'm not sure if we do.
What I will say is this. Josh Groban sounds great. He has started to weave some of the pop sounds into the "classical" sound of his voice. This makes for a voice that has more colors, more options emotionally - in my humble opinion. According to his liner notes, he has always wanted to tell stories with his voice. This is a great way for him to fulfill that desire. The other great thing is the arrangements of the songs. He has some beautiful orchestrations, guest artists and some good choices in making the songs his own.
And speaking of songs, there are some interesting choices that I fully support - if only because I hope they draw attention to some really amazing shows. For example, "Finishing The Hat" from Sunday in the Park with George. Yes, theatre people know it, but I'm not sure about his usual audience. "Anthem" from Chess, and the little known "Le Temps de Cathedrales" from Notre-Dame de Paris. This last song is a gorgeous song that opens a French version of the Hunchback story. Josh Groban also duets with Audra McDonald on 'If I Loved You" from Carousel (the other selection is "You'll Never Walk Alone", naturally). I'm hoping that this will be another introduction of an amazing theatre voice to an audience who may now know her work.
Final verdict? If you like Josh Groban, you will really love this album. If you are a fan of Broadway and Theatre music...well, you may not need this collection unless you are looking for some new arrangements (including a verse to "Over The Rainbow" that I have never heard), and a few new songs. If you do decide to get it, I would recommend going to Target for the four extra songs. They are "Gold can turn to Sand" from Kristina, "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" - Les Mis, "If I Can't Love Her" from Beauty and the Beast, and finally "Dulcinea" from Man of La Mancha.
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