Josh Groban goes intimate for upcoming 'Stages' tour

Everyone goes through stages in their lives, and singer Josh Groban is in the "Stages" stage of his.

The baritone, who has sold more than 30 million albums and DVDs worldwide, recently released "Stages," his seventh studio album, featuring a collection of some of the most memorable and well-loved songs from musical theater. And he is preparing to launch his North American "Stages" tour, which arrives at The Chicago Theatre on Oct. 16 and 17. Already, tickets are almost gone for the Oct. 16 show.

Groban, 34, who has sold out concert arenas across the globe, said he specifically chose smaller, more intimate theaters for the tour.

"These songs are truly meant to be sung on theatrical stages, rather than in an arena," Groban said in a telephone interview. "The beautiful thing about these songs, even when they are taken away from a (musical theater) show, is that they ring true in people's lives. They still have a message that is relevant. I wanted these songs to live and breathe on their own, to reach people the way that any great song reaches someone."

The "Stages" album, recorded in Los Angeles and London with an accompanying 75-piece orchestra, features selections from productions including "Les Miserables," "Carousel," "Into the Woods," "The Wizard of Oz" and others.

The songs were selected for their timeless stories and melodies, Groban said.

"When choosing songs of this magnitude, you have to step back as an artist and think, 'Shall I be doing this?'" Groban said. "You have to be passionate about them. I'm glad I recorded some of these songs now, and not 10 years ago, as there are many universal themes that I had not really experienced 10 years ago."

One of the album's songs, "Pure Imagination," is part of a stage show, but is perhaps best known for Gene Wilder's rendition in the 1971 film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" - a film that Groban has always loved.

"I have always felt such a special connection to that song," Groban said. "It has a beautiful way of interpreting and expressing the light and dark of childhood wonderment. You listen to it, and you go right back to that place."

Groban, who considered becoming a veterinarian while growing up in Los Angeles, was just as surprised as anyone when his powerful singing voice became apparent during a solo performance in a seventh-grade choral production.

"Everyone was a little stunned," he recalled. "I was shy. I had a hard time making friends. So for me to step up and have that moment was a real eye-opening experience."

At 17, Groban was introduced to famed record producer David Foster, and in 2001 released his self-titled "Josh Groban" album. The album went double platinum, and worldwide fame followed.

"I try to look at it (fame) as enthusiasm toward the music and the singing," he said. "I try to separate what it is that they (fans) are appreciative of from myself. It might be wrong to do that, but for me it's a way of taking a bit of the pressure off the myopic scope that comes into play when you start 'drinking your own punch.' I try to focus on the work and the craft of it."

For now, Groban is focusing on his upcoming North American tour that kicks off in Atlanta in September. He then plans to take the tour across the globe.

"So many countries are reaching out to hear these songs. I want to tour as long as I can," Groban said.

Groban hopes to do more acting, particularly in films, and would love to star in a Broadway show. And he keeps busy with his Find Your Light Foundation, an organization he founded in 2011 to help introduce youngsters to artistic and cultural experiences.

On the lighter side, Groban, an animal lover, toys with the idea of owning what some might consider to be an unusual pet.

"I would love to own a pig one day, but I'm not sure if my hardwood floors could handle it," he said with a laugh. "I'm not sure how well pigs can tour."

Josh Groban’s “Stages” tour

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16-17

Where: The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., (800) 745-3000,

ticketmaster.comTickets: $59-$175