'No escaping' Broadway for Josh Groban

"In my mind, it started as a Sondheim double album," Josh Groban quips, speaking of Stages, his new album of musical-theater songs, officially announced Tuesday.

Due April 28, Stages includes guest appearances by Audra McDonald, Kelly Clarkson and Chris Botti — and three songs by Stephen Sondheim: Finishing The Hat and, in a medley, Children Will Listen and Not While I'm Around. The last song, as fans of Sondheim and Groban know, is from Sweeney Todd — a title that inspired the 34-year-old singer to name his 9-and-a-half-year-old Wheaten terrier Sweeney.

"He's a grumpy old man now," Groban jokes of the dog — though not nearly as grumpy as his bloodthirsty namesake. "He still loves to play, which is so great. ... We're always together."

Stages also features tunes from Carousel, Finian's Rainbow, Les Miserables, A Chorus Line and The Phantom of the Opera — begging the question, could a Broadway production be in Groban's future?

"It's an obvious thing to me," Groban admits, "and to the Broadway community, who's been so open-armed about it. It's been a timing issue." But he adds, "There's no escaping it now. It's about finding the right thing."

While waiting, Groban's fans can look forward to live shows this fall.