Bart Shatto — Rare Footage & Clips
Bart Shatto's dual identity as a Broadway theatre actor-singer and veteran member of The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a testament to his versatility and dedication to his craft. Born in Peoria, Illinois, Shatto's early life was marked by a move to Bradford, Illinois during grade school, before returning to Peoria and attending Bergan High School (now Peoria Notre Dame High School). This small-town upbringing would later shape his approach to performing.
Shatto's involvement with The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is significant, as the band has become a staple of holiday music, known for their elaborate live shows and concept albums. Their 1996 album "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" is a prime example of this, featuring a sprawling narrative that weaves together multiple storylines and musical styles. Shatto's participation in this project highlights his ability to adapt to different creative contexts, from the grandeur of Broadway to the more experimental realm of rock music.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra's use of traditional instruments alongside electronic elements has been influential in shaping the sound of contemporary holiday music. Their live shows often feature a large ensemble, complete with orchestral and choral components, which adds to the sense of spectacle and grandeur. Shatto's involvement in this project speaks to his ability to navigate complex musical arrangements and contribute to the band's signature sound.
Shatto's experience in Broadway musicals is equally impressive, with notable roles in Les Misérables, The Civil War, Dracula, the Musical, and Cats. His performance in Les Misérables, which premiered on Broadway in 1987, would have been a formative experience for Shatto, who was likely still in his early twenties at the time. This production's themes of social justice and rebellion would have resonated with Shatto's own background in small-town America.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra's national tour of Cats is another notable entry on Shatto's resume, as it demonstrates his ability to adapt to different touring schedules and perform in a variety of settings. The musical itself, based on T.S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," features a diverse range of characters and musical styles, which would have presented a challenge for Shatto as an actor-singer.
Shatto's involvement with Cornstock Theatre's production of The Secret Garden is also worth noting, as it highlights his commitment to community-based theatre. This production would have allowed Shatto to engage with local audiences and contribute to the development of young actors in the Peoria area. His experience in this context suggests that he values collaboration and community engagement, which is reflected in his work with The Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
The Secret Garden's themes of growth, renewal, and self-discovery would have resonated with Shatto's own experiences as a small-town performer. This production's focus on character development and emotional depth would have provided an opportunity for Shatto to explore complex dramatic roles, which is reflected in his later work on Broadway.
Shatto's background in Peoria, Illinois has likely influenced his approach to performing, as he has spoken about the importance of community-based theatre in interviews. His experience with Cornstock Theatre's production of The Secret Garden suggests that he values collaboration and engagement with local audiences. This commitment to community-based theatre is a hallmark of Shatto's career, which spans both Broadway and rock music.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra's use of traditional instruments alongside electronic elements has been influential in shaping the sound of contemporary holiday music. Their live shows often feature a large ensemble, complete with orchestral and choral components, which adds to the sense of spectacle and grandeur. Shatto's involvement in this project speaks to his ability to navigate complex musical arrangements and contribute to the band's signature sound.
Shatto's experience in Broadway musicals is equally impressive, with notable roles in Les Misérables, The Civil War, Dracula, the Musical, and Cats. His performance in Les Misérables would have been a formative experience for Shatto, who was likely still in his early twenties at the time. This production's themes of social justice and rebellion would have resonated with Shatto's own background in small-town America.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra's national tour of Cats is another notable entry on Shatto's resume, as it demonstrates his ability to adapt to different touring schedules and perform in a variety of settings. The musical itself, based on T.S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," features a diverse range of characters and musical styles, which would have presented a challenge for Shatto as an actor-singer.
Shatto's involvement with Cornstock Theatre's production of The Secret Garden is also worth noting, as it highlights his commitment to community-based theatre. This production would have allowed Shatto to engage with local audiences and contribute to the development of young actors in the Peoria area. His experience in this context suggests that he values collaboration and community engagement, which is reflected in his work with The Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
The Secret Garden's themes of growth, renewal, and self-discovery would have resonated with Shatto's own experiences as a small-town performer. This production's focus on character development and emotional depth would have provided an opportunity for Shatto to explore complex dramatic roles, which is reflected in his later work on Broadway.
Shatto's background in Peoria, Illinois has likely influenced his approach to performing, as he has spoken about the importance of community-based theatre in interviews. His experience with Cornstock Theatre's production of The Secret Garden suggests that he values collaboration and engagement with local audiences. This commitment to community-based theatre is a hallmark of Shatto's career, which spans both Broadway and rock music.
As a veteran member of The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Bart Shatto has contributed to the band's signature sound, blending traditional instruments with electronic elements in their holiday albums. His experience on Broadway, from Les Misérables to Cats, demonstrates his ability to adapt to different creative contexts and navigate complex musical arrangements.
Curated from public records and music databases.