Natalie Toro's Christmas CD Release Party Set for Birdland, 12/8

Classically trained, Broadway veteran, Natalie Toro brings her infectious energy and powerhouse vocals, coupled with luscious tones to melt any heart with the release of Just in Time For Christmas, an eclectic holiday collection and music video. The CD features classic holiday favorites, new songs and, duets with such artists as Ryan Kelly and Grammy Award-winner, Jon Secada, and will be available on November 12, 2013 on iTunes, Amazon.com and other online outlets. A CD release party and holiday concert will also take place at Birdland (315 W. 44th Street, New York, NY) on Sunday, December 8 at 6pm (doors open at 5pm). For reservations call 212-581-3080.

Called "one of the greatest contemporary artists of our time" by BroadwayWorld.com, Toro blends her various backgrounds with a variety of musical styles thus, putting her own twist on such classics as "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (duet with Ryan Kelly), "The Christmas Song," "Ave Maria / O Holy Night," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" with two-time Grammy Award winner Jon Secada.

"Being a Broadway artist I have always had such a passion for the stage but, I've always wanted to flex my vocal styles to be able to establish myself as a studio recording artist," says Toro. "These beautiful songs and wonderful arrangements allow me to showcase another side of my voice that I am so thrilled to share with my fans, old and new."

"Having starred on Broadway myself, it was a thrill to work with Natalie on this project - not only does she have a powerful voice but, working with her in the studio was a great collaboration that I truly enjoyed," says Jon Secada. "She is a gifted artist that the world should know."

For their duet of the classic "Baby, It's Cold Outside," Ryan Kelly adds: "I was honored to be asked to guest on Natalie's album. It's great to have been involved in such an exciting project and to be singing alongside an established Broadway star!"

Produced by Dawn Makay, this holiday collection infuses classics with new material including the title track by award-winning songwriters David Zippel and David Friedman and, "Our First Christmas Together," written by the UK's Grammy-nominated musician, composer and producer, Phil Coulter, who is best known for co-creating the internationally-acclaimed group, Celtic Thunder, as well as producing for such artists as Sinéad O'Connor and Boyzone.

Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Natalie made her stage debut at the age of five at the legendary Apollo Theatre during their "Amateur Night." After studying at The Manhattan School of Music she received her BFA in Musical Theatre from the Boston Conservatory of Music. It wasn't long after graduating that the professional theatre world took notice of her unique talent.

Natalie was the first American to play the role of Eponine in Les Miserables on Broadway, for which she played for over three consecutive years. She also received accolades and critical acclaim for her portrayal of Madame Defarge in A Tale of Two Cities on Broadway. (She also filmed a concert version of this musical for PBS.) Other New York credits include originating the role of Sally in Alan Menken's A Christmas Carol at the Paramount Theatre. Just some of her National Tour and theatrical credits include playing Grizabella in Cats, Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar and, Camila in the Tony winning musical, In The Heights. Her acclaimed portrayal of Eva Peron in the 20th Anniversary Tour of Evita earned her a Joseph Jefferson Award nomination.

Television audiences might also recognize Natalie from her guest appearances on such shows as Elementary, Person of Interest, Law and Order, and Law and Order SVU. Natalie charmed audiences while performing with Symphony Orchestras across the country and graced the stage at Carnegie Hall and The National Concert Hall in Dublin.

With the help of her Producer, Dawn Makay, they produced her self-titled CD, a tribute to Broadway where she sang a duet with two-time Tony Award winner, Sutton Foster. Toro's first album, Bailando en la Luz (Broadway Salsa Fusion), was the last to be recorded at the famous Power Station Recording Studios before it closed its doors. Natalie's other recordings include the original cast recordings of Zombie Prom and A Christmas Carol; a dance single of "Rainy Days and Mondays" for BetBoys; and a compilation CD with other Latin artists called, Latin Broadway, among others.

Natalie currently resides in New York and is about to launch a tour in support of "Just In Time for Christmas." For additional information, tour dates and appearances, please visit NatalieToro.com or follow her on Facebook @NatalieToroFanPage and on Twitter @TheNatalieToro.

"Just in Time For Christmas" Track List

1- JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS (David Friedman / David Zippel)

2- THE CHRISTMAS SONG (Mel Torme / Bob Wells)

3- BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE (Frank Loesser) Duet with Ryan Kelly

4- AVE MARIA/ O'HOLY NIGHT (Charles Gounod / Composed by Adolphe Adam)

5- ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS SONG (Peter Kay / Gary Barlow)

6- OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS TOGETHER (Phil Coulter)

7- I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS (Kim Gannon / Walter Kent) Duet with Jon Secada