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If you plan on visiting the Big Apple this summer, you’ll want to take a stroll down the Great White Way in Midtown NYC where you’ll find the Theatre District of New York between 42^nd and 53^rd street. Here are the Broadway Musicals you can’t miss while in New York:

1. Memphis: We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. This Tony Award winning musical is an enthralling combination of forbidden interracial love, rock’n’roll feel good music written by Bon Jovi’s David Bryan, and an inspiring reenactment of the legendary DJ Dewey Phillips’ musical breakthroughs. Set in the segregated south in the 1950’s, Memphis is currently playing at the Shubert.
2. American Idiot: You probably never thought the punk rock sensation Greenday would ever become a Broadway musical, but it’s time to think again. Currently playing at the St James Theater, American Idiot features the hit tracks from Greenday’s album and some of their new hits from their 21^st Century Breakdown album. Though the band is not actually present, their music fills the background as working-class characters move from the burbs to the city to the Middle east seeking redemption from a world filled with frustration.
3. The Addams Family:  Featuring a star studded cast that includes Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth, the new and improved version of the original spooky Addams Family is playing at the Lunt Fontanne Theater.

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Singing, Dancing, Acting—triple threats can do them all. And they can do them on a professional level. If you’re interested in a career in the performing arts, chances are you already have at least one of these talents perfected. The key is to hone in on the other two skills and master them as well. Triple threats are much more likely to be cast in a musical or production than someone limited to one discipline. In fact, the combination of the three desirable traits is becoming the norm in today’s musical theatre business.

If you’re serious about a career in theatre, you’ll want to start developing all three skills early on. If you’re a dancer, take singing lessons on the side to develop your voice. If you’re a singer, sign up for a beginner jazz dance class. It would also be helpful to enroll in some tap and ballet classes to show versatility, but jazz is the main style choreographed in theatrical dances. Drama and acting classes that teach the appreciation and history of the art as well as the skills and performance aspects are key to a career in theatre. Most colleges and universities worldwide offer classes in each of the triple threat subcategories. You should seek schools that not only offer a drama major, but also offer musical and dance programs. In addition to taking the appropriate classes, you should put your talents work in community theatres. Local venues host shows with casts of all age groups, so finding an age appropriate audition shouldn’t be a problem.  Performing locally will help you hone your skills and show you what areas need work. Past experience also looks good to a panel when auditioning.

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No matter what area of the United States you live in, chances are there’s a local theatre close by. Theatres are a great recreational activity for some and a great place to start an acting career for others. Almost every big name in the theatre and Hollywood industry started in a local theatre. Most cities have children’s theatres or productions that your kids can partake in as well as regular theatre options. Local venues are often run by volunteer power, so if you’re interested in the theatre scene but don’t necessarily want to act on stage, you’re in luck.

The easiest way to find a theatre in your area is by using Google. Type in the name of your town followed by a theatre, and Google Maps will pinpoint any in your area. If nothing turns up, try contacting your town’s chamber of commerce or community center. When you contact the theatre, ask them how many shows the typically produce each year, where and when any auditions, rehearsals, and performances are held, and get an idea of the help they currently need. The great thing about community theatres is that they often take talent with no previous experience. Many theatres offer acting lessons, and they are willing to help anyone willing to learn the art. If you are looking for a paid part in a play, you’ll most likely need prior experience (unless you’re a born natural).

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On June 13^th, the biggest names in Broadway were recognized for their amazing performances of 2009. If you haven’t seen any of these winning phenomena, it’s recommended you hop on a flight to the nearest Broadway Theater and divulge in the acting, singing, and dancing that has been prestigously voted the best of the best at the 2010 Tony Awards.

The winner for Best Play was John Logan’s Red—an extraordinary depiction of an artist’s striving lifestyle and ambition starring Alfred Molina and Eddie Redmayne. Similarly, the best revival of a Play was August Wilson’s Fences. Starring well known A-lister Denzel Washington and brilliant actress Viola Davis, the reenactment of a twentieth-century African American family with a love for sports and a knack for drama was only on Broadway for 13 weeks. The role won Denzel Washington the Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play award.

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Memphis, winner of the 2010 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical, is the best thing to hit Broadway in a long time. Its original storyline, catchy likable scores, and charismatic performances by new upcoming stars make this musical the must-see of the summer.  Set in the 1950’s underground dance club, Memphis sheds a spotlight on forbidden interracial love between a white radio DJ (Huey Calhoun) and a black singer (Felicia Farrell) on her path to stardom.

As an integrated tribute to the birth of Rock’n’Roll, the music in Memphis is electrifying. In fact, David Bryan from Bon Jovi wrote the stimulating combination of rock, gospel, rhythm, and blues with lyricist Joe DiPietro that greatly contributes to the musical’s passion.

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