March has been a whirlwind month of incredible performances, art, and laughs! Even with limited funds, I am able to optimize my museum memberships and I keep winning the lottery for Broadway and The Met Opera. Gotta play to win!
AT THE OPERA
Fidelio ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beethoven’s only opera and man was it is a stunner. I painted the cellar door cellar in the prisoner’s jail cell that kept his wife and him apart for a duet that brought the house down. Timely story of government oppression, great pace, and surprising twists made this an opera to remember.
La Bohème ⭐⭐⭐
This was my sixth time seeing La Boheme (as it is the most produced opera around the world) and every time I think it won’t be a tragedy. I always am swept into Puccini’s music and these characters singing about the joy of living even without any money. And then tragedy always strikes - Mimi always dies - it is a tear jerker for sure.
ON BROADWAY
Buena Vista Social Club ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Based on the 1996 documentary and album, Buena Vista Social Club, this is a brand new Broadway show not to be missed. I saw a preview within the first week and it officially opened last week. The story is in English and all the lyrics are kept in Spanish. It is vibrant, heart pounding, and I felt the music in my body. I recommend this show to anyone (even though it is a jute box musical) who wants a good night out of theater and music.
Sunset Blvd (Second Time) ⭐⭐⭐ through July 16, 2025.
News here is that this show is closing in July - much to fans dismay. Not quite sure why because it has been successful. Even with Tony buzz, we will say goodbye to Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger’s version of the falling starlet Norma Desmond July 16.
IN THE GALLERIES
Affinities: Anni Albers, Josef Albers, Paul Klee at David Zwirner through April 19, 2025
This show at David Zwirner is the best gallery show I have seen in 2025 hands down. Seems like New York is finally giving Anni Albers her due moment. Her textiles have always blow my mind and with an upcoming show at MoMA, she will get some focused attention. I often think that Anni and Josef are the most powerful art couple that change how we make art more than any other couple between their own art-making and their influence on an entire generation of artists post World War II. Any other art couples come to mind?
New Objectivity at the Neue Galerie ⭐⭐⭐⭐ through May 26, 2025
Seeing two of my favorite artists Otto Dix and Max Beckman in context with their friends, helped ground this art movement post World War 1 and their response to German Expressionism.
National Museum of Jazz in Harlem ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I went to a public program celebrating Velma Middleton (St Louis Blues in Stuggart, Germany), Louis Armstrong’s female vocalist for 19 years. It was a public program that featured archival footage and a live vocalist to bring the history to life - and it was amazing! Vocalist Brianna Thomas & Ricky Riccardi, Director of Research Collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum brought out an-depth look into an unsung creative hero.
Jack Whitten: The Messenger at MoMA ⭐⭐⭐⭐ through August 2, 2025
Wow! Not many exhibits get into my soul like this one. I wanted to put it on all your radars. I need to sit with it a bit more and hopefully I can get an entire essay out of the exhibit. One of the best I have seen the last three years, up there with the Wolfgang Tillman exhibit.







COMEDY
3/8 West Side Comedy (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) with 24 people
I had a great second set at Westside Comedy as part of the New Talent Showcase. My goal is to refine my “tight 5.” I am energized and excited to keep finding open mics and writing those punchlines. I took my visualisation skills and applied them to the laughs.
For my birthday, I took myself to see one of my comedic heroes Mike Birbiglia perform his newest hour - The Good Life at the Beacon Theater. I actually got to go back two nights later and see it again while it was being filmed for Netflix. It was great to hear and see the set twice so close to each other. His set was a bit darker than his usual joke fare, but it really was a full and energetic set ranging from growing up Catholic, his visit with the Pope, his less than ideal relationship with his father, and his true disdain for children’s birthday parties. He even gave us cupcakes out on Broadway afterwards!
⭐⭐UPCOMING DATES TO SEE
GREGORY ON STAGE⭐⭐
Up next up - April 12
at Westside Comedy Club
Get your Tickets HERE
and write GREGORY THOMAS STOCK
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