Patient 13

On Thursday, September 4th 9:30pm, Lyric Hyperion hosts PATIENT 13, a critically- acclaimed dark comedy solo show which garnered rave reviews from its 2024 run at t LA's Rogue Machine theater. Winner of 2024 LA Progressive Progie and LA Hidden Gems awards.

Gail Thomas - writer/actor; Dan Oliverio - Director

About:

Chronically single in NYC, Gail has always been good at staying busy, setting boundaries and avoiding intimacy. That is, until a scary diagnosis makes her realize that she might just need to slow down, chill out, and get some help. But, who can she trust? “I got rid of all the toxic people and there was no one left.”

'Her life takes unexpected turns, hilarious and often shocking, leading to her participation as “Patient #13” in a ground-breaking FDA study of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) for cancer survivors with anxiety and depression. The study blazed a trail for the potential legalization of psychedelics for medical use. Gail has been interviewed by the New York Times, the Atlantic (Michael Pollan), Vsauce, and CNN.

Now you can watch the whole story live on stage! For more info and a teaser video, go to patient13show.com

Reviews:

“….Throughout, Thomas is magnetic and engaging in her intensity and candor…PATIENT 13 is a masterclass in storytelling, and how sometimes, a chair and a stage is all you need.” — Guy Picot of Gia of on the Move

"...Gail Thomas is a born storyteller... she makes you feel like her best friend in seconds...This is a show that is not afraid of darkness, but for all its talk of death, depression, anxiety and medical nightmares, it has something quirky and uplifting about it, and the comedy really lands... — Amanda Callas, Broadway World

“...this canny author manages to turn her fears and black thoughts into a very funny glimpse at just how ridiculous life can sometimes turn out... Gail Thomas does a fantastic job of telling her poignant story, all the while poking fun at her own actions and reactions... PATIENT 13 entertains while asking thought-provoking questions and memories which will linger long after the show is over.” — Elaine Mura, Splash Magazines

“Gail Thomas is a poignant storyteller …. Patient 13 is engagingly performed throughout. A moving ... always entertaining one-woman show that dares delve into taboo topics typically overlooked by romcoms. Artistically acted …”— Ed Rampell, Hollywood Progressive

In “Patient 13,” playwright and actor Gail Thomas delivers a dark comedy that examines the human psyche’s complexities, especially when faced with mortality... Thomas’s narrative balances humor and pathos, making us reflect on our own lives and relationships. — James Scarborough, What the Butler Saw, An LA Arts Magazine

“I’ve interviewed a lot of people and Gail’s psychedelic trip report definitely stands out!” — Michael Pollan, Author of How to Change Your Mind, The Omnivore’s Dilemma

"Patient 13 is a fascinating show, with a beautiful script, crafted by Thomas, who safeguards her audience on a trippy, whirlwind journey into self-respect, healing and trust. Gail Thomas stands strong, still draped in that same infectious positive outlook at show’s end, and she never wavers in between, not even for a moment. Patient 13 is beautifully directed by Dan Oliverio."— Dan Ruth, LA Hidden Gems

“Gail Thomas, a Moth Story SLAM winner, has a winning way and a lot of shocking details. From “defensive dating” to a string of doctors, this is a story of a strong woman who kicked cancer and got rid of the toxic people in her life. Thomas reminds us all to participate fully in life, to trust and let go. And she leaves you wondering where you can get your hands on some psilocybin.”— Larchmont Buzz

“…Her performance in PATIENT 13 is a gripping roller coaster ride of emotions. As she skillfully recounts her story, I am in awe of her perseverance and impressed by her resilience. I was deeply moved witnessing her standing ovation, seeing the tears of joy streaming down her face… Go for the story and leave with Hope.”— Eloise Coopersmith of Gia on the Move

Bios:

Gail Thomas(performer/playwright) is a writer, lawyer, actor, filmmaker, and storytelling coach. She has performed in NYC and LA at The Moth (SLAM winner), RISK!, Story Collider, Revealed, and beyond. Voiceover credits include John Cameron Mitchell’s Anthem: Homunculus, Angelo Rules, David Letterman, Beavis and Butthead. Her short comedy, My BFF, won audience favorite at NYC New Filmmakers. She was a speechwriter for the Tribeca Film Festival and is a storytelling coach for all sorts of people. More info, go to https://gail-thomas.com/ .

Dan Oliverio (director) has directed and produced theater in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles for both nonprofit and for-profit companies including such shows as The Importance of Being Earnest, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Pygmalion, and the works of contemporary playwrights such as Jennifer Maisel and Michael MacLennan. He has also translated various classical plays from Spanish to English and is the author of the award-winning book, The Round World: Life at the Intersection of Love, Sex, and Fat. He is currently a teaching artist at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and co-host of the Big Fat Gay Podcast.

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For Attendees requiring an Assisted Listening Device, you must submit a written request to venue operator 48 hours prior to listed show start.

FREE street parking on Lyric Ave and Griffith Park Blvd

At this time there are no additional safety regulations required of audiences - masking, etc. But if you do feel unwell please stay home. We continue to update our policies at times when health conditions change.

Host or Publisher The Lyric Hyperion