Chronically single, living 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.”
This dark comedy solo show tracks Gail’s quest to find the line between herself and others after a cancer diagnosis and her participation as patient #13 in a ground-breaking FDA study that gave psilocybin (magic mushrooms) to cancer patients with anxiety and depression. The study has blazed a trail for the potential legalization of the psychedelics for use as a medical treatment. Gail has been interviewed by the New York Times, the Atlantic (Michael Pollan), Vsause, and CNN and now you can hear the whole story live! Patient 13 Show is featured in LA Magazine as a “bonus suggestion” show to see in the Hollywood Fringe 2023.
“…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
“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
“….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 on the Move
“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, and Co-founder of the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics
Gail Thomas (performer/writer) is a writer, lawyer, actor, filmmaker, and storytelling coach. As a storyteller, she is a Moth SLAM winner and has performed at Stories From Stage, The Moth, RISK!, Story Collider and beyond. Voiceover credits include John Cameron Mitchell’s Anthem: Homunculus, Angelo Rules, David Letterman, Beavis and Butthead, and various commercials and movies. Her short comedy, My BFF, won audience favorite at NYC New Filmmakers. She was a speechwriter for the Tribeca Film Festival and is currently a storytelling coach for PracticalStorytelling.com and The Story Studio.
Dan Oliverio (director) has directed and produced theater in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles for both non-profit 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.