Reviewed by Guy Picot
PATIENT 13 is a one-woman show in three acts, written and performed by the impressive Gail Thomas. It starts out as an ostensibly typical New York relationship show, then turns a corner and becomes an ostensibly typical rich-person-with-good-health-insurance cancer show (cue parade of specialists who get swiped left), but ultimately achieves a surprise triumphant finish as a mental health show. Throughout, Thomas is magnetic and engaging in her intensity and candor.
Always in motion and in touch with every member of the three-sided audience, Thomas takes us with her on her journey through this difficult terrain. In lesser hands, the material might seem indulgent, but Thomas keeps reminding us of its universality, and that we are all connected. The third act, which gives the show its title, marks a significant change of pace and elevates the piece to unequivocally excellent.
Directed beautifully and unobtrusively by Dan Oliverio, PATIENT 13 is a masterclass in storytelling, and how sometimes, a chair and a stage is all you need.
Copyright © 2023 Gia On The Move. All rights reserved.
Written and/or recorded exclusively for Gia On The Move. No part of this Gia On The Move publication, writing, video, or audio may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. Copyright infringement is a crime. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Gia On The Move Permissions Coordinator”. For more information please review our reprints and permissions page.
