Hyper-Chondriac

Comments (0) By Neal Weaver Thursday, Sep 22 2011

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Asylum Lab

1078 Lillian Way
Los Angeles, CA 90038

Category: Performing Arts Venues

Region: Hollywood

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In this comic solo show, writer-performer Brian Frazer examines the difference between hypochondriacs and hyper-chondriacs. The former imagine they're sick, while the latter are actually ill, and it makes them, like Frazer, hyper. He was already semi-obsessive, impatient, always in a hurry and prone to rage. When he developed a disturbing itching in his hands, he turned to a dermatologist, who informed him the problem was in his mind and prescribed Zoloft. The medication worked, and he felt blissfully peaceful — until he began to fear developing immunity to the drug. That sent him on a hilarious, ever-expanding quest to find a panacea: He tried anger management, Kabbalah, yoga, acupuncture, Buddhism, tai chi, traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine and — wait for it — bodybuilding. Though Frazer claims his story is factual, one suspects exaggeration, but it is funny to watch him fight his way through his neuroses and various medical absurdities. Frazer has wit and charm, and director-designer Kiff Scholl keeps things brisk on a clever set featuring the contents of a giant first-aid kit, including huge capsules and tablets. Asylum Lab, 1078 Lillian Way, Hlywd.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.; thru Nov. 6. (323) 960-7785, Plays411.com/hyperchondriac.
Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m. Starts: Oct. 1. Continues through Nov. 6, 2011