
Synopsis/Details
A Family on the Edge
Carl and Nikki appear to have it all: a beautiful home, a loving daughter, and a bond that has weathered storms. But beneath the surface, Carl is drowning in a battle with alcohol and drugs, a struggle that began years ago when Nikki’s betrayal shattered his trust. Despite his promises to change, Carl’s addiction continues to haunt him, threatening to tear his family apart.
One stormy night, Carl stumbles home drunk, collapsing in front of his horrified wife and six-year-old daughter, Tamara. Nikki’s disgust is palpable, but her love for Carl forces her to clean up his mess—again. Tamara, innocent and adoring, only wants her father’s love, unaware of the darkness lurking beneath his charming facade.
The Cycle of Deception
Carl’s attempts to maintain normalcy are short-lived. He promises Tamara the world—doughnuts, bedtime stories, and undivided attention—but his addiction always pulls him back. When an old "friend," Dominic, resurfaces with a tempting offer, Carl’s resolve crumbles. He takes a bag of heroin, convincing himself he can handle it, but his actions set off a chain of events that will change his family forever.
Nikki, meanwhile, is hiding her own secrets. She’s planning a surprise anniversary gift—a symbol of her love and commitment to Carl—but her past infidelity continues to cast a shadow over their relationship. As she confides in her friend Jackie, it becomes clear that Nikki’s guilt and Carl’s addiction are intertwined, each feeding the other’s pain.
The Unthinkable Happens
Carl’s addiction spirals out of control. In a moment of desperation, he hides the heroin in the sugar canister, never imagining the consequences. Tamara, eager to be just like her father, unknowingly consumes the tainted sugar. The result is catastrophic: Tamara collapses, foaming at the mouth, and is rushed to the hospital in a coma.
All Accolades & Coverage
This is a produced play.
Story & Logistics
Story Type:
Rite of Passage
Story Situation:
Fatal imprudence
Story Conclusion:
Tragic
Linear Structure:
Linear
Moral Affections:
Guilt, Penitence, Punishment, Wrong
Cast Size:
Few
Locations:
Few
Special Effects:
Blood, Other practical effects
Characters
Lead Role Ages:
Female Adult, Female Young Adult, Female under 13, Male Adult
Hero Type:
Anti-Hero
Villian Type:
Criminal
Stock Character Types:
Tortured artist, Town drunk, Tragic hero, Wise old man
Advanced
Adaption:
Based on Existing Fiction
Subgenre:
Addiction, Family, Parenthood, Psychological, Social Problem, Vice
Action Elements:
Weaponry
Equality & Diversity:
Minority Protagonist, Passes Bechdel Test
Life Topics:
Adolescence, Approaching Death, Childhood, Death
Drug Topics:
Illegal Drugs, Legal Drugs
Time Period:
The Tens (2010–2019)
Country:
United States of America (USA)
Time of Year:
Summer
Illness Topics:
Psychological
Relationship Topics:
Abuse, By marriage, Domestic, Family