Craig Lancaster Books

Edward Stanton is a man hurtling headlong toward middle age. His mental illness has led him to be sequestered in his small house in a small city, where he keeps his distance from the outside world and the parents from whom he is largely estranged. For the most part, Edward sticks to things he can count on ... and things he can count. But over the course of 25 days (or 600 hours, as Edward prefers to look at it) several events puncture the walls Edward has built around himself. In the end, he faces a choice: Open his life to experience and deal with the joys and heartaches that come with it, or remain behind his closed door, a solitary soul.

It's been a year of upheaval for Edward Stanton, a forty-two-year-old with Asperger's syndrome. He's lost his job. His trusted therapist has retired. His best friends have moved away. And even his nightly ritual of watching Dragnet reruns has been disrupted. All of this change has left Edward, who lives his life on a rigid schedule, completely flummoxed. But when his friend Donna calls with news that her son Kyle is in trouble, Edward leaves his comfort zone in Billings, Montana, and drives to visit them in Boise, where he discovers Kyle has morphed from a sweet kid into a sullen adolescent. Inspired by dreams of the past, Edward goes against his routine and decides to drive to a small town in Colorado where he once spent a summer with his father--bringing Kyle along as his road trip companion. The two argue about football and music along the way, and amid their misadventures, they meet an eccentric motel owner who just might be the love of Edward's sheltered life--if only he can let her. Endearing and laugh-out-loud funny, Edward Adrift is author Craig Lancaster's sequel to 600 Hours of Edward.

Max Wendt grapples with the disintegration of his family as he confronts his role in its decline. His frequent absences have created a rift between him, his wife, and his daughter, leading to a painful disconnect. As he navigates the gap between cherished memories and the current reality, Max must face the consequences of his actions and seek a way to reconnect with his loved ones.

Exploring themes of family violence and redemption, the narrative unfolds across four timelines. Nate Ray, struggling with his past and relationships, is called to Montana for his aunt's funeral, confronting long-buried issues. In the 1970s, Electra Ray seeks freedom from neglect for herself and her son. Meanwhile, high school graduate Cherie Bowden grapples with her family's legacy while settling an estate in 2002. The story also reveals Ronnie Ray's tumultuous youth in the 1950s, highlighting how history shapes identities and the enduring nature of hope.

The narrative unfolds with a poignant exploration of family bonds, centering on a son who grapples with a promise made to his deceased father. Accompanied by an old dog, the journey delves into themes of loss, duty, and the quest for closure. As the characters navigate their emotional landscape, the play offers a blend of humor and heart, showcasing the complexities of relationships and the impact of past decisions. Craig Lancaster's debut play promises a compelling and heartfelt theatrical experience.