Scream, Echo. Scream.
By Summer Baer
Directed by Lize Lewy
Hosted by Metro Theater Company
May 10, 2025
Scream, Echo. Scream. is a new play with a deep history and lore. It’s an intriguing effort by local performer Summer Baer, directed and produced by Lize Lewy, and with a background in Greek mythology that’s brought to life with striking immediacy by a small but determined, highly engaging cast. On stage in the rehearsal studio at Metro Theater Company in Grand Center, this is a fascinating look at relationships, nature, secrets, and connections.
The thoughtfully constructed script has a strong grasp of the stories on which it is based, but also goes its own way with them to create an engaging, challenging story with consistent themes and memorable characters. The premise is that nymphs from around the world gather every hundred years in Laurel Grove, at the tree that was once their fellow nymph Daphne, who transformed into a laurel tree as protection from the unwanted advances of the persistent and menacing Greek god Apollo. As the play begins, the regulars–naiads Peyto (Kristen Strom) and Ozark (Frankie Ferrari) and oread Echo (Summer Baer)–are joined by an eager but somewhat naive newcomer, the dryad Socotra (Sarah Lantsberger). Over the course of the story, the personal connections and conflicts develop, as Socotra learns and explores, Ozark challenges and confronts, Peyto hides secrets and struggles with personal guilt, and Echo tries to keep an upbeat mood but also deals with her own challenges in communication while only being able to repeat what others say. As the “sisters” engage in memorial rituals, sing stunning harmonies, and bicker back and forth, they also share regrets that fewer and fewer of their sisters are coming to the requiems, and that they keep finding the stones that nymphs leave behind before they disappear. The connection to environmental stewardship and neglect is strongly implied, as are the concepts of interdependence and friendship, as well as issues of past trauma and how it affects lives in the present and future.
The show manages to hold interest through means of excellent theming, musical interludes, and top-notch performances by the cast, who all work together with remarkable chemistry and believability. Strom, as the secretive, guilt-ridden Petyo, and Ferrari, as the loving but confrontational Ozark, form a strong relationship here, and Lantsberger portrays Socotra with an amiable eagerness and intelligence. Baer’s Echo is the heart of this story, and Baer shines in the role, bringing much sympathy, energy, and sensitivity to the role. All four players work together especially well, and their voices blend together beautifully in the harmonizing sequences.
The show is also a memorable sensory experience, with a simple but stunning set designed by Baer, focused on the impressively designed laurel tree, which also works as a showcase for Erin Riley’s stunning lighting. There’s also excellent work from composer and sound designer Bryn McLaughlin, as the show’s haunting score augments the story admirably. Baer’s costumes are also strong, whimsically and colorfully designed and suiting the characters well.
Summer Baer has already established herself as an excellent performer in the St. Louis theatre scene, but now she has effectively added “playwright and designer” to her resume. The thoughtful direction by Lize Lewy and impressive performances of the entire cast and creative team add much in the way of mystery, drama, humor, and quality to this promising new play. It’s a fascinating story well-told.
Scream, Echo. Scream is playing at the Metro Theater Company space until May 24, 2025
Leave a Reply