‘Alien’ stage adaptation goes viral, HS adds more performances

A Hudson County high school’s drama club has gotten the attention of Hollywood and the world with its recreation of the Ridley Scott’s 1979 scifi horror movie “Alien.”

News 12 Staff

Mar 25, 2019, 2:30 PM

Updated 1,852 days ago

Share:

‘Alien’ stage adaptation goes viral, HS adds more performances
A Hudson County high school’s drama club has gotten the attention of Hollywood and the world with its recreation of the Ridley Scott’s 1979 sci-fi horror movie “Alien.”
Pictures taken during the North Bergen High School performance were posted on Twitter and quickly went viral as the public marveled at the detailed costumes and set pieces the students made from mostly recycled materials.
 
“This year we made something out of little-to-nothing and it really showed that all you need is inspiration and hard work to get something done,” says student Gabriella Delacruz, who played the character Ripley – made famous by actress Sigourney Weaver.
The props were made from recycled plastic, everyday foam and carved-out light globes. The detailed “Xenomorph” alien costume also wowed the audience.
“I saw a lot of screaming and a lot of people eyeballing me, trying to look at the whole costume,” says Xavier Perez, who played the creature. “It’s great seeing all the great work that all these people have done.”
Teacher and art director Steven Defendini says that the whole event felt more like a sporting event than a high school play.
“It went from people being observing to people participating. They were cheering for the alien. They were cheering against the alien,” he says.
The play caught the attention of some big names in Hollywood who all retweeted the photos. The play also received a nod from the official “Alien” Twitter account.
The North Bergen Schools superintendent says that there will be another opportunity for the public to see the performance with more shows scheduled before the end of the school year. North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco’s nonprofit foundation will fund the additional performances.
 


More from News 12
1:42
Police: Marlboro teacher accused of inappropriately touching student faces charges

Police: Marlboro teacher accused of inappropriately touching student faces charges

2:19
Scattered rain showers overnight; sunshine returns Saturday afternoon

Scattered rain showers overnight; sunshine returns Saturday afternoon

0:32
Man who lit himself on fire outside Trump trial has ties to New Jersey

Man who lit himself on fire outside Trump trial has ties to New Jersey

0:56
Graffiti of former Palestinian militant Leila Khaled found spray-painted at Rutgers University

Graffiti of former Palestinian militant Leila Khaled found spray-painted at Rutgers University

0:09
Police: 2 men critically injured in Newark shooting

Police: 2 men critically injured in Newark shooting

2:16
Public warned to keep their dogs away from seals at the Jersey Shore

Public warned to keep their dogs away from seals at the Jersey Shore

0:59
Jersey Proud: 3 men running the length of New Jersey for ‘Dylan’s Wings of Change’ charity

Jersey Proud: 3 men running the length of New Jersey for ‘Dylan’s Wings of Change’ charity

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:01
New Jersey water companies make plans to adapt federal ‘forever chemical’ guidelines

New Jersey water companies make plans to adapt federal ‘forever chemical’ guidelines

1:54
Authorities: 2 children at Port Reading school become sickened after ingesting marijuana gummies

Authorities: 2 children at Port Reading school become sickened after ingesting marijuana gummies

2:45
Business owners say they are losing business due to Route 71 bridge being stuck in up position

Business owners say they are losing business due to Route 71 bridge being stuck in up position

1:42
Prosecutor: Remains found at Wall construction site were of ‘advanced age’

Prosecutor: Remains found at Wall construction site were of ‘advanced age’

0:27
Prosecutors: Atlantic City’s Central Pier bursts into flames; 1 man dead

Prosecutors: Atlantic City’s Central Pier bursts into flames; 1 man dead

0:25
Boil water advisory issued for parts of Monmouth County

Boil water advisory issued for parts of Monmouth County

0:48
Ridgewood mayor shares photos showcasing renovation of former Warner Theater

Ridgewood mayor shares photos showcasing renovation of former Warner Theater

1:37
Officials: Some Marlboro schools, Trenton Board of Ed receive bomb threat 2nd day in a row

Officials: Some Marlboro schools, Trenton Board of Ed receive bomb threat 2nd day in a row

0:31
Start of Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery trial is delayed a week to mid-May

Start of Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery trial is delayed a week to mid-May

0:35
How to get rid of unused or expired medications

How to get rid of unused or expired medications

2:51
EPA: Elevated levels of lead found at multiple East Trenton homes, parks

EPA: Elevated levels of lead found at multiple East Trenton homes, parks

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12