‘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.