One New Jersey high school was recently remade into the starship Nostromo for the last time — and one very famous crew member paid a visit.
‘Alien: The Play’ returned to the North Bergen High School stage one month after it blew up on the internet, thanks to amazing costumes, stage design as well as nostalgia for the original film which was released in 1979.
The drama club only had enough funds to put the production on for two nights in March but after Ridley Scott, the director of the film, donated $5,000 — the performance was able to be put on once again.
The students chose a Friday to honor the 40th anniversary of the film for a packed show. And in the audience?
The protagonist of the film who played the role of Ellen Ripley, Sigourney Weaver.
Weaver was able to meet the students who put on the play after the performance and were shell shocked to say the least.
Gabriella Delacruz, the student who played Ripley in the stage version, said the meeting was “unreal.”
“I really can’t believe it,” she told shared with WABC.
“Playing Ripley, honestly, has been such an honor, just considering how monumental her character was in moving forward strong women roles.”
“Our one girl that plays Ripley was just hugging her, she couldn’t believe it,” the play’s director, Perfecto Cuervo, said. “It was great. It was pretty awesome; it’s just a great validation of what we did today.”
But that wasn’t all.
The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts surprised the cast and crew with a $1,000 scholarship to the program’s summer camp.
In addition, the conservatory offered a $10,000 scholarship for college to each and every graduating senior that was involved in the production.
North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco was able to capture the moment, later posting it to Twitter:
When the first run of the production went viral about a month ago, both Weaver and Scott sent their wishes.
“My hat comes off to all of your creativity, imagination and determination to produce such an ambitious show,” Scott penned a letter to the drama club, which was later posted by Cuervo. “Limitations often produce the best results because imagination and determination can surpass any shortfalls and determine the way forward — ALWAYS.”
Weaver also gave a video message, saying:
“It looked incredible. You put so much heart and soul into that. And the alien, I must say, looked very real.”
“You know the alien might still be around,” she joked. “So when you’re opening your locker, just do it very slowly.”
Folks were quick to comment on the touching video, saying:
“Sigourney Weaver displaying such class. This absolute awesomeness! The looks on the kid’s faces: Priceless.”
“You know things just got real when Ripley shows up.”
“They never expected things to get this much attention and praise, but my lord do they deserve it.”
“I cannot like this enough. So many cheers for these talented, creative and tenacious students for this amazing achievement. I wish them all the greatest success!”
“What an incredible moment for some very talented young artists. This would a very life defining moment.”
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