Students at North Bergen High School may have a hit play on their hands.
After going viral on the internet the school's production of the sci-fi classic Alien is now being praised by Sigourney Weaver and director Ridley Scott.
*you can read about the school's play here
With a budget of $3500 and an ambitious vision students at the North Bergen High School in New Jersey propelled themselves to the heights of "internet sensation" with their creative adaptation of Ridley Scott's 1979 sci-fi thriller Alien.
Now the play's cast and crew are being praised by Alien's star, Sigourney Weaver, and director and creator Ridley Scott himself for their incredible achievement.
Alien: The Play was performed by students at the New Jersey school on March 19 and 22 and quickly received viral acclaim after clips of the production were posted online.
I love that north bergen high school did alien last night as their school play, so I’m gonna keep tweeting about ho… https://t.co/wrmAKhuoCu— Andrew Fernandez (@Andrew Fernandez) 1553362428.0
Last night the North Bergen High School in New Jersey put on 'Alien' as their school play and it looks absolutely i… https://t.co/WasIbmHpXV— Paul Owens (@Paul Owens) 1553330782.0
But the highest praise possible was the thumbs up the students received from thestar of the movie, Sigourney Weaver, and creator Sir Ridley Scott.
In a letter shared with Deadline Hollywood, Scott applauded the students for their efforts.
"My hat comes off to all of you for all your creativity, imagination and determination to produce such an ambitious show," Scott wrote.
"Limitations often produce the best results, because imagination and determination can surpass any shortfalls and determine the way forward — ALWAYS."
If you haven't seen this ... A letter from Ridley Scott to the students who put on Alien at their High School. The… https://t.co/RWWwv611nu— Matthew Graham (@Matthew Graham) 1553791186.0
Through his production company Scott Free, Scott also offered to fund an encore performance of the play.
"This may be the biggest lesson for ALL OF YOU, and your future plans", Scott added.
"Stay with this determination, and this spirit in everything you do, and you will succeed -- let nothing put you off -- or set you back."
Scott even had a suggestion for what the students might consider adapting next.
"How about your next TEAM production being Gladiator --"
Scott created that film as well.
It was high praise indeed, and fans were touched that Scott had taken the time to congratulate the students.
@TremensDr @sebpatrick That's awesome. The next Ridley Scott could be reading it— Vanni Fucci (@Vanni Fucci) 1553800553.0
@TremensDr @KathyBurke What a wonderful letter. Ridley Scott has risen even higher in my estimation. He must be a lovely chap.— Sally Burgess (@Sally Burgess) 1553812616.0
@TremensDr Love it! He's bloody marvellous. Think this is a pretty inspiring letter for creative adults.— Fritha Malcouronne. (@Fritha Malcouronne.) 1553811954.0
@TremensDr @MJMcKean Why is it so damn dusty in here??? ❤️❤️❤️— Kitty Kitty MeowMeow (@Kitty Kitty MeowMeow) 1553809184.0
@TremensDr @Emlyjkl A fantastic compliment after performing an amazing performance of a most difficult play. Congratulations to you all.— Sarah Wood (@Sarah Wood) 1553797879.0
@TremensDr @ARTofCOOP Ah man, now my eyes are watering at work— Karl Loeffler (@Karl Loeffler) 1553879319.0
@TremensDr @MayMilesThomas Brilliant👍 Such encouragement from a master is a treasure 😁— Karen Smyth (@Karen Smyth) 1553849204.0
Star Sigourney Weaver followed up with her own praise.
And a warning for the students at North Bergen.
Students at North Bergen High School in New Jersey recently put on an AMAZING production of #Alien. Hollywood notic… https://t.co/kiGcO03aO5— Alien (@Alien) 1553778001.0
Fans were equally excited by the thumbs up from Weaver.
@AlienAnthology I love this so much! The fact that she noticed it and took time to record this, gives me hope. We n… https://t.co/opwowLpV7R— AvengeTheFallenAvengers (@AvengeTheFallenAvengers) 1553786003.0
@AlienAnthology We bow before the Queen of sci-fi horror, such a massive inspiration. How lovely to take the time t… https://t.co/iLqCTbz1BJ— Dark Matter Films (@Dark Matter Films) 1553853812.0
@AlienAnthology Yes! https://t.co/5d2y2nxw01— One Woman Alien (@One Woman Alien) 1553785561.0
@AlienAnthology Love creativity inspiring creativity. Stay thirsty kids. https://t.co/AhFnXvciVn— Adam Johnson (@Adam Johnson) 1553811317.0
@AlienAnthology I ❤️ U https://t.co/W4tCB4Wwp4— Ari Pley (@Ari Pley) 1553781553.0
@AlienAnthology @donttrythis OMG!! Those kids in Jersey who put on that production of "Alien" got a message from Si… https://t.co/lg11Jn2bhk— Linda Andrews (@Linda Andrews) 1553885387.0
@AlienAnthology @therpf Ripley herself approves! ❤️— ChristiBoss (@ChristiBoss) 1553876518.0
And for the thousands of Alien fans who weren't able to catch the production there may be some good news.
The school is said to have recorded the entire play and rumors are they are looking to make it available to anyone interested, though nothing has been confirmed yet.
Until then, the original film Alien as well as the sequels are available here.
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