North Bergen High School hasn’t presented a theatre production in many years, but that all changed when students performed a stage version of the film “Night of the Living Dead” last week.
“I actually think our play is better than the movie,” said Alvaro Bautista, who played the role of “Johnny.” “We have pretty good actors and we have pretty cool effects.”
Perfecto Cuervo, after being hired as a teacher at the school last year, was put in charge of the drama course this year. He formed a drama club in order to get students even more involved and decided it was about time the school had a live production. On May 19, students performed the school’s first large production in 10 years.
“I haven’t seen as focused a production since I came to the high school.” – Allen Fernandez
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Cult film
Cuervo has experience in film making, and decided to adapt the 1968 cult film into a play.
The film, considered groundbreaking, begins with characters “Barbara” and “Johnny” visiting their father’s grave, where “Johnny” is killed after zombies attack them. She and “Ben,” who finds “Barbara” hiding in an empty house after fleeing the graveyard, are the protagonists of the story.
However, to make their performances their own, several changes were made.
“I gave them a lot of liberties to feel free to explore their characters a little more,” said Cuervo.
‘Ben’ to ‘Jen’
After watching the film in class, Cuervo explained some of the issues in the movie, including the racism in the film in the character of “Ben.”
Due to so many strong females trying out for the role, he decided to change the role of “Ben” to “Jen.”
“I think it’s pretty cool,” said Brittany Hilliard, who performed the role of “Jen.” “Back then, it was a big, masculine guy and it’s just kind of changed. Girls weren’t known like that, so it is putting a different twist on our play all together.”
Allen Fernandez played “Harry Cooper,” with whom “Jen” conflicts during the play. He thought it was great that students were able to change the characters to fit their personalities.
“I haven’t seen as focused a production since I came to the high school,” said Fernandez. “It’s really exciting and refreshing.”
Assistant Director Nicole Macias said that once they began rehearsals in January, she often stayed after school until 8 p.m. until she was needed. She was proud of what they were able to accomplish.
The play was performed one night only.
Surprises and gore
Cuervo said that one of the highlights of the play was the special effects makeup for the 25 zombies in the cast. There were different varieties of blood, and even toilet paper was used to give a “ripped skin” effect.
Due to the stage being in use a lot of the time, students had to construct and paint their sets in just one week. Looking back on their work, they were proud of what they were able to accomplish.
There were even twin actors who performed as a Siamese twin zombie.
Their production also began and ended with a future scenario of what would happen if zombies take over the world.
“We show up to rehearsal; we learn our lines,” Alexandra Rodriguez, who acted as “Barbara,” said last week before their performance. “It’s great. I just can’t wait for opening night.”