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An eerie resurrection: Disney’s alien encounter revived on stage
Unleashing nostalgia with a twist
For those not deeply embedded in Disney fandom, “The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter” might be a fading memory. This thrilling attraction, which debuted in the 1990s at Florida’s Magic Kingdom, was famed for its intense and nerve-wracking experience. Despite its short-lived run, it left an indelible mark on those who experienced its revolutionary use of binaural sound and 4D effects, such as spraying fluids and mimicking hot breaths on the audience’s necks.
Bringing the terror back
Good news for fans of the unnerving: Trepany House has taken up the challenge of revamping this spine-chilling spectacle. This parody production, titled “Alien Encounter”, is the brainchild of Adam Franklin and Amit Itelman, and is sponsored by Titmouse. It’s set to run every weekend in October at the Titmouse Warehouse in Hollywood. An important detail for potential attendees: the show promises a bloody extravaganza. The press release even carries a cheeky warning suggesting, “AUDIENCES WILL BE COVERED IN BLOOD, DRESS ACCORDINGLY.”
But what should you expect from this experience? “You’ll be face to face with a ferocious, flesh-eating extraterrestrial whose sole purpose is to wreak havoc on Earth,” Itelman teases.
A creator’s vision
Amit Itelman’s track record speaks volumes about his expertise in creating immersive theatrical experiences. Audiences might recall his earlier work in “Hollywood Hellhouse,” which cleverly intertwined elements of a haunted house with Christian fundamentalist teachings. His more recent production, “Bride of Blood”, ran successfully in Los Angeles for over a year before making its way to Tokyo. The show was renowned for its elaborate costumes, detailed puppetry, and intricate set pieces, worthy of any grand theater.
Itelman posits that “Alien Encounter” shares thematic similarities with “Bride of Blood”. He explains, “Both are exercises in outrageous make-believe. The dramatic ideas seem to want to explode off the stage, often surpassing the given limitations of the theater space.”
Crafting the creature
Itelman’s penchant for creative creature design is evident. Collaborating with seasoned special effects artists like Fred Fraleigh (known for “Hellboy” and ”Avengers: Infinity War”) and the performance group Big Nazo, Itelman ensures that his monstrous visions come to life vividly. He also brings along a troupe of talented actors, dubbed the Trepany House players, notorious for their commitment to creating enthralling theatrical experiences.
Reimagining a Disney classic
The storyline of this revamped “Alien Encounter” parodies the original Disney attraction where an alien is accidentally teleported into the same room as the audience, but with an amplified sense of chaos and drama. Itelman remarks on the original concept’s brilliance and its inappropriateness for Disney Parks, feeling it’s a natural fit for Trepany House.
A nod to past collaborations: Itelman and Franklin’s journey dates back over a decade when they first worked on a stage adaptation of Martin Olsen’s “The Encyclopedia of Hell”. Their shared love for horror and dark-themed rides fueled this latest venture. “Shrooming at Disneyland during my teenage years had a profound impact on my theatrical career,” Itelman muses, adding, “Adam’s vivid memories of experiencing the original ‘Alien Encounter’ led us to this crazy idea of resurrecting it.”
Practical challenges and solutions
The show’s production isn’t without its challenges, especially with the enormous amounts of stage blood involved. Itelman shares a practical tip from his toolkit: “The secret to cleaning up gallons of stage blood is sawdust. A whole lot of sawdust takes care of any mess.”
Beyond the theatrical confines
Itelman’s aspirations extend beyond conventional theater setups. There are ongoing discussions about translating “Bride of Blood” into Japanese, with ideas being floated about taking the production beyond live theater. This ambition to transcend traditional boundaries is a testament to Itelman’s innovative and adventurous spirit.
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