PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE: Holy Trinity Catholic High School

Read the Top 5 Reviews! All reviews are written by high school students in the Edmonton and surrounding area.

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Chaos, Corpses, and Cult Classics: Holy Trinity’s Plan 9 From Outer Space

By Ruth Young

St. Joseph Catholic High School

Sometimes the ‘worst film ever made’ can inspire one of the most entertaining stage productions you’ll ever see.

Holy Trinity Catholic High School’s production of Plan 9 From Outer Space delivered a lively and entertaining show filled with creativity and humor. Based on Edward D. Wood Jr.'s unusual 1957 science-fiction film, originally released under the title Grave Robbers from Outer Space, Plan 9 From Outer Space embraced the odd and wacky

spirit that eventually earned the original movie a cult following. Written and directed by Wood, an ambitious filmmaker who dreamed of creating great movies despite limited resources, the story follows aliens who attempt to stop humanity from developing powerful weapons by resurrecting the dead and causing chaos on Earth. The stage version, adapted by Brian Newell, captures the humor and eccentric charm of the original while celebrating

Wood’s relentless passion for filmmaking.

One of the most memorable aspects of Holy Trinity’s production was its interactive nature. The actors frequently stepped off the stage and into the audience, staying in character as they pitched Ed Wood’s outrageous film ideas directly to the crowd. This approach made the audience feel like an active part of the performance, creating a fun and immersive experience. Even with a minimalist set and limited theatre space, the cast used the stage to its fullest, moving dynamically throughout the environment and turning its simplicity into an advantage. Their inventive use of the space kept each scene lively and showed how creativity and energy can transform even the simplest stage into something engaging and memorable.

Another unique and creative element of the production was the inclusion of student-made trailers placed between scenes. Each trailer represented a different show or idea that Ed Wood, played by Ari Keeping, was attempting to pitch. These short segments surprised the audience and added variety to the performance, highlighting the creativity and effort of the students involved behind the scenes.

Ryan Rogers, who played Jeff Trent and Liza Kozachenko who portrayed Paula Trent were two of the production's most notable characters. They quickly became crowd favorites due to their cheerful relationship, marital squabbling, and amusing banter. Many of Rogers' scenes are particularly humorous and delightful because of his good comedic timing, dramatic facial expressions, and confident line delivery as Jeff Trent.

Liza Kozachenko also delivered a memorable performance as Paula Trent. She added humor through small details, such as her exaggerated screams, jumps, and reactions during certain scenes. These choices made her moments stand out and added to the comedic energy of the show. Her unexpected dance number surprised the audience

and was performed confidently, while still maintaining the classic 1950s housewife charm that fit her character well.

Overall, Holy Trinity Catholic High School’s Plan 9 From Outer Space was an entertaining and creative production. With interactive storytelling, inventive student contributions, and strong performances, the cast successfully captured the fun and chaotic spirit of Edward D. Wood Jr.’s cult classic.

Plan 9 From Outer Space Review

By Sofia Martinez Tracz

Oscar Romero Catholic High School

What happens when aliens defy the status quo, and make it their mission to save humanity? As darkness plunges, the curtains roll back and in that, there is a moment where the room is quiet, buzzing with eagerness and expectancy. It is when the lights hit the stage, and we are greeted with the chatter of director Ed Wood Jr. and his entourage on their mission to find investors. Holy Trinity's production of Plan 9 from Outer Space finely melds cinema and live performance together, using student made previews as movie trailers and scene setting.

Adapted by Brian Newell, Plan 9 from Outer Space was an independently produced film from 1957. Written and directed by Edward D. Wood Jr. this low budget sci-fi gathered recognition as it was the last onscreen performance for famous gothic actor Bela Lugosi, known best for his role as Dracula in 1931. Plan 9 from Outer Space centers around aliens trying to stop humanity from creating a weapon that could destroy the universe, raising the dead in order to get the attention of Earth, and convince Earthlings not to make the weapon. Though using the same plot, Newell’s adaption pokes fun as it provides a more satirical retelling of Wood’s original screenplay.

Graduating from U of Alien, we have Spencer Rosaasen, Florence Valenciano, and Reese Cabie, our favourite extraterrestrial trio! Draped in sequin capes and satin shirts, the three aliens carefully constructed their characters to encapsulate the witty humour of this comical stageplay. From the first line of “Na-Na,” their synchronized greeting immediately had the audience roaring with laughter. As the trio devised their plan on saving Earth, each actor emphasized one another whilst maintaining their individual character traits, highlighting the importance of teamwork and harmony that goes into creating a seamless, powerful ensemble triad.

Valerie Sacramento breathed life and comedy into Bela Lugosi’s deadly and dramatic Dracula. With strong comedic timing, Sacramento filled the auditorium with glee with their hysterical one liners and animated body language. Sacramento displayed Dracula with a more farcical lens, providing a brighter outlook to such a dark character, ultimately shining as a vivacious vampire!

Not to mention the surprise choreo number! Short, sweet, and stunning- this number was

invigorating as it replicated the dance style of the 1950’s while maintaining the key comedy aspects this show requires. This lovely number was well executed with precise arms, clear windows, and bursting energy. The lights shone upon the cast members' bright faces as the music bounced from the walls. With afterschool rehearsals required to perfect the number, the time paid off as the theatrical number mesmerized the audience, and left me speechless.

Holy Trinity has outdone themselves, their flawless teamwork and unwavering dedication to the production left all in awe. The atmosphere was so free and electric, every joke further pushing the audience's laughter. The friendship among the cast only makes the show stronger, humour and heart showing through the madness, perfectly encapsulating the purpose of Plan 9 from Outer Space.

The Best Kind of Worst: Holy Trinity’s Intergalactic Pitch

By Navdeep Kaur

McNally High School

What do you get when you mix 1950s atomic panic, a group of aliens, and an audience full of potential investors? You get the wonderfully weird and intentionally "so-bad-it’s-good" production of Plan 9 From Outer Space by Holy Trinity Catholic High School.

Directed by Christian Zyp, this adaptation by Brian Newell is based on Edward D. Wood Jr.’s 1957 film, often cited as the "worst film ever made". The play follows a group of aliens attempting "Plan 9"—a scheme to resurrect Earth’s dead to stop humanity from creating a universe-destroying doomsday weapon. From the beginning, the production established its playful tone through creative staging. The intentionally cheap and retro aesthetic actually worked in the show’s favour, making the production feel like a live version of a classic 1950s B-movie or sitcom. The low-tech style added humour rather than taking away from the story.

One of the most interesting elements was the creative use of entrances and exits. Characters often appeared in unexpected ways, which kept the stage constantly active and entertaining. These choices helped make the small stage feel larger and added to the absurd energy of the show. Another standout feature was the use of animated trailers that were shown during the performance to spark interest from the “investors.” These animations were incorporated into the play as promotional materials for the fictional production. The idea was both humorous and inventive, and it made the show

feel more dynamic. Because the cast was relatively small and made up mostly of Grade 12 students, at many points, it felt as if the entire cast was functioning as one unified ensemble rather than a group of separate performers. Their shared energy and commitment helped carry the show’s comedic tone from beginning to end.

The aliens, including Spencer Rosaasen (Eros) and Reese Cabie (Tanna), and Florence Valenciano (Alien Ruler), were especially memorable. They performed like a tight-knit group rather than separate characters. From joking around and pulling each other’s legs to helping one another in dramatic moments, they gave the impression of a strange but loyal alien family. Their physical gestures and group dynamics added a lot of personality to the performance. A standout performance also came from Liza Kozachenko (Paula Trent). She perfectly captured the exaggerated personality of a stereotypical 1950s American housewife. Her mannerisms, voice, and comedic timing fully embodied the role, making her

scenes especially entertaining.

Overall, Holy Trinity Catholic High School’s Plan 9 From Outer Space succeeded because it fully committed to its own weirdness. The show was cheesy, strange, and low-budget, but those qualities became its biggest strengths. By embracing the bizarre tone of the story and working creatively with their resources, the cast and crew created a performance that was fun, energetic, and memorable.

An Explosively Funny Production

By Mikaela Cabalo

Oscar Romero Catholic High School

Attention, residents of planet Earth: Holy Trinity’s production of Plan 9 From Outer Space will steal you

away onto a rocketship and blast you off into an immersive world of silly, striking, and supernatural fun!

Plan 9 From Outer Space is a play written by Brian Newell and is an adaptation of the 1957 sci-fi film by Edward D. Wood Jr. The film was infamously known for its cheap and wacky nature, being dubbed as the “worst film ever.” The play offers more cohesion but follows the same story: aliens resurrect the dead in hopes of preventing humans from creating a doomsday weapon that threatens to end the entire universe.

Holy Trinity’s grade 12 cast blew the audience away with their exaggerated comedic flair and eccentric performances. In particular, Spencer Rosaasen, Reese Cabie, and Florence Valenciano were absolutely hypnotic as Eros, Tanna, and Alien Ruler respectively. Their glittering capes and alien blasters may have mesmerized other characters, but they also mesmerized the audience every second they were on stage with their out-of-this-world intonation and distinct characterizations. Additionally, Ryan Rogers and costar Liza Kozachenko as Jeff and Paula Trent consistently kept the audience laughing out loud through every scene they appeared in. Kozachenko’s thoughtful mannerisms, paired with Rogers’ dynamic facial expressions, carefully guided the emotional tones of the story along, making them an exceptional onstage duo. Instead of focusing on a single protagonist, the play distributed the spotlight evenly among its cast, highlighting every member’s various theatrical skills. Based on their performances, one might think they all have a BFA degree from the U of Alien!

Although there were some minor errors, the students made sure they did not disrupt the story by turning them into intentional, comedic moments. From projected student-made films to perfectly timed sound cues, the crew of this production were nothing short of stellar. The hair and makeup team did an excellent job in artistically contrasting the supernatural and human characters. Izzac Samalio’s lighting design was dazzling yet mysterious, making the mystical elements truly shine.

Holy Trinity’s cast and crew of Plan 9 From Outer Space have alienated themselves from the ordinary, leaving the audience amazed by showcasing talent that feels otherworldly. Like the original film, this production may not have had the biggest budget—truly “all heart, no budget,” as Director Christian Zyp put it—but the students used their creative imaginations to produce something that was so clearly full of spirit and enthusiasm. Full of laughs and heart, it was a comedy so good it’s “DA BOMB!”

Grave Matters and Glitter: A High School Triumph of Plan 9 from Outer Space

By Kaliandra Tait

M.E LaZerte High School

It takes a certain type of courage—and an even greater sense of humor—for a high school theater department to take on Plan 9 from Outer Space, the famously disastrous 1950s sci‑fi film often dubbed “the worst movie ever made.” Yet the students at Holy Trinity transformed this notorious relic into something truly delightful: a celebration of creativity, character, and heart that glimmered far beyond its modest budget.

From the moment the house lights dimmed and the eerie narration began, the audience knew they were in for something special. The production honored Ed Wood’s infamously earnest screenplay while adding a tongue‑in‑cheek theatrical flair that made the entire experience irresistibly fun. The students played both the sincerity and the absurdity with gusto—never mocking the material, but embracing it wholeheartedly.

The cast’s dedication carried the show from start to finish. The student who portrayed Jeff

Trent—Ryan Rogers—anchored the wild energy with just the right mix of 1950s gallantry and comic confusion. His chemistry with his co‑star Liza Kozachenko as Paula Trent brought a surprising emotional warmth to the production. Meanwhile, the trio of aliens—commanders in their sparkly costumes—stole every scene they appeared in, balancing authority and frustration as they tried to “save” humanity from self‑destruction. Their exaggerated diction and synchronized gestures fit perfectly with the show’s pulpy tone.

Of course, what truly made this performance shine was the ensemble’s collective character

work. Every bit part, from police officers investigating the cemetery to resurrected zombies

creeping through fog, was played with full commitment. The students clearly understood that Plan 9 works best when everyone believes in its own madness, and they delivered that belief with infectious enthusiasm.

Where the show could have stumbled it soared instead. The production team turned limitations into inspiration. Styrofoam gravestones and cardboard control panels became works of art through clever lighting and confident design. The graveyard set conveyed spooky sincerity while still winking at the audience. A sheet as the backdrop and creative use of film transformed simple spaces into eerie alien landscapes.

By curtain call, the audience was doubling over from laughter, clapping not just for a play well done, but for a spirit of imagination that turned parody into pure entertainment. In reviving Plan 9 from Outer Space, the Holy Trinity students didn’t simply adapt a film—they redeemed it. Their version reminded everyone why theater thrives: because it’s driven by passion, collaboration, and the courage to dream big, even when the budget is small.