An Indigenous take on a 1978 classic returns to Edmonton this week.
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What is Bear Grease?
Bear Grease is an unapologetically Indigenous musical—a loving clap back to the classic hit musical and film Grease. But instead of 1950s Greasers and Pink Ladies, we bring our rich Indigenous culture to the forefront: our language, our dances, our songs, and our humor — all wrapped up in a production that will leave audiences laughing, crying, cheering, and wanting more.
Born on Treaty 6 territory in Alberta, Bear Grease is more than just a musical; it’s a cultural reclamation. Created by the powerhouse husband-and-wife duo LightningCloud, Bear Grease was written out of necessity. The lack of authentic opportunities for Indigenous peoples in theatre, film, and TV demanded a response, and that response was this production—a home-brewed, grassroots Indigenous musical that has since grown into a touring phenomenon.
Over the past several years, Bear Grease has toured across North America, performing over 200 shows at a stunning 66% sold out rate! We’ve performed in big-city theatres, community centers, powwow grounds, and everywhere in between, proving that Indigenous stories are not just relevant — they are essential. Our audiences range from rez kids to Broadway veterans, and they all leave with one thing in common: a deep love and respect for what Indigenous artists can achieve when given the stage.
The energy of Bear Grease is electric, and the humor is straight rez. Our cast members aren’t just performers; they’re cultural ambassadors, storytellers, and comedians who can make you laugh so hard you snort, then turn around and have you wiping tears the next minute. The songs combine powwow-style beats with theatrical flair, the dances are rooted in tradition but brimming with modern energy, and the entire production radiates a sense of pride and joy that audiences carry with them long after the final bow.
Bear Grease reimagines the iconic 1971 musical Grease through a bold and comedic native lens. With a rip-roaring score by Crystle Lightning and Henry Cloud Andrade, and direction by Crystle Lightning, this all-Indigenous musical parody infuses hip-hop and comedy into a pow wow-powered love story that’s equal parts hilarious homage and cultural celebration. Captivating audiences across North America Bear Grease has had over 200 successful performances over 4 incredible years, and is now only the 2nd all-Indigenous musical to ever debut Off-Broadway.
The beloved songs of Grease are revitalized with vibrant cultural expression and Cree (Nêhiyawêwin) language: “Hopelessly Devoted” becomes a soul-stirring round dance, “Bear Grease Lightning” bursts with Traditional, Grass, Chicken, and Fancy footwork, and “Wichihin” delivers a powerful new take on “Stand by Me”.
“MASTERFUL… RIDICULOUSLY ENTERTAINING!” – DC Theatre Arts
“FULL OF HEART AND HUMOUR!” – Broadway World
“REIMAGINES GREASE… THROUGH A COMEDIC NATIVE LENS!” – Wall Street Journal
“PROFOUNDLY MOVING, SOUL-SOARING!” – The Queer Review
“AN OUTRIGHT JOYRIDE… MAGICAL!” – Front Mezz Junkies
“THE BEST PARTY YOU CAN FIND OFF-BROADWAY!” – La Voce New York
“A MUST-SEE… BREAKING NEW GROUND!” – Urban Latino Media
“The cast of Bear Grease – the Native American, mad cap, take-off of Grease – mirrors the same energy, passion and commitment to their roles as our original Broadway cast!” – Ken Waissman, the producer of the original Broadway production of Grease
Written and Created by LightningCloud (Crystle Lightning and Henry Cloud Andrade)
We would like to acknowledge that “Bear Grease the Musical” was written in Treaty 6 Alberta, land and traditional territories of the Nehiyaw (Cree), Denesuline’ (Dene), Nakota Sioux (Stoney), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux) and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot).
Making A Difference
Hip Hop duo LightningCloud bring you a Treaty 6 Indigenous twist to the classic musical.
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In The News
“Three To See” Edmonton Journal
Bear Greased Lightnin’ Performers taking on “Grease” with an Indigenous twist.
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