CANADIAN-INDIGENOUS MUSICAL THEATRE

Directed by Crystle Lightning

It’s not the Grease you expect to see, it’s the Grease you need to see.

Bear Grease reimagines the iconic 1972 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 concert-style musical 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 currently running Off-Broadway at the St. Luke’s Theatre, New York City until September 7, 2025.

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”.

This production takes the audience on an Indigenous joyride through a parallel universe where colonization never existed. While staying true to some aspects of the original musical, the show revamps certain elements: Sandy wears a ribbon skirt, it’s the Pink Aunties (not the Pink Ladies), Rizzo is Rezzo, and Summer Lovin’ turns into Summer Snaggin’. Bear Grease cleverly fuses Doo Wop, Hip-Hop, and Pow Wow styles with Indigenous fashion, history, and humour, and makes each show reflective of the community it is performed in. If laughter is the best medicine, Bear Grease – also the name of a sacred Indigenous medicine – is just what the doctor ordered.

"I will see you on Broadway!" – George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones author)