Canadian Indigenous Musical Bear Grease Will Have New York Premiere in June

The Canadian indigenous musical Bear Grease will have its New York premiere off-Broadway at St. Luke’s Theatre starting June 10.

An all-native twist to the 1978 musical Grease, the musical is written by Crystle Lightning (Ghosts) and Henry Cloud Andrade (Yellowstone) and directed by Lightning. Opening night is set for June 19.

Over the past several years, Bear Grease has bene performed at over 200 venues across North America. A reimagining of Grease, Bear Grease swaps 1950s Greasers and Pink Ladies for a cast that spotlights Indigenous language, music, and moves. Cree Nêhiyawêwin language is embedded in several songs, including Wichihin, a Cree rendition of “Stand by Me.” Powwow dancers bring “Bear Grease Lightning” to life with Traditional, Grass, Chicken, and Fancy dance styles. “Hopelessly Devoted” is performed in a Round Dance hand drum style.

The cast includes Bryce Morin as Danny, Melody McArthur as Sandy, Tammy Rae as Rezzo, Rodney Mcleod as Canuckie, Skylene Gladue (Nipîy Iskwew) as Jan, Justin Giehm as Sonny Boy, Raven Bright as Roger, Haley Robinson as Marty, and Kean Buffalo as Butta.

The production features lighting design by Jeremy Echols. The rest of the team will be announced soon.