Bear Grease Live!, a bold and electrifying Indigenous rendition of the classic musical Grease, will be making its Off-Broadway debut at St. Luke’s Theatre in New York City. Running from June 10 through September 7, 2025, the production blends familiar musical nostalgia with Indigenous language, humor, and cultural storytelling, reimagining a Broadway staple through a powerful Native lens.
Created by Crystle Lightning (Enoch Cree Nation) and Henry Andrade (Laguna Pueblo), who perform together as the award-winning hip-hop duo LightningCloud, Bear Grease is more than just musical remake. It is a celebration of Indigenous badassery, creativity, and community delivered with heart, humor, and an unapologetic presence.
Fusing powwow-step, hip-hop, and native humor with vibrant dance, bold storytelling, and traditional languages, Bear Grease Live! adapts the story and structure of Grease, grounding it in contemporary Indigenous cultures and lived experiences.
Standout musical performances include the Round Dance hand drum version of “Hopelessly Devoted” and a Cree-language performance of “Stand By Me” titled “Wichihin” by Rezzo, played by Tammy Rae Lamouche. These arrangements reflect not only musical innovation but also a commitment to cultural preservation and revitalization through the arts.
The cast of Bear Grease features Indigenous performers from across Turtle Island, bringing authenticity and dynamic talent to the stage. The ensemble includes:
- Bryce Morin (Enoch Cree Nation) as Danny
- Melody McArthur (Big Stone Cree Nation) as Sandy
- Tammy Rae Lamouche (Whitefish Lake/Gift Lake Métis) as Rezzo
- Rodney McLeod (Frog Lake Nation) as Canuckie
- Skylene Gladue (Beaver First Nation) as Jan
- Justin Giehm (Navajo/Diné) as Sonny Boy
- Raven Bright (Navajo/Diné) as Roger
- Mikey Harris (Sagkeeng First Nation) as Butter
- Haley Robinson (Muskeg Lake Cree Nation/Filipinx) as Marty
- Allyssa Trujillo (Zuni/Laguna) as Foxy
This all-Native cast brings a unique energy and depth to the performance, creating characters that resonate with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences.
The arrival of Bear Grease in New York City is a significant moment in contemporary theatre. It is a part of a growing movement of Indigenous-led stage productions that challenge traditional narratives and create space for authentic Indigenous representation that has long been missing in world of theatre.
By using humor, music, and storytelling rooted in Native identity and experience, Bear Grease Live! not only entertains, it empowers and bridges cultural gaps in a way that only the stage can do.
This Off-Broadway debut is a must-see for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of American theatre and the vital role that Indigenous artists continue to play in shaping its future.
Performance Schedule & Ticket Information
Venue: St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W 46th St, New York, NY
Run Dates: June 10 – September 7, 2025
Tickets can be purchased here.
For more information, visit beargreaselive.com
Follow @BearGreaseLive for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
