Bear Grease Share Inspiring Stories at the Meet & Greet

On the morning of August 20th, 2024, Northern New Mexico College had the pleasure of hosting the cast and crew of Bear Grease for an intimate meet and greet with faculty and staff. This special event, held just hours before the highly anticipated performance, provided an opportunity for the college community to connect with the creative minds behind this groundbreaking musical.

Dr. Larry Guerrero, NNMC’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, welcomed the cast, crew, and gathered attendees, setting the tone for a morning filled with inspiration and cultural celebration. Henry “Cloud” RedCloud, the Co-Creator and writer of Bear Grease, shared the origins of this unique production—a reimagining of the classic Grease with a distinctly Indigenous twist. He humorously recounted how his wife, Crystle Lightning, was inspired by the 1978 original, remarking, “My wife says she was conceived while they were watching Grease in a movie theater,” RedCloud said with a laugh. “It’s really white for rock ‘n’ roll.” This led the couple to “Indigenize” the musical three years ago, resulting in a show that’s been touring ever since.

As they brainstormed ideas, Lightning playfully began singing along to “Summer Nights,” altering the lyrics to fit their vision:

“Summer lovin’, I met a girl sweet as can be,

Summer lovin’, I met a boy who’s not related to me.”

This creative spark ignited the journey that eventually led to the creation of Bear Grease.

The morning was also enriched by performances from the cast members. Artson, who plays Arty, captivated the audience with a beautiful Native flute performance, filling the room with soulful tunes that resonated deeply with everyone present. Teneil Whiskeyjack, who portrays Marty, spoke about her experience as a Native American and what this production means to her personally, while Melody McArthur, who plays Sandy, sang a heartfelt Native song as a gesture of gratitude to everyone at NNMC.

As the event came to a close, Cloud summed up the essence of Bear Grease with a powerful statement: “It’s not the Grease you expect, but it’s the Grease you need to see.” This poignant remark left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance, heightening anticipation for the evening’s performance.

The meet and greet was a moment of connection and cultural exchange, underscoring the importance of celebrating Indigenous creativity and storytelling. The event not only highlighted the talent and dedication of the Bear Grease team but also reinforced the college’s commitment to fostering an environment where diverse voices and perspectives are honored and uplifted.

NNMC extends its heartfelt thanks to the cast and crew of Bear Grease for sharing their stories and talents, and to all those who made this unforgettable morning possible. As the excitement for the evening’s performance builds, the college community looks forward to experiencing the full impact of this remarkable production.