08/26/2024 02:18:51 PMOn 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.Milam Shahmilam.shah@nnmc.edu