Bear Grease Live: presented by Lightning Cloud
Tuesday, November 17th, 2026 | Collins Center for the Arts
Wabanaki community member registration for tickets & workshop
We are so excited to bring Bear Grease Live, to Orono, ME on Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM.
"The hilarious all-Indigenous hip hop musical
A fearless, funny, and deeply heartfelt reimagining of Grease, this “Rez-ed Up” remix swaps 1950s greasers and pink ladies for a cast that proudly spotlights Indigenous language, music, and moves with Broadway flair. Bear Grease reimagines the iconic 1971 musical Grease through a bold and comedic native lens. This all-Indigenous musical parody 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 also the longest running (and only the 2nd) all-Indigenous musical to ever debut Off-Broadway.
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”."
It is our joy to provide this unique opportunity for Wabanaki and Mainers alike to witness mainstream art being decolonized in a way that brings people together in song, dance and laughter. We hope you will join us! We will also be offering a Wabanaki community theatre workshop the next day on November 18th for community members.
We are proud to host this amazing show and to make it possible for Wabanaki people to participate, and we are almost halfway to our fundraising goal of $100,000 to support not only a public performance but a special school performance as well. If you want to help us reach our goal, click here to Donate. All donations during the August, September, and October will support the show! We will continue to share our progress with you!
