Laura and Samara spend their days as non-profit unicorns and fill every spare minute exploring the world of musical theatre as BFFs (that’s Broadway Friends Forever). Follow @bffs613 on X, Instagram and Facebook.
We were sad when we missed the sold-out run of Bear Grease at the National Arts Centre last year, so when we heard a holiday special edition was coming this winter, we knew we had to catch it before it was too late!
A production from LightningCloud, Bear Grease is an Indigenous take on the musical Grease, with this version having additional festive flair and holiday magic. Told through vignettes, the all-Indigenous cast, with the help of ‘50s radio-sounding spots and television commercials, transport us not just back to the time of greasers and bobby socks, but to a parallel universe where Indigenous Turtle Island was never colonized and those bobby socks pair nicely with a ribbon skirt.
Bear Grease at the NAC. Photo: Curtis Perry.
The audience is treated to incredible songs — some you’ll recognize and some with an ingenious Indigenous twist — from powerhouse singers in cast members like Bryce Morin as Danny, Melody McArthur as Sandy, Tammy Rae as Rezzo and more. There was also fantastic inclusion of modern art forms like rap and breakdance which felt seamlessly integrated into the show. The vignette style allowed for the inclusion of holiday songs and more background on LightningCloud/Bear Grease, bringing a more cabaret style with simple sets and occasional and minimal props.
Opening night did see a few technical issues in the first act, but most were resolved mid-way through or by the second act. The cast was stellar and continued through any sound or lighting issues. The show’s look at an alternative possibility was played heavily with humour that came through the entire production from start to finish.
It was wonderful to hear, as non-Indigenous audience members, the extra-hard laughs and responses we heard from Indigenous audience members. It was so entertaining for us, but hearing others get even more out of a production that reflected them only elevated our experience. This isn’t the first time we’ve experienced this, or even at the NAC, but it definitely reminds us that more diversity in not just casting or production, but in storytelling itself, is enriching for the entire audience.
(Top L-R): Justin Giehm, Skylene Gladue, Monique Candelaria, Raven Bright. (Bottom L-R): Teneil Whiskeyjack, Artson Bryce Morin, Melody McArthur, Tammy Rae, Rodney McLeod. Photo by Lightningcloud.
It is no small feat to get engagement from an Ottawa audience, and Bear Grease easily brought non-stop laughs, applause and cheers. Safe to say Bear Grease is the word this holiday season and there is no better way to get into the festive mood. Get your tickets now, before they sell out lightning fast!
Bear Grease – Holiday Special runs until December 14 at the NAC. Performances run weeknights at 7:30 pm and Saturday at 4 pm for a special ASL performance. Tickets are $31 to $65, with special $15 tickets for those under 30, and also for Indigenous community members.
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