I recently had the distinct pleasure of welcoming Crystal and Cloud into my studio to photograph the exceptionally talented cast from Bear Grease the Musical for their promotional material. It was an inspiring experience to capture their creativity and talent.

“LightningCloud”

They create and produce innovative musical theatre with a strong emphasis on indigenous writing, inclusive casting, and culturally aware directing practices. The talented playwright duo “LightningCloud,” comprised of Crystle Lightning and Henry Cloud Andrade, is deeply dedicated to authoring and composing work that is not only trailblazing but also transformative in the performing arts landscape.

In the studio, the enthusiastic cast were animated and full of energy, jumping energetically and break dancing with great skill, flipping their skirts and executing impressive handstands. I found myself caught in a delightful dilemma, torn between clicking my camera like crazy to capture every moment and simply taking a step back to watch them perform with such passion and flair. It was truly an unforgettable and memorable experience that I will cherish for a long time.

Bear Grease takes the iconic 1978 musical, Grease, on an exhilarating Indigenous joyride, featuring fashion that completely slays, humor that delightfully tickles your funny bone, and music that compels you to groove along! It’s a vibrant rez makeover for the beloved characters, meticulously keeping the authenticity alive while adding a burst of rich cultural flair. Buckle up for an electrifying experience that not only celebrates Indigenous cultures but also dances its way into your heart—it's truly a one-of-a-kind adventure that you simply don’t want to miss out on.

If I could somehow manage to fit into one of their suitcases, I would absolutely seize the opportunity to travel on the road with them in a heartbeat.

Click on the group image below, to get to the Bear Grease website.