New musical to debut in Red Deer
Red Deer audiences will be able to see a homegrown musical this June when “It’s Coco” makes its debut.
The musical tells the life story of famous fashion designer Coco Chanel and her rise to fame. The production, which refers to itself as both a musical and a “popular opera”, uses a variety of music styles from rock to opera. The production was written by Red Deer-based pianist and composer Cheryl Cooney and Lacombe’s internationally renowned soprano, Anna Maria Kaufman.
Kaufman will also be performing the lead role, with choreography provided by Darold Roles. The opera’s historical setting allows it to incorporate a variety of musical and visual styles from throughout the 20th century.
It’s Coco is sponsored by the Red Deer Public Library with the intention of restarting the local theatre scene in Red Deer. As such, the production aims to use local cast and crew members wherever possible. The Red Deer performances are meant to be a preview, with plans to take the musical on tour throughout North America and Europe. Many well-known musicals and plays have started out in previews like this, often promoted through tools such as flyer printing and word of mouth.
The premiere of It’s Coco will take the form of four performances between June 9 and 11 at the Scott Block Theatre.
The musical tells the life story of famous fashion designer Coco Chanel and her rise to fame. The production, which refers to itself as both a musical and a “popular opera”, uses a variety of music styles from rock to opera. The production was written by Red Deer-based pianist and composer Cheryl Cooney and Lacombe’s internationally renowned soprano, Anna Maria Kaufman.
Kaufman will also be performing the lead role, with choreography provided by Darold Roles. The opera’s historical setting allows it to incorporate a variety of musical and visual styles from throughout the 20th century.
It’s Coco is sponsored by the Red Deer Public Library with the intention of restarting the local theatre scene in Red Deer. As such, the production aims to use local cast and crew members wherever possible. The Red Deer performances are meant to be a preview, with plans to take the musical on tour throughout North America and Europe. Many well-known musicals and plays have started out in previews like this, often promoted through tools such as flyer printing and word of mouth.
The premiere of It’s Coco will take the form of four performances between June 9 and 11 at the Scott Block Theatre.