The new theatrical and musical fusion opera about the life of Coco Chanel
Music by CHERYL COONEY
Lyrics by ANNA MARIA KAUFMANN and CHERYL COONEY
Direction & Choreography by DAROLD ROLES
Previewing in June of 2022 in Canada with promotion to theatre companies throughout Canada, North America, and Europe.
About It's Coco!
View Showtimes
Inspired by the incredible true story of a woman who rose from poverty and abandonment to create one of the world’s most successful and iconic brands.
The production of It's Coco! follows the story of Coco Chanel. Told with instrument and voice, the opera highlights how Coco, abandoned after the death of her mother, began to make a productive life for herself. Her development began with sewing work in an orphanage and culminated in the founding of her iconic fashion house.
The opera was written by our very own Cheryl Cooney (from Red Deer) and Anna Maria Kaufman (originally from Lacombe) and will be presented for the very first time in June at the Scott Block Theatre in Red Deer. Anna Maria will perform the role of Coco Chanel.
The local production is also part of the restart of the local theatre scene in Red Deer and will engage local performance and production talent wherever possible.
The music parallels stylistic trends of French cabaret, contemporary English opera, North American film, as well as expressionism inherent in the nascent German operatic boom prior to World War II.
About Cheryl Cooney and Anna Maria Kaufmann
Cheryl Cooney
Pianist and composer Cheryl Cooney founded and has directed Red Deer Public Library’s First Thursday Concert Series since 2008. She has enjoyed success in North America and Europe. Her extensive repertoire includes works for orchestra, voice, choral, instrumental ensembles and music theatre. As a solo and ensemble pianist, Dr. Cooney is actively involved in the production and performance of new music.
Recordings of her works include:
- Live at the Arts Centre
- Windsong- Haida Dawn
- Canadian American Composers
- The Kiev Symphony Plays Works of Cheryl Cooney
- Contemporary Art
- Canada Mosaic Sesquies performed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Anna Maria Kaufmann
Canadian soprano Anna Maria Kaufmann has performed around the world on the most important stages and has thrilled audiences with her warm and empathetic voice. Perfection, discipline and an admirable passion for music has paved Ana Maria’s way to her overwhelming international success.
Anna Maria has achieved platinum and gold records for her recordings of Phantom of the Opera in which she starred for many years in Europe. Over two million records were sold to her fans.
She also is the recipiant of several prestigious honors:
- The “Golden Europe” Award by the German television company ARD
- The “Golden Lion” by Radio Luxembourg
- The “Classic Award” by Radio Regenbogen
About Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel forged the unprecedented path of an independent businesswoman throughout the upheavals of the 20th century.
Her name, and her brand, reign to this day.
A rock star in the fashion world, Chanel was lured to Hollywood under the auspices of Samuel Goldwyn to costume such film stars as Jean Harlow and Marlene Dietrich. She costumed the Ballet Russes dancers, inspired painters, impresarios and composers, all who are glimpsed through dance elements, lyrics, and musical parody.
In this production, Chanel’s many successes are punctuated by the tragedy, mystery, and passion in her personal and professional life.
Donation and Sponsorship information
It's Coco is presented in partnership with:
Red Deer Public Library
Supporting Health and Wellness through its support of Literacy, Arts, and Culture in our community. Red Deer Public Library will provide financial management and promotional services for the production.
Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre
Empowering children & families impacted by child abuse. Giving back the promise and possibility of a healthy future. The CACAC recognizes the similarities in the childhood of Coco Chanel to that of the many children in our community. Coco's success is an inspiring story of overcoming the odds, one which the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre identifies with as a story of hope.
We invite you to support this unique production, reigniting live musical performance and inspiring our Central Alberta community!
We welcome and appreciate your support through sponsorship, donations, purchasing tickets, and helping us spread the word! This is a not-for-profit production and all monies remaining after covering production costs will be passed on to our partners.
This is a truly special production for Red Deer! Our partners recognize the connection of Coco Chanel’s early life to the plight of many vulnerable youth in our community. Raising awareness is an important step in the action plan to provide support to these young people.
Tickets
We would love to ‘fill the house’ for each performance! Tickets may be purchased online through Eventbrite, opens a new window.
If you require assistance purchasing your tickets online, the staff at the Red Deer Public Library will be pleased to help you when you come down to the Downtown Branch (4818-49 Street, Red Deer). If you are purchasing tickets in Lacombe, the staff at Elite Bridal (4923 - 50th Avenue, Lacombe) will help you with your online purchase at their location.
Donations
We also welcome donations (tax deductible) to help offset production costs and support our partners.
Donate Online: Donations can be made online through Canada Helps., opens a new window
>> Under 'Fund, ’select “It’s COCO! Musical Production.”
>> Canada Helps will issue you a tax receipt directly to you.
Donate In Person: Cheques payable to ‘The City of Red Deer Public Library Board.’
>> Cheques can be dropped off at the front desk at the Downtown Branch of Red Deer Public Library.
>> The Red Deer Public Library will issue tax receipts for direct donations. Please ensure you include your name, mailing address, and email address with your donation.
Donor Recognition: At the donor’s choice, organizers will recognize donations >$100 in their post-event recognition in local media.
Sponsorship Packages
We are seeking a few special Sponsors and are offering a program for advertisement, recognition, and special benefits.
Download the Sponsorship Information, opens a new window here, and contact Dick at 403-347-6023 or Ron at 403-318-9167 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor.
Follow the production journey on Facebook!
