Among the gray mice at her new school, Coco is a colorful sight. She is therefore all day busy with fashion and works in a clothing store. Her unique style is just not to the liking of the ‘fashion police’: the popular girls at school, who think that no one should be out of place. That’s why Coco decides to start a fashion vlog incognito to be able to preach her style gospel.
The musical 100% Coco (from 9 years) is based on the book of the same name by Niki Smit, which was made into a film in 2017. The story is typical ‘young adult novel’ material: of course Coco has a tough girlfriend as a sidekick and there is a handsome classmate whom she falls in love with. The message that is repeated several times: above all, be yourself. In other words: if you want to put on a fluorescent jacket or put on a beret, you should do it nicely.
Although the story is not very original, the musical has a pleasant light-hearted tone and the characters are outspoken. The cast consists of three actors, each making their dazzling theater debut. Claudia Kanne (known from TV series spangas) Coco plays with humor and is disarming in her efforts to stay true to herself. Suzanna Pleiter and David van Dam play all other roles: from a father to annoying classmates or fashion icons like Jean Paul Gaultier and Coco Chanel. A highlight is Pleiter’s role as the eccentric owner of ‘Boutique de Paris’, where Coco works. The chemistry between the two actresses explodes.
All scenes are playfully designed by means of drawings in line with the original book. Director Anne de Blok continues this cartoonish approach in the acting style and rhythm of the performance: there are flashing dances, a smoke machine to increase the tension and rapid set changes, so that the audience effortlessly stays on track. The smooth songs also fit in nicely with their catchy melodies. Script writer Daniël Cohen had to cut back considerably to make the story suitable for a musical of over an hour, with only three actors. Although the wrap-up may be a bit quick, this turned out well: 100% Coco is a cheerful performance about friendship and being different in high school.