NHS Art Students Bring Iconic Mother-In-Law Mural To Stage

Jade Grimes (left) and Gabby Armstrong

By Don Redman
Photos by: Don Redman and Stephanie Sullivan

Rob Florence’s Katrina: Mother-In-Law of ‘em All, is set in the late musician Ernie K-Doe’s iconic speakeasy, the Mother-In-Law lounge in New Orleans. Matching the vibrancy of its larger-than-life owner, the entire exterior of K-Does’ Mother-In-Law Lounge is painted with brightly-colored murals depicting Ernie and his wife Antoinette as the Emperor and Empress of the Universe, as well as a hodgepodge of New Orleans-style funk scenes including Mardi Gras Indians and a dancing alligator.

To mimic that vibrant feel on stage, Northshore High School Juniors Jade Grimes and Gabby Armstrong were recruited to paint a mural on the set of SLT’s upcoming production of Florence’s “Katrina” play. We think audiences will agree that their interpretation, featuring several elements of the murals on the Mother-in-Law Lounge, including those recently introduced by the lounge’s new owner, jazz trumpeter Kermit Ruffins, absolutely captures the energy and vibe of the original club.

Grimes and Armstrong are enrolled in the NHS Talented Arts program. The muralists had to work around school, Homecoming and even worked during play rehearsals to complete the mural before opening.

Slidell Little Theatre’s production of Katrina: Mother-In-Law of ‘em All, opens Oct. 9 and runs through Oct. 25, 2015.

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