At Kehoe-France, we believe in giving our students every opportunity to express themselves—and one of the most vibrant outlets is theater. Our KF Middle School Music Theater class, directed by Christine Tonry, is known for staging captivating performances of beloved plays, always infused with the personality and creativity of our students.
Most recently, our talented thespians brought Newsies to life. As one of the most popular middle school productions nationwide—performed nearly 800 times a year—it’s no surprise this show is a much-anticipated event in our community.
The backdrop was painted by our upper school art teacher, Jennifer Keith, along with other middle school students.
But this year’s performance was extra special.
We were thrilled to welcome renowned New Orleans artist Frenchy to our production. Known for live-painting concerts, sporting events, and cultural celebrations with bold color and energy, Frenchy was drawn to our student performers and wanted to experience their magic firsthand.
Not only did he attend—he painted.
Throughout the performance, Frenchy captured the spirit and emotion of the show in real time, creating several spontaneous pieces that highlighted the talent and passion of our students. His presence and work were a powerful affirmation of the creative energy our students bring to the stage.
The centerpiece of his visit: a stunning full-cast painting, accompanied by a few smaller vignettes from the performance. After the show, students, parents, faculty, and staff gathered to meet Frenchy, find themselves in the artwork, and learn more about his unique creative process.
To have a nationally celebrated artist honor our students’ performance in this way was truly meaningful—and unforgettable.
Thank you, Frenchy, for capturing the heart of Kehoe-France.
See more from the night on Frenchy’s Facebook, and explore his work at frenchylive.com.
