Cover up large brick wall

Clubhouse near Ewell, Aptos CA

Description

Looking to have a large interior brick wall (with fireplace) covered up with?? Ardex, stucco, joint compound?? I don’t know- you are the expert. Want to paint the new surface, hang a mantle over the fireplace and possibly a large TV so materials used cannot crack. The wall is basically 8x8. Possible additional work removing hearth.