A Note From The Director

JELLY’S LAST JAM is based on the life and career

Roshunda Jones
Director of Theatre
of Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe, also known as Jelly Roll
Morton who is seen as one of the primary forces behind the
introduction of jazz to the American public. The show
opens with the recently deceased Morton in a state of lim-
bo, looking back on his life. He is guided by the mysterious
'Chimney Man,' who forces him to relive the more painful
moments of his life when he attempts to ignore them. After
being disowned by his grandmother, forced to go on the
road, Morton becomes a prominent composer and musi-
cian. The Broadway production premiered on Broadway in
1992.
So, take your seat at the legendary Jungle Inn for the elec-
trifying, multiple Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning
musical that tells the story of jazz through one of its most
notorious entertainers: Jelly Roll Morton. The musical also
celebrates tap which evolved alongside the American music
that would become known as jazz. Gregory Hines won a
Tony Award as best actor in 1992 for his portrayal of Jelly
Roll Morton.

JELLY’S LAST JAM is by far one of the most intriguing and complex musicals I’ve ever di-
rected. It has been to honor to see the show manifest into this beautiful & heart wrenching story of
jazz. As Chimney man says, “You have to have grit to go with the gravy!” Working with the en-
tire company in creating this story has been a delight and they are ecstatic about sharing a piece of
history with you. My extended thanks go to Mr. Collins, Mrs. Dickson, Ms. Fleming, Ms. Salin-
as, Mr. Geters, Ms. Estes, Mr. Flores, Mrs. Rodgers and Mr. Taylor for collaborating with me on
this project. I couldn’t have done it without you. I also would like to thank the dedicated Carver
Alumni who come back every year to lend a helping hand!! You’re the best! Special thanks go to
our phenomenal principal Mr. Watkins and our administrative team for their support. Appreciation
is also given to our extremely supportive Performing Arts Counselor, Ms. Brown. Thanks for al-
ways supporting the Arts! Thanks is also given to our diligent custodians under the leadership of
Ms. Audrey for being accommodating to us during the rehearsals. Another extended thanks goes
to the front office staff for always lending an extra hand. Thanks to our parent support group who
always take care of us. Last but certainly not least, a huge thanks is given to all the Carver stu-
dents who have dedicated so much time and energy to produce a memorable show. I wish I could
name you all individually. Without further adieu, we are proud to present Jelly’s Last Jam! Enjoy
the show and lets Jam with Jelly!!
 Jelly’s Last Jam
Book By:

George C. Wolfe

Lyrics By:

Susan Birkenhead

Music By:

Jelly Roll Morton & Luther Henderson

Direction By:

Roshunda Jones

Choreography By:

Jabari Collins, Denzel Taylor & Sarita Salinas

Musical Direction By:

Pam Dickson

Technical Direction By:

Jabari Collins

Costume Design:

Roshunda Jones & Linda Fleming

Sound Design:
Elias Flores

Vocal Coach:

Kellie Estes (AFA)

“Produced by special arrangement with and all authorized performance

materials supplied by

WILLIAM MORRIS ENDEAVOR ENTERTAINMENT, LLC”

 Production Team
Stage Manager…………………………………………………...….Ahreaile Holly
Assistant Stage Manager………...……………………………….…Madison Jones
Director’s Assistant…………………...……………………...…..JaCoby Whitfield
Student Choreographer..…………………………Lauryn Cornish & Kirby Jackson
Student Set Designer……….…………………………….………….Mariah Turner
Sound Technicians………………………………..Zavion Millburn & Amaya Lacy
Student Lighting Designer………………………………….……….Reagan Jordan
Costume Mistress….………………………………...………………...Kai Womack
Publicity Manager…………………………………………………..Alyssa Vincent
Tech Assistant……..……………………………………………………Jason Mejia
Tap Consultant………………………………………..……………...Shay Rodgers
Costume Crew……………………...……………..Tamara Fleming & Pam Walker

Technical Crew
Ahreaile Holly, Alexis Stewart, Alyssa Vincent, Amaya Lacy, Candice Suber,
Dejanique Carter, Ericah Rhodes, Ferran Dearman, Imani Titus, JaCoby Whit-
field, Jada Menifee, Jasmine Garcia, Jason Chavez, Juan Rodriguez, Kamryn
Womack, Kneesty Masinya, Madison Jones, Mariah Turner, Meghan Lang,
Reagan Jordan, Torri Lang, Xander Paiz, Zavion Millburn

Orchestra
Pam Dickson, Ivan Geters, Sade Franklin, James Hill,
Kellie Hill & Refugio Rodriguez
 Cast
Jelly Roll Morton……………………………………………………………...Bishop Pearsall
Chimney Man………………………………………………Narius Nedd & Trysten Williams
Young Jelly…………………………………………………….………………Kaleb Womack
Jack The Bear/Buddy Bolden………………………………….......................Ri’Chard Jordan
Anita………………………………………………..………..………………Jazmyne Charles
Miss Mamie……………………………………………….………………...Celeste Dennison
Hunnie #1……………………………………………………………………...Jocelyn Dorsey
Hunnie #2……………………………………………………………………….Bonnie Battle
Hunnie #3……………………………………………………….….......................Kayla Herd
Gran Mimi……………………………………………………….……………….Kai Womack
Melrose Brother #1………………………………………………..……………...Joshua Diaz
Melrose Brother #2………………………………………………………………Pedro Garcia

The Company
Alejandra Rodriguez, Alton Nealy, Amare’on Reyna, Amber Colvin, Ariana Valliar, Arielle
Wilson, Armani Brown, Aryana Williams, Ashlee Walker, Ashley Harrison, Bailey Mitchell,
Bailey Tucker, Brielle Johnson, Caleb Sells, Carla Flores, Cody Dixon, Colby Ester, Deja
Bracey, Diamond Bradley, Folasade Asoro, Grace Guzman, Jaida Walker, Jaila Stanley, Ja-
son Mejia, Jaya Brown, Jayla Williams, Je’Siah Owens, Jae’Dha Owens, Jordan Colbert,
Jordan Johnson, Joshua Cruise, Josue Aviles, Kayla Robinson, Kevin Washington, Kiera
Bell, Kirby Jackson, Kylah Williams, Lauryn Cornish, Mateo Garcia, Miriam Hernandez,
Morgan Maxwell, Oscar Garcia, Oscar Villagran, PreJazaclyn James, Quinton Jackson,
Raphel Humphery, Rebecca Gonzalez, Sanaa Hill, Siemyone Edgar Jr., Sissi Arriaga,
Stephanie Dieffenbach & Yasaar Ellis

Carver & Aldine Dance Company

Dance Directors: Sarita Salinas & Brianna McCray
Alexy Quiroga, Bianca Bolanos, Joelle Rosales, Julianna Menjivar, Lauren Martinez,
Lauryn Montez, Maria Perez, Naja Williams & Salma Davis
 Program
“Prologue”………………………………………………………….Chimney Man
“The Jam”……………………………………………………...Hunnies & Crowd
“In My Day”………………………………………………………..Jelly, Hunnies
“The Creole Way”………………………...Ancestors, Amede, Viola, Young Jelly
“The Whole World’s Waiting to Hear Your Song”……..Jelly, Young Jelly, Crowd
“Michigan Water”…………………………………...Miss Mamie, Buddy Bolden
“The Banishment”………………………………....Gran Mimi, Young Jelly, Jelly
“Somethin’ More”…………………..Jelly, Jack, Chimney Man, Hunnies, Crowd
“That’s How You Jazz”………………………………………...Jelly, Jack, Crowd
“The Chicago Strut”…...Jelly, Red Hot Peppers, Chimney Man, Hunnies, Crowd
“Play the Music for Me”…………………………………………………….Anita
“Lovin Is A Low Down Blues”…………………………………………...Hunnies
“Doctor Jazz”………………………………………………………...Jelly, Crowd
“Good Ole New York”…………………………..Chimney Man, Hunnies, Crowd
“Too Late Daddy”……………………………………………………Jelly, Crowd
“That’s the Way We Do Things in New York”…………...Jelly, Melrose Brothers
“Good Ole New York (Reprise)”…………………………………..Chimney Man
“Last Chance Blues”…………………………………………………..Jelly, Anita
“Scene (Last Chance)”………………..Jelly, Jack, Anita, Chimney Man, Hunnies
“Scene (The Rites)”…………………………...Miss Mamie, Jelly, Chimney Man
“Creole Boy”…………………………………………………………………Jelly
“We Are the Rhythms That Color Your Song”………………………….Company
Curtain Call
 Lead Characters

Bishop Pearsall Narius Nedd Trysten Williams Kaleb Womack

Jelly Roll Morton Chimney Man Chimney Man Young Jelly

Ri’Chard Jordan Jazmyne Charles Celeste Dennison Jocelyn Dorsey

Jack The Bear & Anita Miss Mamie Hunnie #1
Buddy Bolden

Bonnie Battle Kayla Herd Kai Womack Joshua Diaz

Hunnie #2 Hunnie #3 Gran Mimi Melrose Brother #1

Pedro Garcia
Melrose Brother #2
 Panther Players

Alejandra Rodriguez Alton Nealy Amare’on Reyna Amber Colvin

Ariana Valliar Arielle Wilson Armani Brown Aryana Williams

Ashlee Walker Ashley Harrison Bailey Mitchell Bailey Tucker

Brielle Johnson Caleb Sells Carla Flores Cody Dixon

 Panther Players

Colby Ester Deja Bracey Diamond Bradley Folasade Asoro

Grace Guzman Jaida Walker Jaila Stanley Jason Mejia

Jaya Brown Jayla Williams Jordan Colbert Jordan Johnson

Joshua Cruise Josue Aviles Kayla Robinson Kevin Washington

 Panther Players

Kiera Bell Kirby Jackson Kylah Williams Lauryn Cornish

Mateo Garcia Miriam Hernandez Morgan Maxwell Oscar Garcia

Oscar Villagran PreJazaclyn James Quinton Jackson Raphel Humphery

Rebecca Gonzalez Sanaa Hill Siemyone Edgar Sissi Arriaga

 Panther Players

Stephanie Dieffenbach Yasaar Ellis Je’Siah Owens Jae’Dha Owens

The Crew
 Principal Character Bios
Bishop Pearsall is a senior at G.W. Carver Magnet High School. Performing is more than a hobby for him, it
is his passion. Bishop has had the honor to join the Texas Thespians 2015-2016 and 2017 All State Casts of
students from all over the state. In his last UIL One Act Play season, he had the honor of receiving the 3 Best
Actor awards. To Bishop, art is evolution, enlightenment, and the true reflection of life.

Narius Nedd is a 16 year old junior at Carver High School. He’s participated in 3 musicals at Carver, includ-
ing Hairspray and Once On This Island. He participated in last year’s UIL production of Before it Hits Home
where he received several honorable mentions and all star cast awards. Narius is the highest performing
speech and debate member in Carver High School history. He’s a state qualifying TAFE member and in his
free time he plays basketball.

Trysten Williams is a freshman at G.W. Carver Magnet High School. He has been in theatre since the 5th
grade and ever since then he began to develop a passion for theatre. Trysten hopes to be a successful actor
when he grows up and also maybe venture into directing and producing. When and if he does become suc-
cessful in acting, he wants to open a Performance Arts school in Houston.

Kaleb Womack is a freshman at G.W. Carver Magnet High School. He portrays the role of Young Jelly in
the musical Jelly’s Last Jam. He has been into theater since the early age of 6. Performing for Carver High
School has been a dream of his since he has been in school. Kaleb makes it his personal duty to tell the story
every time he is on or off stage.

Ri’Chard Jordan is a senior at G.W. Carver Magnet High School. He is portraying the role of “Jack the
Bear”. He’s been in a total of 3 musicals at Carver including Hairspray and Once on This Island as “Tonton
Julian” in which he was nominated for best-supporting actor for the annual Tommy Tune Awards. He’s also a
two time national qualifier at the Texas Thespian Festival.

Jazmyne Charles is junior at Carver High School. Her previous acting credits include Once on this Island,
Hairspray, Smokey Joe’s Café, Pippin, Before It Hits Home, and The Wiz. She has also received Tommy
Tune nominations for best leading actress and best featured performer. Jazmyne is an honor student and upon
graduation plans to attend Julliard School for Acting.

Celeste Dennison is a 17 year old senior at G.W. Carver Magnet High School. Her greatest achievement is
becoming choir president. In choir she’s received a 1 in Solo and Ensemble for two years and a silver medal
at state. However, even though this is her first musical at Carver, she plays the lead role of Miss Mamie.

Jocelyn Dorsey is a freshman at G.W. Carver Magnet High School. She has been in the fine arts program
since she was in the 5th grade. She has been in multiple Carver shows and landed two lead roles in Once on
This Island and Jelly’s Last Jam. Jocelyn believes that music is art and art is music.

Bonnie Battle is a junior at G.W. Carver Magnet High School and she has been singing since she was about
5 years old. Bonnie has had the pleasure of being a part of 2 of Carver productions. Her outlook on life is that
music is life, and what is life without music.

Kayla Herd is a senior at Carver High School. She found her knick to expand her talent at a young age. This
year she’s in advanced choir and overall has had so many accomplishments throughout the whole 4 years of
being involved. Kayla would say that her favorite quote to get her by would be “I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me.”
 Principal Character Bios
Kai Womack is a junior at G.W. Carver Magnet High School. This is her third year participating in a
Carver musical and her second year being a main character. Last year, she received a Tommy Tune nomina-
tion for Best supporting Actress for her portrayal of Mama Euralie in Once on this Island. Every year her ex-
perience with the cast and directors is augmented considerably. Kai am very grateful for the lessons she has
learned and can not wait for next season.

Joshua Diaz is an 18 year old senior at Carver High School. Joshua has had an excellent journey all of his
four years. He received a first place medal his freshman year for a piano solo piece and is ending his senior
year by being one of the “Melrose Brothers” in the musical Jelly’s Last Jam and is looking forward toward
the future.

Pedro Garcia is a senior at Carver Magnet High School. He was born on March 27, 2000 ln Houston, TX.
He likes to play sports, video-games go shopping. His favorite thing to do when he is really bored is to draw
and design. Pedro likes to sing and perform a lot on stage. He even participated in a musical choir & ensem-
ble when he was younger.

Panther Player Bios-Class of 2018

Ahreaile Holly (Tech) is a senior and current salutatorian of G.W. Carver’s graduating class. She is also
the current president of the troupe and has been an officer for 3 years; aside from her officer commitment to
the troupe, she also served as the secretary for the Texas State Thespian Officers from 2016-2018. She is
blessed to have been apart of such an amazing troupe and can not wait for the blessings the future holds.

Amaya Lacy (Tech) is a senior at G.W. Carver Magnet High School. This is her 4th year in the theatre pro-
gram, where she has participated in 3 musicals, including Hairspray and Once On This Island. Aside from
that, she is also ranked 6 in her graduating class. She loves theatre because not only has she made many
bonds but has learned lessons that can last a lifetime.

Amber Colvin (Ensemble) is an 18 year old senior from Carver High School. She enjoys singing, reading,
science, swimming and being creative. She is involved in Choir, Drama, Student Council and Anime Club.
She has participated as a chorus member in musicals such as Aristocats, Christmas Carol, Hairspray, and
Once on This Island. She also thanks God for this opportunity to perform and represent him.

Arielle Wilson (Ensemble) is a senior at G.W. Carver Magnet High School. After juggling being a Girl
Scout and participating in the several other school activities she is in the top top 15% of her class. Attending
Carver has taught her a lot. I’ve learned to keep my head above water and that eventually after the storm
comes a rainbow.

Bailey Tucker (Ensemble) is a 17 years old senior. This year is her second year in Carver’s musical. She’s
been in Once on This Island and currently in Jelly’s Last Jam. This year she went to Thespian Festival and
advanced to nationals. Bailey is so happy that she’s accomplished her goals for her last year and she looks
forward to seeing where everything she’s learned will take her in life.

JaCoby Whitfield (Tech) is a senior at G.W. Carver Magnet High School. He’s been in Theatre since he
was in the sixth grade. He’s been in various musicals such as Once On This Island, Hairspray, The Nut-
cracker and Jack and the Beanstalk. He loves theatre because you get to express how you feel by acting or
being in the scene shop, building your life away.
Panther Player Bios-Class of 2018
Jada Menifee (Tech) is a senior at Carver High School. Although, she’s in the Visual Arts strand, she has
two years of experience in the Carver theatre. She plans to attend the University of North Texas in Denton
with a major in interior design and minor in photography. Jada will always remember Carver as the bright
and colorful mural of many that shapes her into the person she is today.

Jasmine Garcia (Tech) is a senior Theatre Technician at Carver High School. She was inducted into the
International Thespian Society her freshman year. Jasmine is a L.E.D. light technician and has worked in
musicals such as: Once on This Island and Smokey Joe’s Cafe. She greatly thanks Ms. Jones and Mr. Col-
lins for everything she has learned about Theatre and communication.

Jason Mejia (Ensemble) is a senior at Carver High School. He serves as a Panther Player Officer. He has
been involved in theatre for about ten years as both an actor and a tech crew member. Theatre has inspired
him to be the best person he can be, and would like to thank Mr. Collins and Ms. Jones for everything
they’ve done for him.

Juan Rodriguez (Tech) is a senior Theatre technician at Carver High School. He was inducted into the
International Thespian Society his sophomore year. Juan is the Shop Foreman and has worked in musicals
and shows like: Smokey Joe’s Café and Once on This Island. Juan will be continuing his studies of con-
structing, design and carpentry into college and ultimately his career.

Kiera Bell (Ensemble) is a 17 year old senior at G.W. Carver Magnet High School. She loves drama,
dancing, singing and styling hair. She likes to have fun and live life to her fullest. She was a majorette
dancer for two years and been in theatre since her freshman year. You haven’t experienced life until you
have met Kiera Bell.

Kirby Jackson (Ensemble) is a senior at Carver High School. She is proudly a part of troupe 6753. She
have volunteered at the YMCA; encouraging seniors to dance and act. Kirby has also participated in activi-
ties outside of school which will enhance her ability to perform at my greatest potential once she graduates
from high school.

Lauryn Cornish (Ensemble & Student Choreographer) is a Senior at G.W. Carver Magnet High School
who has been in the program as early as the production of the The Wiz when she was in intermediate
school. Jelly’s Last Jam will be her fifth musical production. She is also graduating number 4 in her senior
class. Most of all, she enjoys the life lessons theatre has taught and continues to teach her.

Mariah Turner (Tech) is a senior at G.W Carver Magnet High School. Mariah has been involved in thea-
tre since the 5th grade. She is currently a board member where she serves as technical assistant. Mariah was
a national qualifier this year at Thespian Festival. She loves theatre because it taught her many permanent
life lessons and allowed her to truly be herself.

Meghan Lang (Tech) is a senior at G.W. Carver. This is her second year as a theatre student. She has been
a technician for Once On This Island, 31 Grace Court, and Jelly’s Last Jam. Ever since she joined tech ,she
knew it was the right place for her. Meghan is also apart of Student Council and Pink Panther. She encour-
ages people to stay involved and stay active.

Morgan Maxwell (Ensemble) is a senior at Carver High School and she has been a part of troupe #6753
for all of her years at Carver High. She was in the casts of Ghost the Musical, Hairspray, Once on this Is-
land and this year’s Jelly’s Last Jam. Morgan is 18 years old and she believes that the magic of a star is the
power of love.
Panther Player Bios-Class of 2018
Reagan Jordan (Tech) is a 17 year old senior at Carver High School. Reagan is in the advanced tech-
nical theatre class and she has been apart of the technical department for 3 musicals such as Hairsprayand
Once on This Island. She is very great at what she does and is known as one of our top technicians. Being
a part of the theatre department has bettered her as person.

Raphel Humphery (Ensemble) is a senior at Carver Magnet High School For The Performing Arts. He
has qualified for nationals two years in a row at Texas State Thespian Festival. He has also participated in
many community activity performances to represent Troupe 6753. He is truly a leader not only in theatre
but all around campus. He brings positive energy wherever he goes and he is always up for a challenge.

Rebecca Gonzalez (Ensemble) is a senior at Carver High School. She have been performing since the
age of six, mainly in orchestra as a violinist. She has been part of the varsity orchestra and for multiple
years and has earned superior ratings on her solos. Rebecca has been part of not only a cast and orchestra,
but performing arts in general, has brought her opportunities and moments she will forever cherish.

Stephanie Dieffenbach (Ensemble) is a 17 year old senior here at Carver High School in the perform-
ing arts dance strand. I have been in several dance recitals at Carver, Drew and Houston. I starred as
Roquefort in the musical “Aristocats” at Houston Academy. I love dance and theatre and I always make it
my personal goal to bring a smile to everyone's face.
 Production Team
Roshunda Jones (Director), a native of Wharton, TX, graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a B.A. in theatre, minor
in English and a Masters in Educational Administration. Ms. Jones is currently TETA’s 2017 Secondary Educator of the Year.
She also served as Carver Magnet High School’s teacher of the year in 2009 & 2014. In 2014, Ms. Jones was a finalist for
Aldine ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year. As the director of the Panther Players Troupe #6753, the troupe has been success-
ful on the State and National Level at the UIL One Act Play competition, Tommy Tune Awards, Texas Thespian Festival and
International Thespian Festival. Ms. Jones is an active member of TX Thespians where she serves as Playworks/Musicalworks
chair and student leadership co-advisor. In addition, she was the director of the Litefooter youth program at the Plaza Thea-
tre for eleven years where she was part of the Board of Directors for four. She was honored with a Proclamation from the
City of Wharton for the work she does in the community. During her limited free time, she's a teaching artist for TUTS Humph-
rey School of Musical Theatre and works as an actor/director in the South Texas Area Theatre scene. Some of her directorial
Roshunda Jones credits include It Ain’t Nothin but the Blues (2017 Broadway World Houston award for Best Director-Musical), Lady Day @
Emerson's Bar & Grill (2016 Broadway World Houston award for Best Director-Play), Working (TUTS HSMT), Bring it On (TUTS
HSMT), Soundtrack to Black History (PVAMU), Trial of Alice (AFA Girls Chorus), Sun & the Moon (AFA GC), Big Fish (Wild fish
Once on this Island, Hairspray, Ghost, Memphis, In the Heights, Color Purple, Young, Gifted & Black, Porgy, Sweet Charity, Ma
Rainey's Black Bottom, The Wiz, Ruined, Aida, Dreamgirls , Aladdin Jr. and Fiddler on the Roof. Special thanks to her theatre
partner in crime, Jabari Collins. She would also like to thank her supportive parents (Errol & Rose Mary), Joel, family, friends
and her mentor in theatre C. Lee Turner for their love and support.

Jabari Collins is currently serving his 7th year as technical director for G. W. Carver High Magnet. In 2015, he was awarded
the coveted title of Carver High School’s Teacher of the Year & district secondary teacher of the year finalist. Jabari is the
proud parent of Cameron Lee Collins and a veteran of the United States Army where he served for nine months in Balaad,
Iraq. Jabari received his bachelors of art degree from Prairie View A&M University working closely under the tutelage of the
legendary Professor C. Lee. Turner and met an amazing young lady by the name of Roshunda Jones. Jabari believes strongly in
the benefit of theatre in the education of the youth. During his limited free time, you can catch Mr. Collins working as an
actor/technician in the Houston area theatre scene, often working with Banks Brothers Productions. He often works for IATSE
Local 51, He is the technical director for the Bayou Theatre Company which premiered the hit musical Passing Strange. He is also a
Board member and technical director for "Fade to Black," the first playwright festival for African American playwrights in Houston. His
directorial & choreographic credits include Once on this Island, Ghost, Hairspray, Memphis, In the Heights, Color Purple, Little Shop of
Horrors, Porgy, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom,The Me Nobody Knows, Thoughts of a Colored Man, for colored girls who have considered
suicide/when the rainbow is enuf, The Face of Emmett Till, & To Be Young Gifted & Black. He also serves as House manager for
Jabari Collins Texas Thespian Festival. Recently he performed in the Ensemble Theatre's August Wilson ten play reading series in the pro-
duction of Two Trains Running as the character Wolf and played Walter Lee Younger for the Ensemble Theatre’s 40th year gala.

Pamela Dickson (Musical Director), a native Houstonian, graduated from Huston-Tillotson University with a Bachelor’s in Music
Education. Mrs. Dickson has taught music in Houston, San Antonio and overseas. After 30 years of service, Mrs. Dickson retired
from Aldine ISD after serving as piano teacher at Houston Academy. Mrs. Dickson serves as accompanist for many middle and
high schools performing arts programs in the district. Mrs. Dickson is a proud wife, mother and grandmother. She would like to
give God all the Glory and thanks.

Pam Dickson

Sarita Salinas acquired her Masters and a Bachelors of Arts in Dance and double majored in English at the Texas Women's University and,
while there, offered dance classes to the community. At the end of her senior year, she won the Leman Award, presented to one individual
that provides opportunities for the community. She has been with the Aldine ISD programs for the last 21 years, creating a laddered founda-
tion for students, from kindergarten through 12th grade, to perform on a collegiate level. Last year, she had the prestigious honor of being
Carver High School’s Teacher of the Year and she was also award Aldine ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year. Today the Carver Performing Arts
Dance Department has received many prestigious awards and honors for their performances in competition as well as community and dis-
trict presentations. She is proud to be the director of the company and continue to produce students who are living the dream. If they want
to dance, then they can dance and dance with the best. The program has developed students who have become very successful in their own
right and have taken a little piece of each of us on their journey: New York, LA, Dallas and so on, teaching the foundation of where they came
Sarita Salinas from: Aldine. To see her dance students accepted at major universities, win numerous scholarships, and instill in other kids what she has
instilled in them: belief of self, confidence, and courage to be themselves, These are her greatest accomplishments.
 Production Team
Kelli Estes (AFA) is known for singing high-flying and eccentric leading ladies of the opera, oratorio and musical theater
stages and is Artistic Director of Lone Star Lyric Theater Festival. Estes’ B.A (California State University Fresno) and M.M.
(University of Houston) degrees have helped her carve out a wide-ranging career in the creative lyric arts that continues
to evolve. She has been an AFA faculty member for six years. She has thoroughly enjoyed working with these young
artists on Once on this Island!

Linda Fleming has been designing and sewing costumes since she was five years old. She taught art for 11 years at Ray-
mond Academy for Engineering and then taught Drama for 4 years at Carter Academy for Performing Arts, both in Aldine
ISD. She is currently teaching art at Francone Elementary in Cy-Fair ISD. Some of her favorite things to do are creating
custom costumes for theatrical productions, designing and building props and sets as well as cooking and doing projects
with her two granddaughters. She was a costuming assistant for Operafestival di Roma in Italy in 1999 and has created
costumes for Houston Academy, Eisenhower High School, and Nimitz High School as well as Carver High School. She creat-
ed costumes for Alice in Wonderland, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Wiz, and this past summer
worked with Bayou City Theatre Company on costumes for Pecong and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill. Linda would
like to thank God for His Amazing Blessings, and also her daughter Tamara for the design assistance she always provides.

Special thanks to our Alumni who were a part of the production team!
Thanks for giving back!

Denzel, Taylor, a Houston native, began dancing

at the age of 13 with the Aldine Dance Company. Ivan Geters is thrilled to be
After graduating from Carver Magnet high school, part of the orchestra of this
he moved to New York to begin his professional production. Ivan plays drums,
dance career. He has trained under the tutelage the guitar, and has a love for
of master teachers at the Houston Met, Dance the technical side of theater and
Zone, Houston Red Door productions, Leon dance is in the process of joining the
arts, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and the Ailey tech Union. Ivan is a graduate of
School. While dancing is his first passion, he also Carver Magnet and currently
has a knack for choreographing. Denzel has been attends Sam Houston state
the resident choreographer for the Judah interna- university where his major is
tional dance theatre for 2 seasons. He has been music and minor is technical
nominated for 5 Tommy Tune awards and he is theatre.
looking forward to the next chapters in life. Al-
ways dancing like the whole world is his audience,
he inspires himself to take on the risk of breaking
the fourth wall.

Elias Flores, Carver alum, serves as sound designer for this production. He loved for technical theatre
started at Carver Magnet and he is pursuing it as his career. He has been a sound technician for
several shows and currently works for the union and freelance sound technician.

Thank You!!! You are Simply the Best!

Mr. Watkins – Principal
Mr. Coleman, Mr. Blanson, Mrs. Williams & Mr. Dickson - Assistant Principals
Ms. Brown - Performing Arts Counselor
Carver Performing Arts Department
Dr. Michael Remson, Kelli Estes & AFA
The Custodial Staff
Carver Faculty and Staff
Theatre Parent Support Group
Family and Friends
From the Cast and Crew of Jelly’s Last Jam
 The Black History Show
February 8, 2018
UIL One Act Play @ Spring High School
March 1, 2018
Senior Show
May 9, 2018
Banquet
May 10, 2018