Published On: September 13th, 2026By Leticia Fehling

Carver Theatre Students Selected for Professional Production of ‘Cinderfella’

Twelve Carver High School theatre students will take the stage alongside professional theatre artists in a hip-hop reimagining of the classic “Cinderella” story.

Twelve Carver High School theatre students are getting a chance to take their talents beyond the classroom and onto one of Houston’s most recognized stages.

The students have been selected to join the professional company of Cinderfella, a hip-hop reimagining of the classic Cinderella story produced by Houston’s historic The Ensemble Theatre. The students will work alongside professional theatre artists and perform at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

For these young artists, the opportunity is more than another performance. It is a chance to experience the expectations, collaboration, and excitement of working alongside professional theatre artists — and to share their talents with a Houston audience.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for our students to apply the discipline, craft, and confidence they build at Carver Theatre in a professional setting,” said Jabari Collins, Carver HS technical theatre director. “To perform alongside accomplished artists from The Ensemble Theatre on the Miller Outdoor Theatre stage is an experience that will challenge them, inspire them, and show them what is possible in their future.”

“We are so proud of these students for earning this opportunity and representing Carver with such talent and heart,” said Roshunda Jones-Koumba, Carver HS theatre director. “Cinderfella invites them to tell a familiar story through the creativity, rhythm, and self-expression of hip-hop, and we cannot wait for the Houston community to see them shine.”

Bringing a Classic Story to Life Through Hip-Hop

Cinderfella puts a fresh spin on the familiar Cinderella story, using the rhythm, poetry, and energy of hip-hop culture to tell the story of Dane, a gifted young dreamer navigating a difficult home life.

When Daddy Hip-Hop and his daughter announce a royal hip-hop ball, Dane gets an opportunity to step into the spotlight, discover his voice, and show the world who he truly is. With help from a magical Fairy Godfather, fresh style, and plenty of music, movement, and humor, Dane’s journey becomes a celebration of self-expression, resilience, and staying true to yourself.

The production draws on Dana Dane’s 1985 song “Cinderfella,” which serves as a recurring musical motif throughout the show.

The Carver students selected for the production are:

Kenneth Jordan — Dane/Cinderfella
Adriana Cooper — Detta B
Asia Baker — Steph Dee
Reagan Thompson — Leelah
Matilda Mayorga-Real — Sarah
Argie Smith — Dawn
Thalia Jenkins — Billie
Alijah Brinkley — Daddy Hip-Hop
David Gipson & Dakarai Smith — Herb & Fairy Godfather
Allen Hampton & Johnny Kelley — Landers Mott

Their participation also comes during a milestone year for The Ensemble Theatre, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins, The Ensemble Theatre was created to preserve African American artistic expression and to enlighten, entertain, and enrich a diverse community.

Over five decades, the theatre has grown from a touring company operating out of the trunk of Hawkins’ car into one of Houston’s historic cultural institutions. Today, The Ensemble Theatre remains dedicated to producing works that celebrate the African American experience and providing opportunities for artists.

For Carver’s 12 young performers, that legacy provides a fitting backdrop for an experience that connects classroom learning with the professional stage.

And when the lights come up at Miller Outdoor Theatre, the stage will belong to them.