Robin Donica Wolaver has worn many hats over the years, but none is closer to her heart than the title “Mama”. The daughter of mountain missionaries, who raised her on love, wit, and frank common sense, Robin’s life has been a horse ride bareback, moving her from dirt grass roots in Oklahoma to steely skyscrapers in New York City. Along the way she’s raised seven children, written popular musicals, founded an internationally acclaimed musical group, published an auto-biography, directed numerous artistic programs, and also found time to care for her elderly mother and mother-in-law. Robin’s words are fresh, vivacious, and to the point. She’s a combination of clear-headed and cutting-edge, offering women young and old a captivating vision of motherhood, music, and the heroism of learning to serve the needs of others. From the intricate wonder of the human body to the high call of changing diapers, Robin’s story will inspire, provoke, and expand your understanding of what it means to be a wise and fruitful woman.
Bill Wolaver is a musical tour-de-force. He is a master composer, arranger, and award-winning songwriter. The piano is his instrument of mastery and on it he brings power, sensitivity and color to the musical landscape. He has been an actively published composer since his first hit song, with his wife and artistic partner, Robin Wolaver, in 1988, and his works have been performed all of the world and in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the Grand Ole Opry House. But his greatest triumph is his family. He and Robin have raised 7 children and boast 22 grandchildren. Together they perform as the Annie Moses Band, the creative team behind "The Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello," and original works for broadway like, "Merry Christmas Uncle Scrooge."
Benjamin Wolaver is a cellist, writer, actor, and teacher. He plays the lead role on the hit children’s TV show, The Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello. Benjamin studied cello at the Juilliard School at a young age before touring professionally as a member of the Annie Moses Band. He earned his B.A. in English Literature at the University of London where he won the Academic Achievement Award. As a member of the Annie Moses Band, he has performed on stages as diverse as Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry, toured abroad in Europe, and released chart-topping albums, including an Emmy-nominated PBS special. Benjamin teaches cello and aesthetics and theology at the Conservatory of Annie Moses.
Ella Forster is 17 years old and resides in Nolensville, TN. She has attended the Conservatory of Annie Moses for 6 years. The Conservatory has provided opportunities for Ella to play roles in Tom Sawyer, Homeschool Musical, Annie, Music Man, the sound of music, and most recently Abigail and Caroline in Scrooge. She is very thankful to her teachers for the time and investments they have made in her life spiritually and creatively!
Berklee Wolaver is a multi-talented singer, dancer and visual artist. She is known for her role as "Lolly Popular" in the hit children's series, "The Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello." Growing up in a musical family in Raleigh, NC she was an in-demand dancer and singer, but her true love is visual art and she holds a BFA in Art from the University of NC Greensboro. As a key member of the Annie Moses family, she enjoys her diverse roles as choreographer, performer, and artist. She is married to Alex Wolaver and they are blessed with 6 beautiful children. They make their home in Columbia, TN.
Audrey Jane Wolaver has been a student at the Conservatory of Annie Moses for 8 years. She has been a featured actress in the acclaimed series "The Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello" and has been a featured performer in numerous stage productions including "Annie" and "The Music Man".
Vincenza Dupre is eleven years old, and is a protege of the Conservatory of Annie Moses. In addition to acting, she is a gifted guitarist, singer and songwriter. Since the age of 5 Vincenza has enjoyed working as a professional actress and singer both on screen and on stage. Recent appearances include Becky Thatcher in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."
Parker Mashburn, 15 years old is the second of eight children born and raised in Middle Tennessee. She and her family have taken classes with the Conservatory for nine years. Parker has studied violin, mandolin, voice and acting. She has been a dancer since she was four years old with years of ballet, jazz, musical theater, contemporary, modern and tap and was recently asked to be in first company at her dance studio. Parker loves to draw and is an amazing artist with an eye for beauty. Parker can be seen in Season 2 and 3 of The Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello and Season 1 of Chalk and Block Children. Parker was the lead role of Becky Thatcher in the musical Tom Sawyer and has enjoyed the numerous opportunities provided by The Conservatory and The Wolaver family to do what she loves.
William “Will” Walker is 16 years old and lives in Tennessee. He is the oldest of five children. He started his musical journey five years ago on violin and has progressed to include piano, guitar, and voice. Will performed in the Sound of Music as Rolfe, a role that excited and readied him for future challenges. He enjoys hunting, golf, praying, and spending time with friends. He excels academically and keeps a rigorous schedule. Will has a deep devotion to his large family and always offers a kind smile to those around him.
Matthew Craig Johnson is a professional songwriter, producer, actor, artist and entrepreneur. He has lived in Columbia for the last 14 years. He began his professional music career at the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. Much of his time now is spent as the COO of Muletown Coffee Roasters which he founded in 2013. Earlier this year he released a new album of original songs under the pseudonym Gibson Flowers. He is so honored to be playing the role of Captain Von Trapp…and for being the Official Coffee Provider for the conservatory break room.
Piper McKelvey is 11 years old and studies piano and voice at the Conservatory of Annie Moses. On her free time, Piper enjoys reading, painting, drawing, sewing, and playing with her sisters and her dog Nala. Piper has had the privilege of being a part of Packard Playhouse since its conception in 2023, and she has played the role of July in “Annie”, a River City Girl in “The Music Man”, and Calendar Girl in “Merry Christmas Uncle Scrooge”. Piper is delighted to be playing the part of Louisa in “The Sound of Music” in yet another Packard Playhouse production!
Anna Wolaver is 8 years old and sings and plays violin. She has been seen as a featured guest on the acclaimed children's show “The Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello” and has been studying violin and voice at the Conservatory of Annie Moses for 3 years.
Evangeline Wolaver is a veteran performer and has been featured in "The Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello" on television, and performed in productions of "Annie", "The Music Man", and "Merry Christmas Uncle Scrooge" at Packard Playhouse. She is 9 years old and has studied at The Conservatory of Annie Moses for 5 years.
Joshua Carswell is an award-winning singer and actor for both stage and screen. Recent accolades include the role of Harold Hill in "The Music Man," guest appearances at the Kennedy Center, and forthcoming performances with the Charlotte Symphony. In addition to his active schedule as a singer and actor, Mr. Carswell is a masterful pedagogue and the opportunity to develop young talent at the Conservatory of Annie Moses. A native of North Carolina, Mr. Carswell graduated from Elon University in 2011 with a Bachelors in Vocal Performance, garnering the university’s prestigious Presser Music Scholar award. He has been a guest soloist at Carnegie Hall’s Isaac Stern Auditorium, The Grand Ole Opry, 54 Below and made appearances with the Greensboro Opera, North Carolina Symphony, Indiana Wind Symphony and the Savannah Philharmonic. Roles include Ferrando in Cosi Fan Tutte (American Singers Opera Project), Rinuccio in Gianni Schicci (Elon) and soloist on “Generations” in Children of Eden (Elon University). Mr. Carswell’s exceptional interpretive skill has garnered national attention, winning the Grand Prize in the prestigious American Traditions Competition in Savannah, GA. He has released two albums of American Standards and will be releasing his debut original album “Innerspace” in the spring of 2024.
Willow McKelvey is ten years old, and she loves to read, paint, draw, sing, dance, swim, and play with her friends. She is a student at the Conservatory of Annie Moses, and studies piano, mandolin, and dance. Willow has enjoyed being a part of the Packard Playhouse productions and has performed as Kate in “Annie”, a River City girl in “The Music Man”, The Ghost of Christmas Past in “Merry Christmas Uncle Scrooge”, and she is overjoyed to be playing the role of Becky Thatcher in “Tom Sawyer the Musical”.
Margie Della Johnson is 10 years old and a native of Columbia, Tennessee. She has been taking lessons and attending various programs with the Annie Moses Conservatory for the last three years. After attending the Annie Moses Summer Music festival she fell in love with the stage. Her passions include singing, playing piano, acting and she has even begun writing her own dramatic productions. She is thrilled to be playing Belinda Cratchit alongside her father who is playing Bob Cratchit.
Patrick Bentley is happy to be returning in the role of the Ghost of Christmas Present. He previously portrayed Mr. Dobbins in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," Herr Zeller in ""The Sound of Music." In his younger years, he was active in choral groups and in musical theater, performing in Annie (Bert Healy), Starmites (Ack Ack Ackerman), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Benjamin), and Damn Yankees (Joe Hardy). In the interim years, his professional focus has been on earning degrees and climbing the corporate ladder, but, far more importantly, he and his wife, Kristi, have been growing their family and forming their 7 children. He wants to thank Kristi for holding down the fort at home to allow him to share this special experience with his children.
Adam is 12 years old and so excited for the opportunity to bring Tom to life in this amazing musical. He recently had his breakout role as Fredric Von Trapp in the Spring 2024 production of the Sound of Music at Packard Playhouse. In 2023, he played Robert the School Boy in the Packard Playhouse production of Merry Christmas, Uncle Scrooge. He has been a student of the Conservatory of Annie Moses for seven years, where he studies drums and voice. He has been a part of the theater program performing in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in 2018 and Bible Lessons from a Barnyard (Sloppy Joe), as well as Halleluiah Harvest (Dovey). When he is not on the stage you can find him on the baseball diamond. He is grateful to his parents for his life and their love.
Pierson Mashburn, 11 years old, is one of eight kids born and raised in Middle Tennessee. He and his family have taken classes with the Conservatory of Annie Moses for 9 years. When he isn’t acting, singing or playing the drums, he enjoys hanging with his family, swimming, skiing, beatboxing, hip hop and baseball. He is grateful to The Wolaver family for fostering his talents and giving him many opportunities to perform and act. He can be seen in Seasons 2 and 3 of The Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello and Season 1 of What Every Child Needs to Know About God.
Lucy Mashburn, 13 years old, is one of eight kids born and raised in Middle Tennessee. She and her family have taken classes with the Conservatory of Annie Moses for 9 years. When she isn’t acting, singing or playing her electric bass, she enjoys hanging with her family, swimming, skiing and snowboarding. She is grateful to her friends and family for supporting her and the Wolaver family for giving her opportunities to do the things she loves and fostering those talents. She can be seen in Seasons 2 and 3 of The Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello and Season 1 of What Every Child Needs to Know About God.
Mary-Elizabeth Walker is 14 and resides in Tennessee. “Mary” is an animal lover, a people person, and a loving sister to four brothers. She has been performing in front of live audiences for the past three years and has had major roles in The Sound of Music and Scrooge. She is accomplished in voice, guitar, mandolin, and piano and enjoys the new challenge of learning dance. She is outgoing and cares deeply for her friends and family. Mary is grateful for the opportunities the Annie Moses Conservatory has provided to advance her talent and personal growth.
Gabriella Edwards, age 14, is excited to perform in her third production with the Packard Players. Recently relocating to Middle TN with her family from western MA, she began studying at the Conservatory of Annie Moses, studying violin, guitar, voice, music theory and stagecraft. She enjoys painting, baking and spending time with her family- five siblings and her yellow lab. She is grateful for the opportunity to expand in her musical and artistic skills alongside such a life-giving, God-honoring community of peers and mentors.
Gabriella Edwards, age 13, is excited to perform in her second production at the Packard Playhouse. Recently relocating to Middle TN with her family from western MA, she began studying at the Conservatory of Annie Moses this past fall, studying violin, music theory and stagecraft. She enjoys spending time and traveling with her family- five siblings and her yellow lab. She is thankful for the opportunity to grow in her musical and artistic skills alongside such a life-giving, God-honoring community of peers and mentors.
Lori and Billy Miller are proud parents to 5 beautiful children. They have been conservatory parents for 3 years, and when the opportunity came to share a stage with some of their children, they jumped at it. Billy started singing at a young age with a childrens choir singing onstage at the Grand Ole Opry, and has sung with such stars as Lorrie Morgan, John Denver, and Vince Gill. Lori was in the musical the Music Man as Mrs Paroo and has joined the technical team for "The Sound of Music"
Alex Wolaver is a renaissance man: film director, songwriter, producer, actor, violist, and founding member of the Annie Moses Band. He is one of the directors and actors of "The Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello." He is an Emmy-nominated visual editor. He has performed all over the world and a core part of the Annie Moses Foundation.
Gretchen Wolaver is a consummate musician on the guitar, mandolin, and violin, as well as a songbird soprano in the mold of Joni Mitchell. An artist from Nashville, TN and a voice student of renowned opera singer, Melissa Shippen Burrows, Gretchen has been touring for almost twenty years as part of the acclaimed Annie Moses Band, a classical-folk ensemble with record-breaking PBS specials, chart topping classical-crossover albums, and an Emmy nomination to their credit.
Lori Miller is a wife and mom to 5 littles (2 of which are in The Music Man). She has spent 10 years as an RN and 11 years in the United States Army. Her family has been at conservatory for 3 years, and aside from being a “beauty school dropout” in her high school production of Grease, this is her stage debut.
Mark Bradley Harris is excited for this encore performance in the role of the Narrator. Packard Playhouse patrons may remember Mark as Mayor Shinn in The Music Man, and most recently as Max Detweiler in The Sound of Music. Mark Harris is the proud husband of Krista Sheppard Harris (Stage Manager, Props, Costumes). Along with their very talented children - Arianna (studying abroad), Hudson (Pastor Sprague), and Hunter (Deputy Rogers), they are proud to have been affiliated with the Annie Moses Foundation for almost 14 years. The Harrises served overseas as foreign missionaries for many years with Youth with a Mission (YWAM), a non-denominational, non-profit organization. Mark earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Georgia and a MA with The University of the Nations in Cape Town, South Africa in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship. Mark has a lifetime of onstage and backstage experience in theatre, having studied under the late Jennifer Jenkins of the Theatre Arts Guild, Georgia State University, has appeared on the big screen as Phillip Moore in The Favorite, a fighter pilot in ABC/Disney’s - The Path to 9/11, and as The Traveler in Quo Vadis on the Grand Ole Opry stage, among many others. The Harrises currently live in Kansas City, Missouri.
Hunter Harris (Old Joe/Ensemble) has been involved in theatre since he was 6 years old. Hunter is a recent Graduate and the Student of the Year at Summit Christian Academy in Lee’s Summit, MO, where he was also named the Eagle Scholar for the Performing Arts. Hunter has recently appeared as Aslan in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Tommy Albright in Brigadoon, and Horace Vandergelder in Hello Dolly. Packard audiences will likely remember Hunter as Charlie Cowell in The Music Man and Old Joe in Merry Christmas Uncle Scrooge. Hunter currently serves on the worship team at Journey Church International in Lee’s Summit, MO. He is also an accomplished cellist and plans to attend a Discipleship Training School with Youth with a Mission in Lausanne, Switzerland this January.
Anthony Bentley (Joe Harper): Anthony Bentley is 13 years old and is thrilled to be a part of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. He has been studying voice and piano at the conservatory for seven years. He recently had roles as Jack Crachit in the 2023 production of Merry Christmas, Uncle Scrooge. He performed in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer 4 years ago, Bible Lessons from a Barnyard and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Damascus. Anthony loves hanging with his brothers, playing football with his neighbors and is a vocalist and pianist in his family's band.
Gabriel Bentley (Jeff Thatcher):Gabriel is 15 years old and excited to be Jeff Thatcher in this production, and acting alongside 4 of his 7 siblings and his dad! Gabriel was enthusiastic to perform in the Sound of Music this past Spring as Rolf. Previously, he was in both the 2018 and 2023 productions of Merry Christmas, Uncle Scrooge as Ignorance and a Caroler, and Peter Crachit. He has been a student of the Conservatory of Annie Moses for seven years, where he studies guitar and voice, and he has been a part of their theater program in A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to Damascus (Caleb) and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Joe Harper) as well as acting in Benjamin Cello and Chalk and Block. Gabriel is in the 10th grade at Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation in Franklin. He is grateful to his parents for their sacrifices that allow him to be part of such great experiences.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, Sara attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts and studied dance, voice, and drama. She moved to Tennessee and graduated from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Music in Commercial Vocal Performance. She is a skilled vocalist, actress, dancer, choreographer, and worship leader offering 20 plus years of experience as a performer. Sara is the wife of Rob McKelvey and homeschools their four beautiful daughters. Sara has been a part of Packard Playhouse since its conception through performing and choreographing. She has enjoyed playing the roles of Grace Farrel in “Annie”, Mrs. Fezziwig in “Merry Christmas Uncle Scrooge”, and the Baroness Schraeder in “The Sound of Music”. She is excited to play the role of the Widow Douglas in “Tom Sawyer the Musical”.
Sydney Wolaver is an accomplished mezzo soprano, actress and teacher from Raleigh, North Carolina. She graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance and Theatre. Sydney has won at the state level for both Musical Theatre and Classical NATS and placed first at the regional level for Musical Theatre. She is also a two time nominee for Best Actress by the Kennedy Center’s ACTF. Sydney has traveled to Italy with the International Young Artist Project performing in Puccini’s Suor Angelica and has performed at many venues including the Grand Ole Opry and Carnegie Hall. Sydney is currently a voice and drama teacher at The Conservatory of Annie Moses in addition to being a full time wife and mother.
Originally from Upstate NY, Emily grew up studying voice, piano and various forms of dance. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she was awarded the Ornest Undergraduate Voice Award and Chancellor’s Talent Award multiple years in a row. In 2005, she participated in The Florence Voice Intensive in Florence, Italy, where she performed various pieces by Donizetti and Mozart. She also performed in the World Premiere and National Tour of the opera Captivation of Eunice Williams as Aonkahte (Eunice). As an educator, she has taught students of all ages over the years in voice, choir, music theory and history as a faculty member at the Brattleboro Music Center, Northampton School of the Arts, various public schools, and is thrilled to have joined the faculty of the Conservatory of Annie Moses this year. She is a wife, homeschool mama to four children, and veteran homeschool stepmom to a recent highschool graduate. She is humbled to have the opportunity to step back onto the stage after a many year hiatus alongside her children.
Adena McKelvey is 16 years old and a Junior in Highschool. From a very young age, Adena loved to sing, dance, act, create movies, paint, sew and put on her own shows with her sisters. Currently, she is a student at the Conservatory of Annie Moses and studies voice and guitar. Adena has loved being a part of the Packard Playhouse productions and has played the roles of a maid in “Annie”, a River City Girl in “The Music Man”, Belle in “Merry Christmas Uncle Scrooge”, and Sister Berta in “The Sound of Music”. She is pleased to be the featured soloist in the song “Run Huck Run” in “Tom Sawyer the Musical”.
Eli Walker is 11 and currently resides in Tennessee. His robust personality comes through while entertaining on stage! Eli has previously performed in Scrooge and The Sound of Music. He is talented in drums, piano, and acting. He brings high energy wherever he goes, and his friends enjoy his sense of humor and his contagious smile. Eli has a special place in his heart for animals. He especially likes tortoises, geckos, and lizards. He is thankful to his family for their support and love as he grows in his endeavors at the Annie Moses Conservatory!
Emma Forster is 11 years old and resides in Nolensville, Tennessee. She has studied music and theatre at the Conservatory of Annie Moses since 2019. She fell in love with acting when she landed the role of a Rockette in Hallelujah Harvest. She has participated in Scrooge, played the orphan, Pepper in Annie, Gracie Shinn in Music Man, and Amy Lawrence in Tom Sawyer. When she isn’t acting, she loves singing, dancing and playing her violin. She is thrilled for the opportunity to participate in Scrooge, and thankful to her teachers for the time and investment they have made in building her craft.
Reese Edwards, age 13, is thrilled to perform in her third production with the Packard Players. Recently relocating to Middle TN with her family from western MA, she began studying at the Conservatory of Annie Moses, studying piano, guitar, voice, music theory, dance and stagecraft. She enjoys painting, reading, babysitting, and spending time with her family. She is thankful for the opportunity to grow musically and artistically with such a life-giving, God-honoring community of peers and mentors.
Frances Miller has been at the conservatory of Annie Moses for 3 years. She is an avid reader who loves to sing and play her instruments (piano and mandolin). She has thoroughly enjoyed all the productions she’s been blessed to do, and hopes to bring glory to God through her talents.
Christopher Dupre is 5 years old. He is excited to be making his debut in the role of "Tiny Tim," a role of which was premiered by his older brother, David in the premier performance of "Merry Christmas Uncle Scrooge." In addition to acting and singing he plays the cello and is kind hearted.
Riley Wolaver is 5 years old and thrilled to be making his debut as "Tiny Tim." He dreams of playing the viola, like his papa, Alex Wolaver.
Troy Edwards, age 10, is excited to perform in his third production with the Packard Players. His favorite role was in the recent production of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, playing the role of Sid, Tom Sawyer’s pesky little brother. Relocating to Middle TN with his family from western MA, he began studying at the Conservatory of Annie Moses, studying cello, voice, music theory, and stagecraft. He enjoys riding his bike, drawing and spending time with his family- five siblings and his yellow lab. He is thankful for the opportunity to expand his skills alongside such a life-giving, God-honoring community of peers and mentors.
Ethan Lehman is a 17 year old singer-songwriter born and raised in Nashville TN. He has 1/4 of a college degree and has played piano and guitar since he was a child. At the age of 15, he joined the Annie Moses Conservatory. He also enjoys filming videos for his YouTube channel and is debuting as an actor in his first ever full musical, "Merry Christmas, Uncle Scrooge!"
Hudson is a 12-year veteran with us, having appeared in dozens of productions on stage with the Annie Moses Foundation. Returning Packard patrons may remember Hudson as Professor Harold Hill in our recent performance of The Music Man and Enjolas from Les Miserables in our Broadway Mashup production in July. Hudson has received multiple awards and nominations for his extensive performance career on both stage and screen, including a prestigious nomination by Kansas City’s Starlight Theatre for a Blue Star Award for Male Actor in a Lead Role as Prince Topher in Cinderella, multiple International Thespian Society Awards, and Thespian of the Year at his alma mater, Summit Christian Academy in Lee’s Summit, MO. Hudson is currently engaged in an international degree program in Intercultural Music Studies at the University of the Nations. Hudson has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry stage, on the big screen as Young Luke in The Favorite, has studied Music and Global Missions on three continents, and continues to serve on the worship team at his home church, Journey Church International in Missouri when he is stateside.
