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.
Joshua Van de Voorde is thrilled to make his musical theater debut as Oliver! A 4th grader, he has been training with the Annie Moses Conservatory for the past year and enjoys voice lessons and playing the mandolin and drums. He would like to thank his teachers and parents for their love and support in helping him be part of this production.
Joseph, age 10, is thrilled to play Oliver in Oliver! at Packard Playhouse. A student at the Conservatory of Annie Moses, Joseph made his stage debut in Fiddler on the Roof (Spring 2025) and is honored to take on the beloved role of Oliver. He is grateful to the entire Packard Playhouse team for their guidance and inspiration throughout this production. When he’s not singing or rehearsing, Joseph enjoys playing guitar, flag football, and spending time outdoors — especially fishing, riding dirt bikes, skateboarding, climbing, and collecting knives.
David Dupre is a singer, actor, drummer, pianist and songwriter and a protege of the Conservatory of Annie Moses. He has worked as a professional child performer since the age of 5, and his debut role was Tiny Tim alongside John Rhys-Davies in the premiere performance of "Merry Christmas Uncle Scrooge." Since that time he has performed in multiple TV series for children, many musicals, and as a guest performer with the Annie Moses Band. Today he is performing on-stage as the Young Boy Scrooge, but also backstage as the drummer with the live orchestra.
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.
Joan Robinson is thrilled to be making her debut at Packard Playhouse. She is in her first year at the Annie Moses Conservatory, where she studies voice, and piano. Some of her previous musical theater credits include Peter Pan in Peter Pan, Jr., and a Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast, Jr. When she is not onstage or practicing music, Joan loves writing, making short films, and working with her horse, Tux. She competes yearly with the Williamson County 4H Hippology program, and is a state recognized competitor with her team. She’d like to thank the Wolaver family and Packard community for this opportunity, and God for all He does for her.
Magnolia Thomas is 13 years old and has been a student at the Conservatory of Annie Moses for the last five years. She focuses on voice, mandolin, and dance, and loves performing in the musical theater productions! She has previously been in Annie, The Music Man, Merry Christmas Uncle Scrooge, The Sound of Music, Tom Sawyer and Fiddler on the Roof and is thrilled to be performing as Bet in Oliver!
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.
Daniel is a proud father of six and resident of Franklin, TN, Daniel spends most of his free time on adventures with his family—whether paddle boarding with his amazing wife or wrestling with the kids, he loves to be active. By day, he serves as a civil engineer for Tennessee Valley Authority. He is grateful for the opportunity to play alongside his son Joe as “Oliver” and share this experience with his children and the talented cast and crew at Packard Playhouse.
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.
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.
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.
Hannah Spoerl is fifteen years old and the oldest of four kids. She and her family are based in Columbia and have been a part of the Conservatory for three years. When she's not playing the violin and acting she enjoys reading, traveling, singing for her church and hanging with friends. She performed the role of a nun in The Sound of Music. Hannah is very thankful for Robin and Bill Wolaver in giving her a chance in being a part of the show.
Denise Guzzardi Davis is an accomplished Arts Director, choreographer, and educator with a distinguished career in dance and theater. She has led the creation and growth of numerous arts programs, including directing dance departments for Seacoast Christian Academy and Impact Christian Academy in Jacksonville, FL. Denise’s extensive background spans choreography, performance, and instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, and musical theater, with stage, film, and television credits alongside artists such as Kenny Rogers, Ken Berry, and Dottie Rambo. As founder and artistic director of Studio One Dance Theater and Village School of Dance in Atlanta, she grew the school to over 400 students, choreographing acclaimed productions and mentoring generations of dancers. Denise joined the creative team at Packard Playhouse in 2024 and is Head of Dance at The Conservatory of Annie Moses
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.
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”.
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.
Peter Van de Voorde is thrilled to return to the musical theatre stage, stepping into the role of Dr. Grimwig in Oliver! A longtime lover of the arts, Peter previously appeared in high school productions including My Fair Lady, Damn Yankees, and Anything Goes. He is especially delighted to share this experience with his two sons, Becket and Joshua.
Packard Playhouse patrons may remember Mark as Mayor Shinn in The Music Man, and most recently as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. 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.
Jeremiah Wolaver is a consummate songwriter, producer and performer. As a member of the Annie Moses Band he has performed all over the world, and he earned his first top 10 production credit in 2020. The role of Marley is an expansion of his natural proclivity for the dramatic. As with many creatives, Jeremiah excels on stage and behind the scenes. In addition to the role of "Marley," Jeremiah is the lighting designer and FX director "Merry Christmas Uncle Scrooge."
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.
Victoria Garretson is delighted to be making her acting debut in Oliver! She spent many years performing as a professional vocalist, and grew up surrounded by music as the daughter of a well known Midwest jazz pianist. While this is her first time acting on stage, she feels right at home under the lights and is excited to bring her love of music to this new adventure. Victoria is grateful to be working with such talented people. It’s an extra special privilege to be in this cast with her daughter and granddaughter, Katie and Magnolia Thomas.
This is Nikki’s first show at Packard. She is so grateful for this community and is excited to act alongside her daughters, Nadia and Reese. She has acted since high school including Oklahoma! where she played Laurie. She has loved this opportunity and can’t wait for you to see the show!
Alexandria has enjoyed working in another production from Packard Playhouse (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer the Musical, Fiddler on the Roof). Alexandria has always loved singing and musical theater and took part in musicals in middle school and high school as well as singing in choir throughout her schooling. At home, Alexandria is a wife and mother of four wonderful children.
Addison Prenares made her debut with Packard as Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof. She is in the collegiate program at the Conservatory of Annie Moses where she studies drama and voice. She is so grateful for your coming out to enjoy and support this wonderful cast.
Katie Thomas comes from a musical family and grew up singing a lot of jazz and soul. As a youngster she was a part of show choirs, and dabbled in musical theater. In 2007 she moved to Nashville to peruse singing and songwriting. She met her husband and they formed the musical duo, Pilgrim, traveling the country playing shows and chronicling their journey online. They are happily settled in Columbia TN now with their three children, one of which is playing Bet!
Tess Robinson is overjoyed to be making her debut at Packard Playhouse. Some of her previous stage credits include Jo March in Little Women the Musical, and Ado Annie Carnes in Oklahoma!. A classically and musical theater trained vocalist, she has been blessed to perform in venues across the country, including Carnegie Hall and the Green Room 42 in New York City. Her passion for sharing the arts with children over the years has found her as a licensed Musikgarten teacher, a director and assistant director for junior high and high school programs, and as a voice teacher for all ages. She currently is the Program Director for Ferntop Players at Ferntop Nature School in Fairview, as well as the drama teacher at Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation. Her greatest joy is homeschooling her 3 children alongside her wonderful husband on their 4 acre farm, and living out their Catholic faith together. She’d like to thank the Wolaver family for the opportunity to join them in their mission of populating the world of the arts with Godly excellence.
Robert Self, 13, is a student at the Conservatory of Annie Moses. Oliver! is his first production at Packard Playhouse, and he’s honored to play Noah Claypole. He enjoys acting, spending time outdoors, and playing guitar. He’s looking forward to being part of the show.
Eli Goodwin is 15-years-old and is proud to be making his Packard debut as Noah Claypole in Oliver! He is the oldest of 7 children and spends his free time reading his Bible, playing basketball, working on leather craft, playing piano, building a landscaping business and perfecting his sleight of hand.
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.
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.
