About This Musical
All details about this play are still to come - watch this space!
UNDER CONSTRUCTION - ORDER FOR 2027
Step into the chaotic, high-stakes kura of Te Kura, the musical event of the year that turns our everyday school experience on its head!
When a disgruntled photocopier, coffee machine, and dodgy Wi-Fi conspire with a controlling and rogue AI to turn the school system and teachers into mindless, robotic educators, it’s up to a ragtag group of students and the sharp-witted Principal Miss Pennywhistle to save the day.
From the hilarious trials of staffroom politics, the intense pressure of National testing and Student Council elections, to the pulse-pounding, underdog showdown at the interschool sports tournament, this gripping tale features an unforgettable soundtrack—including "The Photocopier Song," "Mwoh," and "Work Brain."
Join us in 2027 for this electrifying production as our tamariki battle against a systematic takeover, proving that human spirit and teamwork are stronger than any line of code in a climactic, high-energy finale that you simply cannot miss!
Scenes & Songs & Script
Scene 1
We meet the Principal of Te Kura, Miss Pennywhistle, who talks to the assembly at the start of the week. We then go behind the scenes to meet the staff, who give us an insight of life as a teacher - as they go on playground duty and discuss the daily struggles with the photocopier, tech and dodgy wifi. When they leave, the coffee machine, TV and photocopier come to life and devise a plan to take over the school with the help of the all powerful AI.
Song: The Photocopier Song
Scene 2
At morning tea, our sports mad teacher Reggie Scrum sorts out the many problems faced in the playground. We learn about his regret of not making it as a high level sports athlete as everyone goes back to class. We meet the rest of the tamariki at school in class, and AI takes its first victim - our popular classroom teacher, Miss Adalot.
Song: Mwoh
Scene 3
Back in the staffroom - the evil tech is talking about how easy it is to control the teachers. The teachers come in and start having lunch and Miss Adalot comes in and is acting strange. Before they realise what’s happening, they all come under control of AI. The tech then discuss how they will make the school perfect - to work the teachers and kids like robots - and decide the next step is to merge with the already AI controlled Rival School. For this to happen, they need to control the Principal - Miss Pennywhistle for a complete takeover.
Scene 4
The students have their Student Council elections and the very different candidates sing Vote For Me. It is now that the kids start to realise there is a problem with their teachers and decide to figure out what is causing it.
Song: Vote For Me
Scene 1
The big interschool sports show down with Rival School where children play a variety of sports. The kids realise the children they are playing are like robots. Very systematic and wanting to get the job done. Te Kura children notice the teachers and realise the same thing has happened to Rival School - and are taken over by technology. Te Kura draw the interschool tournament at the surprise of Rival School as they work together and show the underdog human spirit.
Song: Slow Mo Replay
Scene 2
Kids are starting to feel the pressure of what is happening at school start to become ‘programmed’ to perform, and turn into what they saw from Rival School.
Scene 3
Miss Pennywhistle walks into the staffroom and notices the technology is talking to the teachers and making a plan for complete control and takeover of school and then to merge it with Rival School. They will do it through a test they have created that all the children will do. At the end of the test, the takeover will be complete.
Scene 4
The children have just started sitting the test. Miss Pennywhistle interrupts them mid way through and stops them from taking the test. They make a battle plan to shut down the AI takeover of the school.
Song: Work Brain
Scene 5
Miss Pennywhistle and the students storm the hall, finding the programmed staff performing synchronized, repetitive tasks as the final stages of the merger with Rival School takes place. The students challenge the "Robotic Teachers." through the medium of song which starts to break the AI’s hold on the staff. They start to "wake up" from their programming mid-song, and Miss Pennywhistle pulls the master plug, shutting down the AI-controlled equipment, saving schools around the country and bringing down the AI takeover.
Song: Finale
Here's a sample of the script for your reading pleasure. If you need to see more get in touch.
Gallery of Characters
Note: While character images and song videos were created using generative AI tools to help bring these stories to life, all scripts, lyrics, and music are completely original. Every show, song, and resource has been written and created by New Zealand teacher and author Dan Minchin, who holds full copyright.
Order This Musical Now & Get...
The Script
A complete, stage-ready copy where you can print off as many as you like at no extra cost.
On request, this script can be editable so you can adapt it to your kura (free of charge)
The Music
Full lyrics for song booklets
Music with guitar chords
Behind the Scenes
Access to all of the songs with vocals as well as the instrumental backing tracks.
Ready-to-go programme and ticket templates, plus all the letters you can edit and send home to parents.
The Game Plan: A full organisational guide that will save time. Templates for auditions, costume and prop suggestions, rehearsal schedule templates, and proven ideas to ensure your show is a hit.
Cost for Purchasing this Musical
$400.00 NZD