Dr Drama Makes a Musical

Musicals are one of the world’s most popular art forms. They are also one of the world’s most misunderstood.

Growing up obsessed with musicals, Dr Drama (theatre lecturer James Wenley) knows what it is like to feel misunderstood. In this toe tapping meta-musical, Dr Drama spills all the secrets about how musicals are made whilst exploring what his own love for musicals reveals about his values, asexuality and life decisions.

Whether you’re a musical fan or foe, you’ll learn something new from Dr Drama’s musical masterclass.

A show about what we value and why, Dr Drama asks: what’s really worth making a song and dance about?

Featuring an original score of seven brand new songs composed by Phoebe Caldeiro (When Booty Calls, Cocked and Loaded).

Following the NZ Fringe and Auckland Fringe seasons of Dr Drama Makes A Show (2020) and Dr Drama Makes a Show With You (2021), Dr Drama Makes a Musical completes the Dr Drama trilogy. Dr Drama brings James’s university teaching together with his theatre practice, resulting in smart, surprising, thought-provoking theatre experiences.

“Funny, thought-provoking, moving, fast-paced, well-written docu-comedy based on his life’s experiences. He left us with many burning questions about our place and responsibility in society.”
—Pauline Vella, BroadwayWorld NZ on Dr Drama Makes a Show

Creative team/company info
Theatre of Love makes daring, thought-provoking and entertaining theatre. Helmed by James Wenley, recent shows have included Hell School: The Musical (2023), This Is Fine (2021), Dr Drama Makes a Show (2020), and Dr Drama Makes a Show With You (2021).

Writer and performer: James Wenley

Composer and musician: Phoebe Caldeiro

Guest Artist: Amanda Grace Leo

Executive Producer: Tara Ranchhod

Producer: Rose Jang

Creative Consultant: Rae Longshaw-Park

Choreographer: Brigitte Knight

Accessibility information
This show will feature integrated audio descriptions and projected captions/surtitles.

The show takes place in BATS Theatre’s Dome. The Dome is located on the first floor of the venue with two sets of stairs required to access the space. You can request the use of the theatre’s stair climber by filling out this form: https://bats.co.nz/about-bats/accessibility/

If you have any accessibility questions or requests, please email us at drdramashow@gmail.com or send a DM to Theatre of Love on Facebook or Instagram.