"When I requested the rights to perform the play, I was a little bit surprised when they said yes - then I was thrilled."
In fact, Mrs Wicks was so impressed by the script, she flew to Florida to see how the West End cast tackled the show.
"It was just amazing. It was so vibrant and energetic and such a fun show."
She said her students' production has been inspired by the West End production, "but ours will probably be even more energetic as our caste is 14 to 18-year-olds".
The show has a lot of music which caused Mrs Wicks some initial problems with harmonies. Needing help with these, she contacted the show's original score creator, composer Benji Bower, a well-known figure in British television and theatre circles.
Not only did he reply, he went the extra mile in helping out Drama Kids Rotorua.
"I emailed him and asked for advice about harmonies and he has been amazing. He was on holiday on a train in Europe, and he recorded the harmonies and sent them to me. We have been so blessed as he also gave us the rights to the music free of charge," she said.
"I am thrilled to get the show. It is so amazing and has a really joyful vibe, but also some sad bits, and is so cleverly constructed. It will suit children as young as seven as well as adults."
Running time is about two hours and 20 minutes (including interval).
What: Jacqueline Wilson's Hetty Feather
Where: Shambles Theatre
When:Tonight-December 17.
Tickets: ph 0800 BUY TIX (289 849)