Stregga Nonna

Original puppet show musical performance written, produced, and performed by ArtJoy’s founders Toni Mikulka-Chang and Joey Chang, CelloJoe

Strega Nonna is a lively, humorous, and heartwarming puppet show that brings the beloved folktale to life through expressive puppetry, visual storytelling, and music, while also playfully honoring Toni Mikulka’s Italian heritage.

Based on the classic story by Tomie dePaola, the show follows Strega Nonna, a kind and mysterious healer who lives in a small Italian village and uses a magical pasta pot to help feed the townspeople. When her well-meaning but not-so-careful helper, Big Anthony, is left alone with the house, he can’t resist trying to use the magic for himself. Ignoring Strega Nona’s clear instructions, he accidentally sets off the enchanted pot—causing pasta to overflow, flood the house, and eventually take over the entire village in a spectacular and hilarious cascade of noodles.

Through beautifully crafted puppets, playful comedy, and engaging theatrical moments, Strega Nonna tells a timeless story about responsibility, listening carefully, and the consequences of not following directions. With its roots in Italian folklore and Toni’s own cultural heritage, the show is filled with warmth, big laughs, and visual surprises, making it a joyful performance for families and children of all ages.