The State Theatre Centre’s courtyard is never more alive than during Perth’s Fringe Festival season. That energy lifts even higher when audience favourite Etta D’Elia takes the stage, returning each year with a fresh show that fuses jazz with beloved Italian classics, all tied together by a distinctive theme.
This year, she’s paying tribute to the songs Nonna’s love to sing with her new show, NonnaMia!. The season will see Etta perform not only in the STC courtyard, but also at Shelter Brewing Company in Busselton and Encore in Rockingham.
With her trademark wit and charm, Etta explores the cultural quirks and intergenerational experiences of Italo-Australians. Ahead of the season, I spoke with her about NonnaMia! and the many treats she has in store for audiences in 2026.
Etta D’Elia
Etta, you’re back again for our 2026 Fringe Festival! What keeps you coming back and especially to the State Theatre Centre’s Courtyard?
I love the Fringe Festival energy—it’s vibrant, playful, and full of surprises. Each year it inspires me to take creative risks and connect with audiences in new ways. Coming back to the State Theatre Centre’s Courtyard is especially meaningful because that’s where my journey as a self-produced artist really began. In 2023, my first Fringe show, Buona Sera Signorina, was selected for this prestigious theatre program, and my career reached a whole new level. Before that, I had sung in theatres, but never with my own production. The State Theatre Centre gave me that big opportunity, mentored me to grow as a professional producer, and sometimes I still have to pinch myself and think just how lucky I was back then! The Courtyard is the perfect scenario for a balmy summer night in Perth, with live music and fun—just like an Italian festa in the main piazza of the town.
Each year, you’ve been delivering us something different with your shows. This time round with NonnaMia! you’re performing songs that Nonna loves to sing. How long has the idea for this show been brewing for?
The idea for NonnaMia! came after watching the Netflix movie Nonnas, which really made me think about my own Nonna Etta—yes, I even took my stage name to honour her—and the special times I spent with her. I’ve always been enchanted by the songs she would sing at home, and I wanted to celebrate that personal and cultural heritage. Bringing these songs to the stage felt like a way to honour her memory while sharing those joyful moments with a wider audience.
Etta D’Elia performing – image by Sean Breadsell.
Tell us about some of the songs you’re performing and your connection to them?
I’ve always been enchanted by old songs, and as a jazz singer, I love that my Nonna’s repertoire covers much of the swing and jazz that reached Italy from the 1930s to the 1960s. Artists like Domenico Modugno, Quartetto Cetra, and Mina were heavily inspired by the new style of music called jazz, which came from the USA. At the same time, in New York, the Italian-American community were blending traditional Italian tunes with the swing of the era, resulting in clever and funny renditions by artists like Louis Prima and others. I will be performing this amazing repertoire – and I love that my Nonna probably didn’t even realise just how incredible her repertoire was!
This year you’re going to play across three locations including Shelter Brewing Company in Busselton, Encore Rockingham, and at the State Theatre Centre of WA. What are you looking forward to in taking this show to different venues?
Each venue offers a unique energy and, consequently, the opportunity to present a slightly different version of NonnaMia! At Shelter Brewing, we’re offering a true “Nonna dinner” experience: my jazz band will play, and we’ll perform our Italian cabaret in between the amazing courses of their spectacular Italian meal. At Encore Rockingham, the focus is more on music, with two sets of Italian jazz inspired by Nonna and storytelling woven throughout. My seven-piece jazz band features incredible local musicians, two Italian backing vocalists, and we’ll also feature our guest musician – Mr. Accordion Man, performing a special tune on his iconic accordion. Finally, at the State Theatre Centre, we bring the theatrical experience, featuring the hilarious Italo-Australian stand-up comedian James Liotta, playing his most popular character, Nonna Maria Pappagallo. Each space lets the show shine in a different way, and I’m excited to share these variations with the audiences.
NonnaMia! Etta D’Elia and James Liotta as Nonna Maria Pappagallo in Nonnamia!
You’ll be exploring the cultural peculiarities and intergenerational experiences of Italo-Australians, how do you plan on incorporating those aspects into the show?
I plan to weave stories and anecdotes between songs, sharing the humour, quirks, and traditions that shape our family life. From funny language mix-ups to our food rituals, these moments create a bridge between generations, letting the audience feel part of our living, breathing Italian-Australian experience.
On the final leg of your tour you’ll be joined by comedian James Liotta, who has his iconic Nonna Maria Pappagallo character. How did you get him onboard for this show?
It’s a playful, interactive addition to NonnaMia!—I’ve always loved James’s work, and his Nonna Maria Pappagallo is hilarious and so authentic. When planning the show, I knew his comedy would be the perfect complement to the music and storytelling. I reached out, shared my vision, and he immediately loved the idea. What’s extra fun is that Nonna Maria is still on the lookout for the perfect girlfriend for her son James, so the girls in the audience as she’ll be up to her typical matchmaking.
NonnaMia! Is playing at Fringe World Perth from Thursday, 29 January – Friday, 13 February.