Wish Upon a Star with the Cast of Pinocchio at Florida Studio Theatre

Meet some of the actors from Pinocchio at Florida Studio Theatre - no strings attached!

Noel Nieczyporowicz (Pinocchio) is beyond excited to be sharing the stage with this wonderful cast. She is a graduate of Wright State University, with a BFA in acting. Some previous credits include Andrew McNair (1776), Dogberry (Much Ado About Nothing), and Olympe DeGouges (The Revolutionists).

Elisabeth Desmond (Policeman/Judy/Donkey) is a recent graduate of Oberlin College, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Hispanic Studies. Other children’s theater credits include Sideways Stories from Wayside School (Bebe).

Pinocchio is now playing at Florida Studio Theatre from September 19 - October 24, 2026.

What part of this process - this play, being at FST - are you most excited about?

Noel: I am so excited to have the opportunity to bring theatre to young audiences, to bring art into their lives - maybe for the first time! It’s a very wonderful thing to experience. 

Elisabeth: I am most excited about getting to share Pinocchio with our audience, as it is truly a special show! I’m excited for the talkbacks we’ll have as well.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Noel: I love to make jewelry, practice the guitar, collect rocks and shells, and take care of my plants! 

Elisabeth: In my free time I like to go to the gym, do yoga, and pet cats.

Do you have any pre- or post-show routines?

Noel: I love to warm up my body before the show with a strength warm-up and some stretching! I find that that it grounds me into “go-mode”.

Elisabeth: I have a "pre-show" playlist that I listen to that reminds me of my character and hypes me up for the show!

What's your personal connection to the classic story Pinocchio?

Noel: We all have a little Pinocchio inside of us. He’s the boundless curiosity, the dreamer, and the most pure version of yourself that exists inside of all of us. Pinocchio is a great reminder to always go through life with wide eyes. (Is this to foo foo?)

Elisabeth: I didn’t know much about Pinocchio before being cast in the show, so I’ve enjoyed getting to know it through the rehearsal process.

How does this production touch on cherished themes and characters? Conversely, what makes it unique from other versions of this story?

Noel: I believe that we are performing a show about love and selflessness and trust. This story is unique in its telling in that it is not afraid to be a little sad and a little scary, but it’s also hilarious and genuine.

Elisabeth: Our version of Pinocchio is really centered around what it means to be human. The audience gets to watch Pinocchio learn how to be human, and the challenges that come with it.

What would you like families to know about Pinocchio before they see it?

Noel: Prepare to have your funny bones tickled and your heartstrings pulled!

Elisabeth: Pinocchio is silly and heartwarming, but also a very moving show. It will be a joy to watch for audience members of all ages.

What do you want families to think and feel after seeing the show?

Noel: My hope is that families leave with a gratefulness for each other - and the belief in themselves that they can do good for others.

Elisabeth: I hope that audience goers can come away from Pinocchio with reflections on what being human means to them.