For the Final Production of the DECCs 2026-27 Broadway Season
With 76 trombones in the big parade, the national Broadway tour of the iconic show The Music Man tells the captivating story of a notorious, fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill.
He cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize – despite the fact that he knows nothing about music. Hill’s plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian Paroo, the local librarian.
A true musical theater gem, the story’s relevance transcends generations with unforgettable songs including “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Trouble,” ‘Till There Was You,” “Pickalittle,” and “Gary, Indiana.”
Playing Marian Paroo for this production is Elizabeth D’Aiuto, a native of Richfield, Connecticut, and a 2019 graduate of the Boston Conservatory, with a BFA in Musical Theater.
Her resume includes leads in Camelot, Man of La Mancha, Sunset Boulevard, Mamma Mia, and roles in numerous other shows in a variety of regional theaters. She also visited 29 counties while singing on a cruise ship for eight months. The Music Man is her first national tour.
“I love playing Marian,” D’Aiuto said. “She is a strong, independent woman who is stubborn and doesn’t want to settle for just any man. I like to think that my Marian is quirky and fierce and is relatable to audience members.”
She added, “I really enjoy working with Elliott Andrews, who plays Harold Hill. We have great chemistry. He is a wonderful professional and a friend.”
D’Aiuto’s favorite songs to sing in the show are “My White Knight and ’Till There Was You.” “My favorite line of dialogue is Harold’s, ‘I always think there is a band, kid.’ It shows that there is the power of imagination with music and its magic.”
While she admits life on the road can be demanding, the payoff, she says, is traveling with a wonderful company. She adds that maintaining physical and vocal health is paramount to being able to meet the demands of travel and performing nearly every night.
D’Aiuto noted that her family has always been supportive and were there for the first night of the tour and plan to come back again, “They were so proud to be able to say, that’s our kid onstage.”
“This show has wonderful messages about community and how music brings people together,” she stated. It is funny and heart-warming. Our production has some fun new takes, some fresh choreography, and really creative projections.
Inspired by author Meredith Willson’s Iowa childhood and his time playing piccolo for John Philip Sousa, The Music Man is undoubtedly a heartfelt love letter to Midwest America and small towns everywhere. Its enduring messages of transformation, the power of music, and the strength of communities continue to move audiences across generations and demographics even today.
More information on The Music Man
Wednesday, April 29
DECC Symphony Hall
7:00 pm with doors open at 6 pm
Tickets available at destinationduluth.co/decc-music-man
For more information, call (218) 722-5573
