Erin Dilly

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang's Erin Dilly is Truly Scrumptious--in more ways than one. Of course, Truly Scrumptious is the name of her character in the high-flying production of the musical, but it is also a perfect way to describe this Michigan-born actress. Best known for her roles in the national tours of Martin Guerre and South Pacific, she also has a string of Broadway credits that include Follies, Boys from Syracuse and Into the Woods. Dilly earned a Tony nomination for Best Actress in a Musical as well as an Outer Critic's Circle Award nomination for her performance in Chitty. We bet you're intrigued by this sometimes silly, always splendid actress. Find out moren about her. Read on!

From Elizabeth: Is it difficult to work with such a large part of the show being a huge mechanical structure?

Erin responds:Hey Elizabeth! The first day of tech rehearsal, Adrian Noble gathered the whole cast in the house. It was the first day in the theater, and we were all hunkering down for a stressful tech process. He stood in front of us and said, "I thought you needed a little magic and inspiration for this part of the journey." The curtain came up, and Chitty flew for us. Two of our beloved stagehands were the travelers, and we all screamed like little kids. It was truly astonishing. Some of the little kids in our cast cried, and so did a few adults. We'd all been working so hard in a rehearsal studio, imagining and building the magic of Chitty in our minds... and there she was flying! On our first flight during tech, I turned to my beloved pal and co-star Raul [Esparza] and said, "The day this doesn't thrill us, something in our souls has died." So, to answer your question, it is not at all difficult to work with a huge mechanical structure in our show. It is a pleasure, and as I am a roller-coaster junkie, a nightly thrill for me. All I have to do is fasten my seatbelt, hang on and enjoy!!

From Ariel: Hi! I was just wondering: What is it like to work with a cast where there are a lot of little kids?

Erin responds Hi Ariel. I love the kids in our show. I remember recently, on a very long, weary five-show weekend, I heard screaming giggling in the hall. The perfect giggles of little girls. It cracked me up, and lifted my spirit. The kids in our show are so talented and smart and fun. They are like any other true professional I have worked with, only a bit smaller. They keep all of our hearts light.

From Hope: Hi Erin! I think you're an amazing talent, and I loved seeing you in Chitty. I also love your sense of style. Where are your favorite places to shop?

Erin responds: Thanks, Hope! And thank you for the fashion compliment. My best friend will be so proud, as she is a fashionista. I like to be comfortable and classic. I shop everywhere, truly. And only when I have to, as I don't love shopping. I love Banana Republic and J Crew. I love Montmartre, although I can only occasionally afford their goodies. For a good pair of jeans, I head to the Gap, and when I am feeling funky and youngish, there is always fun stuff at Urban Outfitters.

From Natalie: I just want to tell you how much I enjoyed your performance in Chitty! You ARE truly scrumptious. One question for you: What's a fact that most people don't know about you? Thank you for your inspirational talent!

Erin responds: Hi Natalie. Thank you for your kindness. Hmmm... Something people don't know about me? I am obsessed with medical emergency room shows on TLC and The Discovery Channel. And, as my friends would accusingly point out, I do enjoy the occasional copy of In Touch and US Weekly.

From Heather: Who's the sexier co-star: Marc Kudisch, Raúl Esparza or Kevin Cahoon? BE HONEST!

Erin responds:Ohhh, Heather! Hilarious question-but come one! How is one to choose from such a bevy of gorgeous beauties? Marc has been one of my dearest pals for over 10 years, and he is like a brother to me. Raul is a new, and TOTALLY beloved kindred spirit, and Kevin and I have also known each other for 10 years, since doing Babes in Arms together at the Guthrie. So... to save myself from the impossibility of this question, I shall simply assign them each a modifier.
Marc: BEAUTIFUL
Raul: INSPIRING
Kevin: DELICIOUS
And just so we're straight Stephen Buntrock my hubby: PERFECT!

From Emma: Hey Erin. What has been your most enjoyable role to play?

Erin responds: Hey Emma! My most enjoyable role to date Truly aside, of course... was Meg in Ken Ludwig's new play, Leading Ladies. We did the premiere production at the Alley Theatre in Houston last year, and I just had a blast. The company was ASTONISHING, and the role had such delicious range. It had great heart and so much humor, and it was just good to oil the acting chops again.

From Danny: How do you get through eight shows a week and still have energy?

Erin responds: Well, Danny… let me tell you. I don't have much energy left after eight shows. I head home to my cozy abode in Bloomfield, curl up with my hubby and Pomeranians and sleep through my day off. You have to refuel. It's really about discipline. You know you have to ration your energy and voice all week--to consistently deliver each night--and make sure you pepper your life with the fun stuff, too. Movies, dinners with friends,.walks with your honey--all of these things give you the energy and the joy to bring life to the show eight times a week.

From Gretchen: What have been some of the funniest/strangest/most memorable things people have said to you at the stage door?

Erin responds: Hey Gretchen!! I think the funniest/saddest occurrence at the stage door happened when I was playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast. After each performance, I would wash off all of my makeup, throw on my glasses and a ball cap and head out. A tiny little girl was waiting for me, dressed up in her gold Belle gown, and her mama said, "Honey, here's Belle!" The little one started screaming and crying, "NOOO THAT IS NOT BELLE!" I seemed to have destroyed the illusion with the ball cap and glasses. She calmed down and eventually gave me a hug, but I still believe she thought I was an imposter. And I often get, "You look so small in real life," which make me think I must look a tad enormous on stage.

From Kathryn: What made you want to play the part of Truly Scrumptious?

Erin responds: Hi Kathryn. I just love Truly's spirit and sense of humor. She is unusual and independent, and I love the idea of doing a show that could impact families. I love playing someone little girls could come and look up to.

From Regan: What is it like to fly?

Erin responds: Hey Regan. Flying is amazing. Simply put. It's kind of like an amusement park ride, part Space Mountain, part It's a Small World.

From Jill: I was wondering what you like to do in your spare time. What are some of your hobbies? Great job in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

Erin responds: Hi Jill. Thank you for your compliments. In my spare time I am snugglin my Pomeranians and my husband A LOT. I also practice yoga regularly, and as it gets cooler, will pull my knitting out. I still only excel in the hat and scarf arena, but I find it so calming. And movies....movies movies movies...my favorite pastime of all. LOVE EM. I wish I could claim salsa dancing as a hobby...that would be exotic right? Perhaps I shall take up salsa soon. Or at least eat some.

From Jason: What did you do to celebrate when you got the part of Truly Scrumptious?

Hey Jason. I love that name--that is my brother's name. I celebrated being cast as Truly by GETTING MARRIED. Yep, I heard about the job about a week before I tied the knot with my honnie in Michigan. We then went and had a fabulous honeymoon in Barbados, and probably spent a bit more money than we should have, knowing that we had the fabulous CHITTY job in our future.

ERIN DILLY IS NO LONGER TAKING QUESTIONS. THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!