The breakout star from Jane by Design, Erica Dasher, is returning to television in a major way as part of Peacock’s new thriller-comedy series, The Burbs, which hits television screens on February 8th.
In her first major television appearance since a year-long Broadway run in Tom Stoppard’s Leopoldstadt, a Tony Award-winning play, Erica Dasher stars as a teenage girl who disappeared 20 years ago, fueling the mystery that powers the emotional center of Peacock’s take on a cult film.
While much of Erica’s work on the show remains a mystery due to spoiler restrictions, her character’s legacy permeates each episode, driving Keke Palmer’s inquisitive character into a world where she becomes obsessed with answering questions that go beneath the surface.
In her first major television appearance since her Broadway stint, Erica spoke exclusively to Where Is The Buzz about her work on Peacock’s series, her transition from stage to television, and her role in a talented ensemble featuring Palmer and Jack Whitehall.
Erica explained that much of her work on Peacock’s series is based on her character’s legacy. “First, I’ve got to credit the creator, Celeste Hughey, and her amazing team of writers. From the start, they wove my backstory into the show’s fabric, creating this dense mood of mystery and possible chaos that does a lot of the heavy lifting.”
Her approach began with auditions. Dasher naturally tried different emotional directions. “I felt like she needed to live in multiple emotional states,” Dasher said. “Cool, fragile, dangerous, sweet. I started by turning in three different takes of the same scene, each one showing a different facet of her.” Dasher took this flexibility on set as well. She often gave different performances for the editor. “Her unpredictability is key to who she is and the part she plays.”
Returning to TV work after Leopoldstadt meant Dasher had to get back up to speed. Her Broadway debut had been “profoundly life-changing.” Dasher called working on Stoppard’s play with director Patrick Marber humbling and formative. “Theater demands rigor and athleticism. It sharpens you in ways nothing else quite can.”
TV production moves quickly. Dasher said, “We don’t get long rehearsals, and you have little time to stay with the character once we’re filming. A lot of that work happens on your own.” The cast was friendly and welcoming. Dasher thanked Palmer, Paula Pell, Julia Duffy, Mark Proksch, and Whitehall for making it easy for her. “Seeing how funny, generous, and collaborative they all are up close made the shift feel really energizing.”
The Burbs explores obsession, memory, and trauma. Dasher said obsession is redefined not as something negative but as an all-encompassing passion. “Obsession is the engine that moves everything forward,” she said. Palmer plays Samira, who Dasher called “gently relentless.” The mystery moves along slowly, allowing the story to develop naturally.
Playing opposite Palmer and Whitehall helped her realize her place in the group. “Their energies are totally distinct, but that contrast is what makes the ensemble click.” Palmer and Whitehall bring established comedic talents to their roles this season. Dasher carries much of the season’s unresolved trauma. “I wasn’t meant to dominate the space, just resonate within it.” She credits Celeste Hughey, Fuzzy Door, and Imagine for their precise vision in creating this show.
Aside from her work as an actress, Dasher has extensive experience in writing, directing, and producing in film, theater, animation, and documentary. This experience influences her work as an actress more than anything else she does in her role. “Every person on set matters.” She believes there are no minor roles in this production. “Just moments where you’re helping the machine run or getting in its way.” Being cast in this show, produced by Grazer and MacFarlane, was a bit intimidating for her. “It would be weird if it weren’t.” She believes this role is a dream for her as an actress. Acting for her is about giving in. “We don’t control the big vision or the edit.” Something is thrilling about giving in and allowing producers to do their work.
The Burbs premieres February 8th on Peacock.
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