Victoria Clark's Longtime Dresser Vicky Grecki on Getting Slap Happy, Standing Still & Coveting the Gigi Hats

Victoria Clark, who was recently honored with a Tony nomination for her performance as Mamita in Gigi, has enjoyed both a long and illustrious career and a long and treasured friendship with her dresser, Vicky Grecki. Clark’s many Broadway credits include her Tony-winning performance in The Light in the Piazza as well as Cinderella, Sister Act, The Snow Geese, Titanic, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and many more. Clark and Grecki have been friends for decades and their fondness for one another is obvious. Read on to find out what Grecki has to say about her pal and colleague.

When did you first meet Victoria Clark, and what was your first impression of her?
Vicki and I first worked together on Cabaret at Studio 54 in 1999. She impressed me with her dedication and continual preparation. Her work process never stops. She explores and grows continually on stage and off.

What do you two bond over?
We experience the same joys in our work. We both love being a part of live theater and balance each other well. We are able to deal with whatever may happen as best we can and try to work through the bumps.

What do you wish more people knew about dressers?
It's a physical job that requires strength and flexibility.

What makes the two of you laugh?
We laugh most when we're tired. I think that's called "slap happy." It's still our favorite sound in the dressing room.

What are some items you both like to have on hand backstage?
I carry water, hot tea drink and Ricola throat drops. There are personal handkerchiefs belonging to her mother which she uses in her various handbags on stage.

What is the most challenging part of dressing Victoria Clark?
All changes entail choreography between the actor and the dresser. Vicki is always willing to help in changes because she understands this relationship. She knows the importance of standing still and I depend on that.

Which of her costumes do you wish you had in your closet?
I love the beautiful hats Vicki wears. They are massive, stunning and feminine. I would have to build another closet just to house them in my apartment.

What's the best gift she's ever given you?
Her glorious voice that I hear every performance. It's the only gift I selfishly would never part with.

What's something she says all the time?
At the end of each show: "Love you, safe home."

What is something you do that makes her roll her eyes?
We have procrastination issues. I give her a look like, "Are we done?" Then we both laugh.

What is her biggest pet peeve backstage and what is yours?
Hers is loud talking or singing backstage while the show is going on. My pet peeve is the overuse of cell phones on deck backstage.

What's the secret to your relationship?
We help each other.

Any fun anecdotes you want to share about your time working with Vicki?
A ritual before each show is to pick "Angel" cards. The cards help us to focus on a specific task such as understanding, joy, freedom, birth. We believe our angels stay with us during the show. Note: If you pick "brotherhood and/or integrity" you get to pick again.

What is the best part about being part of Team Clark?
We have a close and trusting relationship. Vicki loves to teach and explore, and she allows me to be a part of it.