HOLLIS RESNIK
	Hollis Resnik. A musical overview and interview by Robb Brawn

Before I even start on the topic of Hollis's role in Grey Gardens, I'd just like to send her a personal shout out and thanks for taking the time for our interview. As I've mentioned before on this site, it is always a privilege to get to know yet another member of the ever growing Grey Gardens family, as each adds their own unique ingredient to the mix. In doing my background research, I found Hollis's wonderful CD entitled "Make Someone Happy". You are listening to one of the tracks, I can't Help Falling in Love With You. I LOVE this track. Hollis and I spoke about the CD, which was recorded in 2002. As I was already well aware, Hollis overdubbed all the beautiful close harmonies you are hearing. In addition to this tune, Hollis delivers this, excuse the expression, "kick ass" rendition of "How Do you Solve A Problem Like Maria". I told Hollis when I saw that on the track list I though"My God how the hell do you make that one sound cool". Surprise... Surprise.. She does it ! Hollis says she'd been singing this arrangement for 15 years. Sound samples of all tracks are available by clicking the link below. Click MyGreyGardens TO VISIT OUR MAIN SITE

Inherent to this story and production is the focus on the 2nd act's "little" Edie. Christine Ebersole won a Tony Award for her uncanny portrayal of "little" Edie, and the rest of the cast was well aware that much of the success of the show was indeed due to this unique portrayal. As someone who knew Edie, I can say first hand that Christine had an uncanny closeness to my long ago friend. Edie is easy to imitate but it is difficult to convey her subtle nuances to an audience, but when someone has it, you can tell right away. Although I was unable to see the Northlight production, I was fortunate enough see some video footage, and let me tell you Hollis Resnek has it, gets it, and apparently from her reviews is able to convey Edie to the audience. One only needs to listen to Hollis sing "Revolutionary Custom", which is playing on the home page, to hear how close she gets Edie's voice and accent.

With the above paragraph being said, the one overwhelming feeling one gets is that Hollis is a team player. Perhaps the diva role for her comes in other forms or maybe in some other production, but I was very impressed at her attitude regarding this ensemble. Whenever I interview anyone having to do with the musical, I always ask what song is their favorite. I think Hollis's answer says a lot on how she views her role and moreover, her place within the ensemble. "I'm not sure I have a favorite. They're all a challenge. I love telling the story. I don't sing the score to sing the "big money note". This is a constant monologue when I'm singing. I don't think "I'm going to perform this song now". Each song is simply another part of telling the story." Anyone who knows the musical knows that there are certainly several songs for a singer to play the diva. Another Winter and Will You being perfect examples. Both are also an excellent vehicle for a singer to show off her "chops", but Hollis was pretty emphatic that this was NOT what she was going for.

RB = ROBB BRAWN HR = HOLLIS RESNIK RB: Hollis did you see Grey Gardens on Broadway ? HR: No, not on broadway, but I saw it at Playwrights Horizons (see interview with Michael Korie on MyGreyGardens home page menu) RB: How did you study for the role of both Edies ? HR: EXTENSIVELY ! The music is difficult. I started studying that right away. Then I watched both documentaries (Grey Gardens and The Beales of Grey Gardens), about 15 times each. RB: And how about the accents and voices ? HR: I 'm very into voices and textures. Each time you watch the film, you key in on how to translate what you're seeing in the film to the stage. RB: I have to add here that Hollis is one of the only people who have mentioned to me the fact that "little" Edie and her cousin Jackie Kennedy, spoke almost identically. They had the same accent, and same inflections. I realized that soon after I met Edie. RB: Were there any specific challenges you faced bringing the "little" Edie character to the stage ? HR: Yes, This is such an emotional story. Nobody talks "to" each other. They talk around each other, and at each other. Nobody listens to anyone else. This is hard to pull off on stage. Edie whispers a lot. It was difficult finding a way to transfer that into a theatrical setting. RB: Any comments on big Edie in act one ? HR: It was important for me to get the accent down (from the documentary) and use a similar one in the first act. I found a lot of similarities between big Edie's voice and Katherine Hepburn. RB: Hollis, my last question is a favorite interview question. When the show is over, will you feel like you "miss" Edie HR: Yes, yes I will miss her. It's always cool to play someone who was a real human being. I'll miss her, but I'll miss the whole production. We have such a smooth, solid team. This has been an incredible experience.