Russian Dolls: Preview Episode 4 "Ruski Business"

Well, in the little clip we have here, it seems that Marina and Svetlana are going to have a little Russian War! It’s just 30 seconds long, but long enough to see that Marina’s attitude has found itself a new target, her friend Sveta. It looks like Sveta wants to have a jewelry show at Rasputin and they are charging her two thousand dollars for food and the use of the restaurant. Apparently, Sveta doesn’t think she is getting her money’s worth and marina is not acting very professionally about it. Now, correct me if I am wrong, but I always heard the expression “the customer is always right.” In this show it seems like “Marina is always right!”

Look, it would not have killed the restaurant to do a great job on the food for this event. First of all many guests coming to the jewelry show may become customers and also spread the word about the restaurant, and they would get new business. Second, if they go a little over budget or don’t make as much profit, they can deduct it as a business expense right? Michael knows all about fudging numbers, that’s what got him in hot water with the law. Third, now that this spectacle is being aired on the show, real or scripted, it may turn people off to going to the restaurant or holding their own events and celebrations there, thinking they are not going to get what they paid for. Finally, Marina is not a good spokesperson for the restaurant. She actually may drive people away with her voice and attitude.

Good Luck Rasputin! I don’t know if the publicity from the show will end up backfiring and causing you less business instead of more!

Russian Dolls: Rasputin Premiere Party Video!

Lifetime's Russian Dolls cast had a premiere party last night at Rasputin's Restaurant, hosted by the owners Michael and Marina Levitis, for the launching of their new series. The cast posed for pictures and then danced up on the stage, before the show was played for everyone there on a large screen.  They were kind enough to release a video for those of us who were not invited or could not attend, but stayed at home and watched the episode on television.  But, we wanted to share this with all of you who wanted to see what you were missing!  What do you think?  Do you wish you had been there?

Picture and video credit: Lifetime

Russian Dolls: Episode 1 “Mama Dearest” - Recap and Review

These are the only Russian Dolls I want to see right now!

I was looking forward to watching Russian Dolls, despite the bad reviews that it got from various newspapers, and it got plenty. I am sorry to have to say that the reviews all hit the nail on the head, in my opinion. If you missed the show, this is what happened and my review follows.

The episode opens with Marina complaining about her mother-in-law’s, Eva’s, “Grandma Pageant” and she pretty much does that for the entire show. She says, “I have no choice, but to go.” “Why do I have to waste my whole Sunday? It’s just a stupid, local Brighten Beach pageant!” she says. Renata disagrees, she thinks Eva can be anything she wants to be and if she sees herself as young and adorable, that’s what she is. The other woman, says that Marina thinks “she is the centerpiece of the universe and everyone should revolve around her.” Marina says of Eva, “she is just her husband’s mother, she’s nobody to me.” Then Marina talks about how the Russian culture teaches you to respect your parents.

There is a lot of skipping around to different cast members throughout the episode, maybe it’s the creator’s way of introducing us to all of them, but I found it to be a bit choppy. . We meet Diana, who is 23, but came to this country as a young girl. She is dating Paul, who is Spanish. In the Russian culture it is a big deal to date a non-Russian. The next scene is at the Russian bathhouse when Russians apparently go to relax, get together with friends and hang out in their bathing suits. There are a few shots of the younger cast members playing in the pool while the older members are at a table watching.

Anna says there are no decent guys out there. Anna is a model and has her own modeling school. She wants to be married at around 33 years old and freeze her eggs for later use. Anastasia, Diana’s friend and roommate, is not ready for kids. Eddie makes a wise crack to Albert, “Russian girls like to flirt, but never give it up.”

Eva gets ready for the grandma pageant. It’s a talent contest and she wants to do a belly dance. She has many outfits to choose from for her performance. Marina feels that once you are in your 50’s you do not wear revealing clothing. She says that Eva is embarrassing the whole family.

Diana gets advice from her friend Anastasia about her boyfriend situation. Her parents want her to be with a successful Russian man. Diana is 23 and wants to have a baby by the time she is 25 so she can be a “hot mama.” Diana, who is very beautiful, says she likes plastic surgery and botox. Diana’s parents are strict and very traditional. Anastasia doesn’t think she should tell her parents about Paul.

Back to Marina! She is still concerned about Eva embarrassing her at the pageant. The we hear Eva’s point of view. Eva is a 56 year old grandmother, who was once a Russian engineer. It was always her dream to be on stage and perform. She says she is so happy she has this opportunity to make her dream come true.

At Diana and Anastasia’s house, Diana’s mother drops in to pay a visit and help her make borsht. It looks like Diana doesn’t even know her way around her own kitchen. As her mom makes the borsht, she drops a few “hints” for Diana. A woman has to be “all,” a housekeeper and a cook. Diana asks how her mother would feel if she brought home a Spanish guy. Her mother has no clue Diana and Paul have been seeing each other a few times a week. Her mother says she would be upset. She tells her daughter that at 23, she needs to be thinking about her future. She wants to see her with a Russian man of the same culture…culture is very important. She tells her not to hurt her or the family.

Finally, the “Grandma Pageant!” Marina makes critical remarks the entire time. Eva does her belly dance and it was a real crowd pleaser. Marina is complaining that the pageant is too long and “it went on forever.” Her daughter is tired and cranky, so she leaves. Marina says, “It was horrible, 5 hours of torture.” But, Eva wins the contest for best talent and says it broke her heart that the family left. Marina says she would never go back again (to another pageant).

The episode ends with a dinner between Diana and Paul. They are eating tuna tartar, Paul hates it. She wants to talk to him about being Russian. She enjoys spending time with him, but asks if he thought there was a future for them down the road, like marriage. Paul says yes, he wouldn’t be going out with her otherwise. Then she bluntly says she can’t be with him because he isn’t Russian. Her family wants her to be with a Russian man. She breaks up with him, says she feels bad and that’s the way the cookie crumbles, but she has to be with a Russian man.

Now for my two cents! The short review is “Oy Vey!” If you are tired of reading, end here. This goes especially for Marina, who doesn’t like “long” things.

I hope that this episode is not a reflection of what is to come. Marina’s incessant complaining about the pageant and her disrespect of her mother-in-law was hard to listen too. Apparently she has learned nothing from her own culture about respecting parents. Eva is nothing to her??? Really? She made her opinion known at the very beginning of the show, was it necessary to keep it up the entire time? She wasn’t at all supportive of Eva, knowing full well that this was a dream of hers. Her husband, Michael, never once tells her to knock it off. Wasn’t the pageant held at their restaurant? Weren’t they making money from all who attended? Come on, give me a break. Her behavior was rude, disrespectful and obnoxious.

Anna doesn’t need to freeze her eggs just yet. She is young and 33 is still young enough to have children the old fashioned way. I know because that’s when I had mine. I have to agree with her comment that there are no decent guys out there. I felt the same way at her age. All guys seemed like immature jerks. My advice to her is not to think about guys as marriage material right now. Pursue your career and goals. If the right guy comes along, she will know it. Otherwise, she can focus on finding the right guy in eight years or so. If that doesn’t work, go to a sperm bank and be a successful single mother.

Diana, hmmmm, she knew full well that a Spanish guy was not going to be her family’s first choice for her as a husband. It’s part of the culture and ingrained in these women from birth. This is why they live in an ethnic community. They want to keep their culture and traditions preserved. Diana knows this, so what’s up with Paul? In my opinion, I think the show went out and got her a “Spanish boyfriend” actor just so they could make a point of addressing this issue. I think this was a little too scripted. The Russians, at least on this show, want their children to marry Russians, period end of story. We all know that; Diana should have known that. The way she breaks up with her boyfriend is cruel and thoughtless. She is dismissive. “Oh well, that’s the way the cookie crumbles.” Really Diana? Do you expect guys to line up to take you out knowing at any time you might announce their unsuitableness; maybe they aren’t Russian or Russian enough, maybe they don’t make enough money, maybe they aren’t good looking enough? Where do you draw the line? When does a person’s character count for something?

I have to end with Marina and Eva. Marina seems very selfish and self centered. This pageant is all about her and how embarrassed she is going to be of Eva. She already acts like the “diva” of the cast, but she has a very long, long way to go to be considered a “diva” in the entertainment field. Having an attitude, jewelry and designer clothes does not make you a diva, it makes you a diva “wanna be” at best. Diva’s have some kind of talent to bring to the table. I saw no talent in this episode, at least not from Marina.

Eva is another story. She is very likable. Her reason for doing the show she says is to show other, older, divorced women that they can still follow their dreams. Their lives aren’t over. Find something you are passionate about and pursue it. That is the message that Eva sent and it was well received by me. I am glad she won her pageant and I am looking forward to seeing more of Eva. The most touching moment of last night was, after the pageant, when Eva said that it broke her heart that her family left. Eva, all I can say to you is, don’t let Marina break your spirit! You keep pursuing your dreams!

Finally, the cast members all consider themselves reality show stars already. But I want to question another “star,” why was the “star of David” not mentioned? By that I mean, we are only getting part of the picture, the Russian part. The reality is that many, if not all, these cast members are Jewish. This is still a reality show, is it not? Did that piece of reality slip someone’s mind? Don’t you think we should know that? Are they trying to send a message that the Jewish element is irrelevant? I’d love an explanation for that. 


What did you think of the show? We'd love to know!

Watch entire episode here: Whole episode

Picture credit: GreatRussianGifts.com



Russian Dolls: Marina, Anna and Eddie Zee in WPIX Interview!

Marina, Anna and Eddie Zee

Marina, Anna and Eddie Zee talk about Lifetime's new show Russian Dolls.  It's a very lively interview where all three try to explain the premise of the show and what viewers can look forward to seeing this season.  They are very excited about the premiere and so are we!  Will you be watching?  We will have a full detailed recap here tomorrow morning, along with our opinion about this new show.  Will we love it or hate it?  That is the question!

Picture and video credit: WPIX

 

Russian Dolls: The Alyona Show Interviews Marina!

Marina Levitis appeared on The Alyona Show to discuss Russian Dolls.  Even though the show was searching for the next Snooki and Situation, and promotes itself as the next Jersey Shore, Marina says it is not like Jersey Shore at all.  She says it is a mix of the family drama in the Khardashians, the partying of Jersey Shore for young people, and it has Housewives drama between women.  So it's unique in that it combines three or four show into one and has something for everyone. 

Marina says she is a unique character...and after watching the video two times I would have to agree!

She tells us what to expect in the show and that it will be from a Russian-American perspective.  She feel all the negative crircisms of the show are misplaced.  People haven't seen it, but they are anticipating a lot negative stereotyping to be depicted on the show.

Watch Marina's interview and don't forget to tune in to Russian Dolls tonight!  Let us know what you think, right here tomorrow!

Picture and video credit: The Alyona Show

Russian Dolls: The Reviews Keep Coming!

 

The Russians are coming…and so are the reviews, and they aren’t good! Michael Idov, a reviewer for nymag.com has offered his opinion on the show. He says while Russian Dolls was promoted as the next Jersey Shore, it’s more like “The Real Housewives of Kings County.”

Idov, who apparently was given the courtesy of a sneak preview of the series premiere, is not very complimentary in his criticism of the show. It’s already common knowledge that Diana dumps Paul, her Hispanic boyfriend, because he is not Russian. We have seen that in the clips of them at the restaurant. Also, much to my surprise, the reviewer says that we are not getting an accurate picture of the population of Brighton Beach, who he says are mostly elderly “Ukrainian Jews.”

He goes on to say that if the are marketing “ethnicity” they missed the mark on that too. What this cast has in common with the other reality shows and what predominates the show is “tackiness”  not Russian culture.  All the entrapments of a lavish lifestyle and a lot of money, not Russian customs or traditions, are at the core of the show.

Not a very promising start, according to reviewers. Read the entire review here: nymag.com


Picture credit: Lifetime

Russian Dolls: NY Daily News Bad Review!

Uh oh, before Lifetime’s Russian Dolls even hit’s the airwaves, NY Daily News writer, Richard Huff, is giving it a bad review. I guess he had a preview to watch, courtesy of Lifetime, but he did the network no favors. First of all, he says Russian Dolls is being promoted as the next Jersey Shore…it’s no Jersey Shore. He says Jersey Shore is at least stupid, while Russian Dolls is “appalling!”

He goes on to say the cast, a mix of ages, is not at all likable and the show seems to be a imitation mix of other popular reality shows like Real Housewives and Mob Wives, but it’s definitely lacking their appeal.

The review goes on to mention some of the storylines of the different stars of the show, which gives us an idea of what we can expect to see throughout the season. But with every example the reviewer provides from the show, he has a criticism to make about it.

He even quotes Marina, who is disgusted with her mother in law’s talent contest and says, “It’s like never-ending torture,” as a way of describing his feelings regarding the premiere episode.

I read the review twice and he did have one positive thing to say about it. The show does focus on how Russian immigrants adapt to life in this country and he singles out a moment shared between Diana and her mother, as an example. I guess he owed Lifetime a little something for allowing him to watch the show and get a jump on all the other reviewers out there?

Read the entire review at: NY Daily News Review

Picture credit: Lifetime

Russian Dolls: Anna Khazanova’s Modeling School

 

Lifetime’s Russian Doll, Anna Khazanova, though just 22 years old, has her own modeling school.   It's called Link Model Management.  Prior to being cast in the new Lifetime series, Anna has been a fashion model for over 9 years. Her school prepares students for a career in modeling. The students are selected based on their potential to succeed in a highly competitive business.

Anna’s credentials are very impressive. She has participated in over 50 runway shows and been involved in NY Couture Fashion Week two years in a row, as well as done print ads in magazines.

Check out more about Anna and her school at http://www.linkmodelmanagement.com/

There is also a short, professional video and many more pictures of Anna on the site!

Picture Credit: Link Model Management

Russian Dolls: Alina Dizik, Co-Creator of Russian Dolls

In today’s Wall Street Journal website there is an article written by Alina Dizik, the co-creator of the show Russian Dolls. Alina came to the United States when she was 7 and describes her imperfect adaptation to our culture. It’s like having a foot in both worlds, one in the past and one in the present. It’s not so easy to let go of the past and who you are.

This is one of the reason she has chosen to do a reality show about Brighton Beach’s Russian population. She was to show how Russian-speaking immigrants really have to transition continuously between two worlds on a daily basis. She says this show is different because it focuses on first generation immigrants and allows viewers to see what goes on inside the community. She describes some of the things that she is no longer willing to let go of and has accepted because they are part of her roots.

Read her article, “Russian Dolls: I Really Can See Russia From My House,” @ blog.wsj.com

Picture Credit: Alina Dizik's Twitter



Russian Dolls: Michael and Marina Levitis Interview!

A new interview and great pictures of Michael and Marina Levitis is up on runyweb.com right now! We will just give you a few of the highlights and provide a link at the end for the entire piece. There is also a video of the interview there for you to watch!

The interview was conducted at their Rasputin Restaurant, where there will be a party Thursday night to launch the show’s premiere episode and season. Marina begins by explaining how they were contacted by Lifetime to do the show. According to her, Lifetime was looking for a show that is mostly about women, mainly in their 30’s-50’s, to fit in with their viewing audience. So Marina feels Russian Dolls will be more of a Real Housewives Of Brighton Beach type show more than a take off of Jersey Shore.

Various cast members will be portraying their own stories and interests within the Russian community and culture. Family members of some of the cast and their relationships, will also be featured on the show. Marina says there is no script, they aren’t actors, it is based on their lives and reality. Michael reveals there is also plenty of drama on the show, that reflects the conflicts in their real lives.

Both Michael and Marina say they like the name chosen for the show, despite the protests of the community and they explain why. They also feel the show will boost revenue for the community by making it much more well known and bringing in tourists.

The interview is quite lengthy, but well worth the read if you are interested in Russian Dolls! Follow the link for the entire piece and video: http://www.runyweb.com

Please save the link to our blog in your favorites as we may not be able to continue posting them on Facebook for you.



Picture Credit: runyweb.com

Russian Dolls: Premiere Party At Rasputin!

With just three days until Russian Dolls premieres on Lifetime, it's about time we all start making plans for watching the debut episode. And what better way to launch this exciting new show than with the Russian Dolls themselves? Michael and Marina Levitis, and the cast will be hosting a party for the premiere at the famous Rasputin Night Club, on Coney Island Avenue in Brighton Beach, and it looks like we're all invited!  They say the whole cast will be there!  In case you cannot see the number it's 718 332-8111!  Is there anyone you'd like to meet?  Check out our blogs on many of the cast members and get a little insider information before the series starts.

So, will you be RSVPing?  I know we will! 

By the way, have you read our blog on Rasputin? It's a very impressive nightclub. Check it out at: Rasputin Nightclub

Picture source: http://yfrog.com/z/ke1puqej

Russian Dolls: Anna Khazanova “The Model”



Anna Khazanova has been given a starring role in Lifetime’s Russian Dolls, but she already had a career as a model. In March of this year she had a photo shoot. Her makeup artist was Sherry Blossom and the photographer was Fiton Gjonbalaj, who both did some great work.

Anna had been concerned about some acne outbreaks and Sherry advised her on various ways she could keep the problem under control. In her blog about the shoot, Sherry explains the reasons behind her makeup color selections. I have to say, Anna look amazing in the photos thanks to Sherry, Fiton and great genes. What do you think?  Is she star material or what?

For more pictures of Anna and the details of Sherry professional makeup advice, check out Sherry’s blog at: Sherry Blossom Beauty


Picture credit: FGP Studios

Russian Dolls: Scenes From Russian Dolls!

Here are some scenes from season one of Russian Dolls!  The cast looks great.

Don't miss the premiere episode this Thursday, August 11th @ 10:30 PM ET

Looks like Jersey Shore has some real competition!

Based on the clips we have seen and the pictures, do you think Russian Dolls has what it takes to become the next Jersey Shore?  We are betting on yes!  Tell us your opinion!  We'd love to know.

 Picture credit: Lifetime's Russian Dolls

Russian Dolls: Sneak Peek #2 Generations



Here we have our second clip of the first episode titled "Generations."  There are beautiful women, expensive fur coats, Eddie and Albert telling us what kind of women are attractive.  Russians are taught to respect their elders and yet, it appears in the clip that some do not.   Tell us what you think of this clip.  Will you be watching this Thursday at 10:30 PM?  We'd like to know!

Video credit: Lifetime

The Cast Of Russian Dolls!

Anna, 22, is an aspiring model and skillful flirt. Anna recently opened her own modeling school. She craves the spotlight but still lives in a tiny apartment with her parents and meddling grandmother.


Diana, 23, has a goal in life: find a man she can marry. Of course, her prince will need to drive a nice car and pay for absolutely everything.


For Anastasia, 26, graduating from college is not in the cards. This Russian darling seems more interested in going to the gym, tanning, applying makeup and making sure her hair extensions stay in place.


A handsome lady-killer, Eddie, 26, is looking to make a name for himself in the world, while juggling the ladies and his busy social calendar.


A wheeler-dealer who values his money and social status in Brighton Beach, Albert, 26, knows exactly what he wants: to make millions of dollars and bring a nice Russian girl home to his mom.


Dripping in furs and diamonds, Marina, 34, is all about status. When she isn’t going head-to-head with her spirited mother-in-law, Eva (age 56), Marina runs the popular local club/restaurant Rasputin with her husband Michael and knows everyone in Brighton Beach.


Sweet, energetic and whimsical, Renata, 47, hosts a popular Russian radio show. She’s always trying to make nice when it comes to her friends and her lovable, yet overbearing, husband Boris.


Sveta, 47, rules her 30-year marriage with an iron fist, while her husband Sasha runs a local jewelry store.



Credit To: Lifetime

Russian Dolls: Michael Levitis Gets Probation

Michael Levitis leaving court.

After some shady dealings in trying to bribe State Senator Carl Kruger and lying to the FBI about it, Rasputin owner, Michael Levitis was sentenced to three years probation and fined $15,000.

Levitis was allegedly acting as a “go between” between business owners and Kruger over some help in an official business inspection. Kruger faces several corruption charges himself in a large bribery scheme that may end his political career and land him in prison. The sentencing of Levitis comes one week before the premiere of Russian Dolls, dubbed Bighton Beach’s Jersey Shore with Russians. Michael and his wife, Marina, and mother, Eva, will be featured on the show.

One of the most criticized scenes has nothing to do with sex and drinking, but with Marina treatment of her mother-in-law, who enters a talent contest for grandmothers. She is quoted as saying “Stupid thing went on forever” and It was never-ending torture.” Eva, who is 56, wins first prize at the talent contest, but her family walks out on her.

Russian Dolls premieres next Thursday, August 11^th at 10:30 PM ET.

Picture Credit: Daily News

Russian Dolls: Lifetime Where Is The Promotion?



I have been looking for Lifetime to promote it’s new show, Russian Dolls, for over a week now. Lifetime isn’t doing much except airing commercials on it’s own network. Their website and Facebook page do not give much information. The cast members aren’t doing much talking to the press or other media. Is this any way to bring attention to a new show? I wonder who is going to tune in if people aren’t even aware that the show premieres next week. Very little has come out. A 30 second promo and very few details about the cast members themselves. Come on Lifetime! Make your show a household name by telling us about it. The majority of people talking about it come from the Russian community of Brighton Beach, and they are not very complimentary about your stereotyping their neighborhood.

I did manage to find Diana Kosvo’s Facebook page and took a picture for you all to see. I think she is quite beautiful and hopefully this self proclaimed Russian princess will find her wealthy prince and have a little fun in the process.

If Lifetime isn’t promoting it, we sure are! Stay tuned for more blogs on Russian Dolls!

Picture credit: NY Post, Diana's Facebook

Russian Dolls: Cast Star Anastasia Kurinnaya Speaks

Anastasia, who moved to the United States from the Ukraine when she was 3 years old, is being promoted by Russian Dolls as the one who loves going to the gym, tanning, applying her makeup and making sure her hair extensions are just right. Recently she was asked a few questions about the show.

Anastasia was working in a medical office when she saw the newspaper ad about the new show. She saw it as an opportunity to become successful in the entertainment field and applied. She sees it as something fun.  She reveals there will be a lot of drama on the series. We already knew that, the sneak peek we got from Lifetime is loaded with action.

We wish Anastasia the best of luck with the show and her new career!

Picture Credit: Anastasia's Facebook Here

Russian Dolls: Interview with Michael and Marina Levitis



In an interview with russianny.com, the owners of the Rasputin nightclub try to reassure the Russian community that Russian Dolls is not going to be another Jersey Shore.

They say they were approached about 18 months ago about the show and that they agreed to do it with the understanding that they would represent a positive influence in the community where people in the entertainment industry go to eat and socialize. The difference between the two shows is that Russian Doll will represent three generations, from the young to the more mature at various stages of their lives. They feel it’s a good opportunity to spread knowledge and understanding of the Russian culture in New York. They hope that the show will bring attention to Brighton Beach and increase the revenue of local business by bringing tourists there.

For the entire interview visit: russianny.com

Russian Dolls: Eva Levitis, The Fortune Teller

One of the minor cast members in Lifetime’s Russian Dolls is Eva Levitis, mother of Michael Levitis. Aside from being related to Michael and Marina, Eva is also a professed, second generation “fortune teller.” In Eva’s website is the story of how her mother, Faina, became a medium.

Faina worked on a ship and one day, during one of the stops, she started speaking to a woman who was selling tickets. The woman suddenly asks Faina if she ever had any kind of premonitions. Surprised by the question, because it was true, she starts talking with the woman who confides in her that she is a medium and feels Faina could be one too. Faina went to see the woman each time her ship stopped at that village, so the woman could teach her what she knew. But, the woman quickly saw that Eva’s mother had great accuracy in telling the future from cards. Faina went back to Moscow and started doing readings for people in secret, because it was forbidden at the time. And, when Eva was old enough, Faina taught her daughter everything she knew. Eva still uses her mother’s cards to tell the future.

Check out her website: www.evafortune.com for more details or to make an appointment to have a reading.



Picture Credit: www.evafortune.com