“The Odessa Gentleman” Ian Levinzon - about touring the USA and life in Israel

Photo: Jan Levinzon Press Service

In November, several world cities will pass the route of the world premiere tour, created by Odessa KVN-shchiki one-man showMan in front of a mirrorWith Ian Levinzon.

On the eve of this event ForumDaily asked the actor and the “Odessa gentleman” Jan Levinzon about the preparation of this view, his life in Israel, and of course, about humor as a way of life.

Let's start with fun. What anecdote has really made you laugh lately?

Of course, Odessa. The young man received two ties from his mother-in-law (a typical Odessa mother-in-law) as a gift. Going to the next celebration in her house, he put on one of his neckties. She opens the door for him and right on the threshold says with great offense: “Aha, then you don’t like the second tie !!!”.

You have been living in Israel since 1991. They left when they were famous in their homeland: you were the champion of the Highest League of KVN, the “Club of Odessa gentlemen” has already appeared. Why did you decide to change your place of residence?

Well, I already got it all. I wanted something new ...

Many in the wake of Jewish immigration left for the United States. You did not have such a desire?

I love America very much, but I dreamed of moving to Israel precisely on the wave of Jewish emigration. Glad this dream came true.

Do you have favorite places in the USA?

Yes, full auditoriums ...

In Netanya, where do you live now, will they recognize you on the streets?

Seldom. Do you know why? Because there is no time to walk the streets. Have to ride. And then people, especially in Israel, are not looking at you, but at the car, and therefore they manage to slip unnoticed.

You are in demand in Israel - you were the host of the Israeli KVN League, and hosted the “Seven-Forty” program on Israeli television. Was it easy for you to realize yourself in Israel? Were you already welcomed there with open arms or did you have to go through the thorns to the stars again in a new country?

Of course, I had to. Like everyone else who came to a new country. I think that this is very useful for a person - once in a lifetime, start over again ...

Photo: Jan Levinzon Press Service

What are you doing in Israel now?

Now? I am preparing for a trip to America with my premiere play "The Man in Front of a Mirror".

Tell a little, what to expect viewers.

Thanks to the authors of the play on which the performance is based - Evgeny Kaminsky (San Diego) and Vladislav Tsarev (Odessa) - the audience will be truly amused by the memories of the hero's youth, which coincided with the era of red ties and black-and-white televisions. It will be interesting to hear the self-ironic revelations of an adult man, and ones that have never been heard from the stage before... Moreover, everything is within the bounds of decency and in excellent taste. My authors are the dream of any actor!

One of the questions that the main character answers through your mouth during the performance is what to be afraid of at a meeting of classmates. How would you personally answer this question?

Well, as I said, the authors of the play “The Man in Front of the Mirror” wrote and about it so brilliantly that no matter how I began to answer your question, I will still go to the text of the play. Therefore, come - hear and see for yourself.

The path to fame you discovered KVN. And you yourself now look KVN?

Seldom. There is not enough time. Sometimes the best performances on the record. There are very cool guys.

Recently, the press discussed the presence of censorship in KVN. Former KVN-yoshchik Dmitry Kolchin complained about censorship filters and said that it was hard to argue about the jokes about the presidents. Alexander Maslyakov refuted it. How did you censor in 1980-1990's when you played KVN? Should have been a joke to go through some kind of statement? Were there any taboo topics?

Oh, this is a topic for a separate conversation. Now I can only say that in the first season of the revived KVN, when we played, nothing was stated in advance. But then before going on air, bills were made, with which we struggled. They even threatened to boycott participation in the final ...

How often do you visit Odessa?

Now, thanks to the play “A Man in Front of a Mirror” - every two months. Since the premiere in November 2016, we have been playing two performances every time I visit. And so far it’s completely sold out. Pah-pah-pah...

Keep in touch with team members "Odessa gentlemen"?

Of course! First of all, with my authors! We are friends since then. And, of course, with Oleg Filimonov and many others.

You know, there is such a stereotype that creative people drink a lot. It's true? Do you personally use?

Well, you know, after I starred in advertising the company's products LifewayI drink only kefir. At least before going on stage ...

Are you at home with your family too?

I rather smile with them. And I am very happy when there is an opportunity to be with all of mine. Including five grandchildren.

Photo: Jan Levinzon Press Service

And at the end a few questions from the questionnaire of Marcel Proust. What qualities do you value most in a man?

Those that make a man a man. Details - in the play "The man in front of a mirror."

The qualities you value most in woman?

Oh, if it could be put into words !!!

What is your favorite activity?

Find material for performances that I like. The occupation is difficult, but grateful. An example is this performance.

Your main feature?

Caution in answering such questions ...

How do you imagine happiness?

Well, here, for the answer, perhaps, only kefir can not do ... But in general, remember, it seems, Andrei Makarevich said that the happiest time in life is the first hour after the concert. In my case, after the performance. I hope that the viewers who watch it, pleasant memories will last much longer.

The one-man show “The Man in Front of a Mirror” will be shown on the stage of such American cities:

2 November - Seattle;

3 November - San Francisco;

5 November - San Diego;

10 November - Philadelphia;

11 November - New York;

12 November - Бостон.

Read also on ForumDaily:

The International Theater of the Young Spectator carries a New Year's fairy tale to the USA

This is not to be missed: tours of world stars in the US until the end of the year

Concerts of our and world stars, which will be held in New York before the end of autumn

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.