By Lindsay Hand“Real Housewives,” it isn’t.
In contrast to the “cat fighting” that Bravo has been broadcasting in recent years, this new pilot illustrates family-oriented, committed, hard-working women- the Working Wives of Westchester. And featured on the show is one of Chappaqua’s own: Alyssa Dweck, MD.
Dr. Dweck, a local obstetrician/ gynecologist, parent, and first-time author also with a Master’s degree in nutrition, was a natural fit. After reading in the Wall Street Journal about a casting call for a show that would project women in a better light, Dweck and seven other women were chosen from a group of 95.
A Great Adventure
After three months of filming in their homes and at work, charity events and elsewhere, the eight women had their lives completely changed. Dweck “met some great ladies working on the show,” and she “feels a camaraderie with the other women.”
The cameras were at Dweck’s house three separate times, but work presented a challenge. “The nature of my work as a physician is very private so the cameras were not able to film any of my patients, but they still were able to film me in a way showing my profession,” recalled Dweck. As a result, much time was spent focusing on Dweck preparing her new book, V is for Vagina, due out Valentine’s Day. Contrary to beliefs about reality shows, “Working Wives” is completely unscripted, according to Dweck. There is no acting involved; the show simply depicts the eight women in their day-to-day lives. The only planned activities are community events and charity work that the women participated in as a group. For example, the women supported an organization called Bottomless Closet, which helps disadvantaged New York City women prepare to re-enter the work force.
No Claws Here
Viewers are familiar with the bickering and drama on the “Real Housewives” series, but “Working Wives” is different–not “typical” reality TV. “This show is more of a glamorous docu-drama that features successful working women who are trying to juggle the demands of family and work and other endeavors, so there was no real ‘cat fighting’ involved,” said Dweck.
“The group was very supportive of each other.” The women interacted well, Dweck added, as all have a lot in common. Dweck appreciates how hard her co-stars work, with a “newfound respect for women who have started their own businesses, and for women in television.” Most importantly, Dweck sees a chance to represent the power of women. “I feel like I have the ability to empower other women and be a role model for young women to pursue their dreams and goals and feel like they can ‘do it all’.”
Family In The Spotlight
The show has already affected Dweck’s life in many ways, and the exposure will introduce her first book to a large audience. As for the “reality spotlight” that will no doubt be cast upon her family, she thinks that they will all deal with it just fine.
Her family is “very excited and supportive” and was rooting from the beginning for her to be chosen to be on the show. Her husband, Evan Krakovitz, MD, a colon and rectal surgeon, and her two sons, Zane, a college freshman, and Jace, a Greeley sophomore, are looking forward to seeing their mom on television. As of now, however, Dweck is the only member of the Dweck/Krakovitz family to be on camera–except for Marge, the family’s English bulldog.
There is no definitive date set for the show’s premiere, but various media outlets are interested. The pilot is finished, and many episodes are planned. Dweck and the seven other women on the show will undoubtedly provide a new kind of reality TV, showing what real, hard-working women can accomplish. So forget the Real Housewives, the Kardashians, and other reality “stars”–it’s time for the Working Wives to shine.
Lindsay Hand, a sophomore at Horace Greeley High School, has written numerous articles and served as September’s “Guest Editor” for Inside Chappaqua.
