Tony-nominated actor Dorian Harewood (“The Notebook”) chatted about his forthcoming show at 54 Below in New York on Tuesday, February 25th.
“My upcoming show at 54 below on February 25 is called ‘Songs from the Brill Building’,” he said.
“It’s a tribute to the many legendary artists, songwriters, composers, lyricists, publishers, producers and promoters that began their careers working in the Brill Building during the late ’50s and throughout the ’60s,” he elaborated.
At this show, his special guests will include Sharon Catherine Brown (“Dreamgirls”) and Julia Roome (“The Voice”).
Benefitting the California wildfires relief effort
This one-night only concert will benefit the families of the Altadena community in California, which were devastated by the recent California wildfires in conjunction with CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort).
“My daughter lost her home in Altadena as a result of the tragic LA wildfires last month,” he said. “I immediately made the decision to have any and all proceeds that may come out of my upcoming 54 Below club date go directly to aiding and assisting the victims of those fires.”
“To that end, we are working with CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) to coordinate distribution of those potential proceeds,” he noted.
“When I saw the widespread devastation in Altadena, where my family lost their homes and their most treasured life-time possessions, I wanted to offer my help and support to the community,” Harewood said.
Harewood remarked, “I’ve decided to partner with CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) who works to help the most vulnerable families rebuild with comprehensive disaster case management support, cash assistance, debris removal, and so much more.”
“All of my proceeds from the concert will be donated in support of the humanitarian organization’s response to helping families during this most challenging time,” Harewood added.
“We will be performing some of the hit songs that were written and recorded at that time, from Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Burt Bacharach, Hal David, Dionne Warwick, The Drifters, The Shirelles, and many more,” he said..
“People can expect an upbeat, happy, fun-filled show,” Harewood exclaimed.
Harewood recalls his time in ‘The Notebook’ on Broadway
“I look back on my time with the cast and company of ‘The Notebook’ with extreme fondness and unending gratitude,” he admitted.
“I will never forget the thrill of working with such immense talent, on stage and off, and the family-like atmosphere amongst the company,” he added.
Harewood on working with Charlie Webb in ‘The Notebook’
Harewood opened up about working with actor and musician Charlie Webb in “The Notebook.”
“It was truly a joy working with Charlie Webb on ‘The Notebook’,” he said. “What a talent! And so down to earth. He has a very bright future in this business, and I wish him nothing but the best.”
Advice for young and emerging actors
For young and aspiring actors, he said, “My advice for young and emerging actors is pretty simple: Follow your passion. Be as realistic as you can about your abilities. Always try to get better at what you do.”
“Make sure you find a way to feed yourself and your family while you’re pursuing your passion. Also, have fun,” he exclaimed.
Future plans
Regarding his future plans, he shared, “My plans for the future include, hopefully, quality time with my family. That is even more important now, in light of the tragic LA wildfires that we have endured.”
“We continue to try and find our way back to normalcy, leaning on each other for love and support, putting one foot ahead of the other, as we head into a new reality,” he added.
Closing thoughts on his 54 Below show
For fans and viewers, he remarked, “The one thing I would people to get out of my show is: a good time!”
To learn more about his 54 Below show in New York, click here.
For more information on Dorian Harewood, check out his official website, and follow him on Instagram.
