“Inspirational and beautiful!” “Dazzling!” “One of the most spectacular events of the year!” These were just some of the glowing responses for the musical extravaganza held to commemorate the 19th Anniversary of Supreme Master Ching Hai Day, honoring the spirit of peace, charity, and love. On October 27, Golden Year 9 (2012), the world premiere of the musical, Loving the Silent Tears, was a joyful, star-studded event held in Los Angeles,
California, USA, at the prestigious Shrine Auditorium, which not only hosted the Academy Awards ceremony for years, but is also one of the largest stages of its kind in North America. The celebration began with an exciting red carpet filled with members of television, radio and print media, cheering fans, and international Association members greeting guests in traditional costumes reminiscent of the glorious cultures they represented. On the red carpet, guest 3-time Tony nominee Brenda Vaccaro said, “I’m just amazed that there are 16 countries all contributing to this musically. This brings together so much talent, and to see six continents involved, I think it’s amazing, it’s sort of a miracle.” The spacious expo hall adjoining the venue was transformed into an art gallery featuring Supreme Master Ching Hai’s creative works. Attendees admired the beautiful artistic displays as they could better understand the rich source of inspiration for the show they were about to enjoy.
The grand Shrine Auditorium, which had held a 1998 benefit concert titled “One World… of peace through music” with guest of honor Supreme Master Ching Hai, was once again filled to capacity at the 6,300-seat venue. It was exciting to discover that some people had flown from across the country and from other nations to attend. People from around the world also tuned in live on SupremeMasterTV.com, making the event truly global in nature. An Uplifting Opening Beginning the program was a special act by two aerialists from Dream World Cirque. The audience expressed their awe as the acrobats, dressed as angels in white, soared above the stage together to a soulful instrumental version of “I Will Forever Love You,” a song by Supreme Master Ching Hai and orchestrated by Emmy winner Doug Katsaros, who was also the show’s music director and conductor of the 21-piece live orchestra.
Hosts of the evening were enthusiastic vegetarian/vegan celebrities: TV personality, actress and former Miss USA Susie Castillo, award-winning actor Corey Feldman (The Goonies, Stand By Me), actress Kelly Packard (Baywatch), and 2-time Emmy-winning actor Kristoff St. John (The Young and the Restless). Mr. Feldman said, “It’s amazing, all these beautiful countries and continents represented here today. It’s a true representation of world peace and all beings being together as one.”
Next, the evening’s guest speaker, vegetarian Academy Award-winning actor George Chakiris (West Side Story) spoke more in depth about the significance of Supreme Master Ching Hai Day. He said, “Supreme Master Ching Hai’s message is that all beings, human or animal, have the right to live in peace and dignity on this beautiful planet; and that each person can do his or her part to save lives, better our planet, and be heroes. And my personal way to be a hero and save these important lives is to be a vegetarian.” Supreme Master Ching Hai’s Video Greeting
Supreme Master Ching Hai then shared wonderful news about our Earth as She concluded Her greeting: “And as a token of love, I share with you good news. Maybe just to help pacify all worrying hearts, all hearts that concern about the survival and wellness of all in this world. And that good news is our planet will still be blessed to exist for 10,000 years more to come, and continue depending on our goodness in the future. And for that praised be God. Thanks to all co-inhabitants’ loving prayers and contributions in different aspects. For my humble self, my humble self also continues the best to support our common united endeavor to save this planet for this generation and countless next. Enjoy the show, thank you all again! May God bless the universe and protect our world. Love you!” Loving the Silent Tears: The Musical Two-time Academy Award-winning composer Al Kasha had the original idea to create a unique musical based on the poem anthology by Supreme Master Ching Hai titled Silent Tears, which reflects a Truth seeker’s inner spiritual journey, the joy along with the tribulations, in search of everlasting fulfillment. Mr. Kasha said, “The Supreme Master has written poetry that touches my heart. All these composers who are the best in the world, who have won Grammys and Tonys, worked on this piece because they saw the spiritual nature of it. It’s not the typical musical.” He explained that the poems’ themes are “peace, love, joy, patience, kindness, and faithfulness.”
This show Loving the Silent Tears was the next phenomenal production after the previous year’s successful sold-out musical, The Real Love, based on Supreme Master Ching Hai’s true life story of love and courageous sacrifice. Loving the Silent Tears was directed by Tony Award nominee Vincent Paterson, the acclaimed director/choreographer of Michael Jackson’s and Madonna’s world concert tours. He stated, “Theatre is a magical place…. I try to put something in there that the people have to think about and that somehow touches them deeply in some way.”
The choreographer was Emmy winner Bonnie Story, who is known for creating the elaborate dance scenes in the hit movies, High School Musical 1, 2, and 3. The scenic designs were by Emmy-winning John Iacovelli (Peter Pan) and the costumes were by award-winning Sharell Martin (Chicago). The star cast included an impressive array of vocal talent from pop music to Broadway’s stages to the world music scene, such as 2-time Grammy Award-winning music icon Jon Secada, Grammy winner R&B/pop star Jody Watley, and Broadway stars: Tony winners Debbie Gravitte and Kiril Kulish, Tony nominee Patti Cohenour, and Emmy winner and Tony nominee Liz Callaway. The stars also included Grammy-winning reggae legends Black Uhuru, Arab singer Camellia Abou-Odah, French singer Flo Ankah, actor Junior Case, award-winning actor Luke Eberl, Aulacese (Vietnamese) pop star Hồ Quỳnh Hương, Italian tenor Mark Janicello, Korean pop star Brian Joo, award-winning Israeli singer Liel Kolet, Irish soprano Katie McMahon, Korean singer Heather Park, award-winning Brazilian singer Fabiana Passoni, Persian superstar Siavash Shams, and Chinese platinum pop star Kay Tse.
Supreme Master Ching Hai’s poems were set to songs by distinguished Broadway and Hollywood composers: 6-time Grammy winner and 2-time Oscar nominee Jorge Calandrelli (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Emmy winner Doug Katsaros (Footloose), 2-time Grammy winner and Oscar nominee Henry Krieger (Dreamgirls), Tony and Emmy winner Don Pippin (La Cage aux Folles), Grammy winner Nan Schwartz (Harry Potter), and Oscar and 2-time Grammy winner David Shire (Saturday Night Fever). “Supreme Master Ching Hai’s poetry is beautiful, very inspiring!” shared Mr. Calandrelli. “When I wrote the music, I mainly responded to what the lyrics were. And the lyrics are all about enlightenment, love, all positive things. That message is what we nowadays all need – spiritual, profound thoughts and emotions.” Loving the Silent Tears told the story of two troubled individuals: Joy, an older woman who has lost her faith in God as she still grieves the long-ago loss of her son, and Pete, a young man who is pushed by his father to find material success in the world. They find themselves going on magical train ride around the world, led by a jovial and wise train conductor. They stop at 16 countries, where they are helped along in their inner journeys by a representative singer from each country or region: France, Jamaica, Korea, Brazil, USA, Australia, China, Russia, Cuba, Italy, Ireland, Iran, Israel, Arab region, Africa, and Âu Lạc (Vietnam).
One particularly beautiful song was “Talking to a Stone Buddha,” which was composed by Supreme Master Ching Hai Herself, and performed by Hong Kong superstar Kay Tse, who sang in both English and Mandarin. The Cuban-style song titled “All Love, All Forgive,” featuring Supreme Master Ching Hai’s poems from Silent Tears and “Words from a Child” (The Dogs in My Life and The Birds in My Life), was set to music and performed by the legendary singer Jon Secada. He said of the song, “I love the fact that it’s a simple message but with a lot of depth: love, forgiveness, understanding, and caring. Those messages we need today more than ever.” In addition, the rich cultures were portrayed, not only through the songs partially sung in the native languages, but also by the vibrant costumes and especially the exquisite dances by 48 ensemble members, including many selected from the best across the US. The train ride brings Pete life experiences, including temptations of wealth and attraction, and thus he becomes arrogant and money-hungry. When the three main characters are suddenly bumped off the train, the journey somehow continues. Pete loses everything he prized and eventually learns to be humble. Joy, meanwhile, makes profound realizations about herself, releases her bitterness, and with the help of the train conductor embraces initiation into a spiritual path of enlightenment.
The deeper message of peace and love conveyed through such a high caliber of international talent was truly a first in musical theatre history. As platinum artist and cast member Jody Watley said, “The musical’s message is faith, compassion, gratitude, finding your way out of despair, and finding your inner peace and joy. Ultimately, it’s about lifting yourself out of the darkness into the light.” For the musical’s finale, all the cast members converged to sing “Loving the Silent Tears.”
The musical received a standing ovation, with the audience cheering for an encore bow. Feeling the search for inner peace resounding in their own hearts, many of the audience members were moved to tears. The Charity Presentation As the second part of the charity event began, a brief video introduced the humanitarian works of Supreme Master Ching Hai that have reached people and animals in need throughout the globe.
An Association representative thanked Senator Price for his earlier commendation of Supreme Master Ching Hai. She said that while Supreme Master Ching Hai has been recognized in many countries, the United States has given Her the most and highest honors. Thus, the representative said, “Supreme Master Ching Hai truly loves America and is always thinking of how She could be of any further help to the United States and Her beautiful people.” Next, Supreme Master Ching Hai honored three charities with gifts totaling US$300,000.
An Association representative read aloud Her message sending “a hero salute and heartfelt gratitude to these organizations and others whose love and courage help make this world a more loving place. I also thank all the artists for your contribution and feel privileged to present this gift on your behalf, and to honor these organizations with a token of gratitude with this financial contribution and wish them the best in furthering their noble work.”
Checks of US$100,000 each were presented by the Association chairman and government officials, California Assembly Member Katcho Achadjian, California State Assembly Member Jose Solorio, and Lebanese Consul General Johnny Ibrahim, to representatives of Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS, Animal Defenders International, and Worldwide Veterinary Service. Broadway Cares Executive Director Tom Viola stated, “I’d like to thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for this extraordinary, gracious, and generous gift. I also honor her for her spiritual principles, so beautifully [put] on the stage, but also in our communities. In her poem, ‘Singing Praise,’ she writes, ‘The Master is more than just kind.’ With this very generous gift, she puts those words into action. Thank you so much.” Vice President Tim Phillips of Animal Defenders International said, “This money will go so far to helping these animals, helping us rescue more animals, and most important of all, raising awareness about the treatment of animals around the world.” The Grand Finale In a high-spirited finale, the full cast returned to the stage and performed “Take Each Other’s Hand,” with music by Al Kasha and lyrics based on Supreme Master Ching Hai’s poetry. As the cast held one another’s hands, the audience also rose to their feet, all waving star-shaped glowing wands to the elevating music. After the show, a magnificent VIP vegan banquet was enjoyed, as catered by some of the best local vegan restaurants. As the newspaper Canyon News wrote after the event, “By the end of the night, many couldn’t help speaking with fellow guests about their favorite scenes or the emotional connection they made with its overall theme. Supreme Master Ching Hai’s contributions to society have influenced people to convey her message through art which then inspired the audience to give back as well. Her work has caused a never ending cycle of humanitarianism that will prove beneficial to this world’s future.”
We respectfully thank Master for Her boundless inspiration for this once-in-a-lifetime event, as well as Her generous love and guiding light, always. We pray that She will continue Her incredible mission for the life and prosperity of our planet and all beings in the universe. Our gratitude to all the brilliant artists for manifesting the special musical, Loving the Silent Tears, and we wish them all the best of success and happiness as they continue to bring joy and nobility to the world.
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Master Ching Hai’s contributions
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Before
the musical started, The Honorable Curren Price, Jr., State Senator
of California, delivered commendatory remarks about Supreme Master
Ching Hai Day, which had been proclaimed in 1993 by The Honorable
Frank F. Fasi, Mayor of Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, to recognize Supreme
Master Ching Hai’s international humanitarian works and peace
advocacy. During his speech, Senator Price stated that the event was
“an apt and a very important tribute to a woman who has demonstrated
her commitment to humanity, to the arts, and to our society.”
Then,
the audience watched a video greeting from Supreme Master Ching Hai,
who was unable to attend due to Her intensive meditation retreat.
The following is an excerpt: “It is good that we still can celebrate
in whichever way to beautify life on Earth as given by God. It is
good that we still love, still enjoy, still share our goodness to
all that coexist in this world and the next. It is good that we still
believe in everything that is noble and positive, and Heavenly power
will definitely prevail. To all involved in this musical event, blessed
be your dedication to make this world a more enjoyable place, cheering
up the masses and giving thanks to Heaven and Earth in this way.”
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